Mention the word robot and most people will conjure up images of a mechanical domestic servant that is always at your beck and call or a giant steel overlord that terrorizes humanity. In reality, robots are intelligent helpers that can perform tasks on our behalf in industrial plants, in our cars and sometimes at home. Modern robots can understand human speech so they respond to voice commands.
The companies that manufacture robots invest a lot of time and financial resources into Research and Development (R&D) so as to create effective, safe and efficient robots. We’ve compiled an eye-opening list of the top robotics companies in the world for you.
Top 10 Robotics Companies in the World
There are just a lot of companies out there. Moreover, they make great robots. Every company has its own key products. These key products are the best in their own way. From automation to medical fields, robots are basically everywhere. So let’s move on with the lists.
1. iRobot
In 1990, a group of three engineering students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) got together and shared their enthusiasm about robots and space exploration. Having identified their innate love for these activities, they decided to found a robotics company whose focus was purely on these aspects. The result was iRobot, a robotics company that constructs robots that are used for military defense purposes, exploration in space and consumer usage.
The company is currently traded on the NASDAQ stock market with the ticker IRBT.O. Their award-winning robots have excellent environmental awareness so their consumer models can operate effectively both indoors and outdoors. The Roomba 600 series robot can clean underneath kickboards, furniture and beds using a 3 stage cleaning process. They also have an automated pool cleaning robot known as the Mirra and a mopping robot known as Braava. These robots can be operated using the iRobot HOME Application for smart devices to enable maximum convenience.
iRobot are currently exploring the smart home sector in their efforts to stay at the cutting edge of robotic innovation. The company is expected to create highly effective smart homes by relying on their capability to incorporate high-tech robots into domestic, military and space environments.
2. GreyOrange
GreyOrange focuses on the manufacturing sector because it implements some of the heaviest usage of commercial robots. This company designs and produces advanced robots that exercise a significant degree of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Their Ranger robots are heavily used in the fields of supply chain management and logistics. Notably, GreyOrange robots are also utilized in warehouse automation for maximum fulfillment.
This company encourages clients to transform their warehouses into warehouses by using GreyOrange robots. Their machines can analyze data on a deep level and implement fluid logic so as to complement human decisions in real-time situations. Amazingly, GreyOrange robots are capable of establishing spatial awareness and make multi-thread decisions on the move. By responding to environmental feedback in real-time, the GreyOrange Ranger Robots cooperate with human technicians resulting in high yield warehouse productivity.
GreyOrange has maintained its headquarters in Singapore ever since the founding in 2011. After almost a decade of exponential expansion, the company now extends to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Japan, India and China. For as long as the warehousing, assembly line and supply chain sectors exist, GreyOrange will continue to stamp its presence across the globe.
3. Epson Robots
Epson Robots are the leading company in the field of industrial robotics because their highly capable robots are used for automation in factories for production and supply chain management. Epson Robots are credited with having created the very first PC-based robot controller. Known as the RC520, this controller was the first one to offer the Active X system to control robots on a mass, industrial scale. Epson Robots continue to scale the heights of robotic excellence with their SCARA robots. These are some of the best performing industrial robots today.
4. Intel
The Intel company is popular for producing computer processor chips. Their i3, i5 and i7 processors are commonly used in desktop computers and laptops running the Windows operating system. Few know that this chip manufacturer is also heavily involved in robotics. The company has developed groundbreaking robotic awareness technology that is known as Intel® RealSense™ Depth Camera. This technology can be fitted on robot vacuum cleaners, industrial robots, research rovers and military robots.
A single camera implementing this type of technology enables a robot to have enhanced environmental perception and understanding. With the Intel® RealSense™ Depth Camera, a robot does not have to use multiple sensors so as to make sense of its surroundings. The camera provides 360 degree awareness leading to smoother operation and accurate interaction with objects in the robot’s vicinity.
This robotic technology from Intel is highly preferred by robot manufacturers because it is effective and can be scaled up or down to fit consumer demand. In addition to that, this technology is perfectly compatible with BrainOS, an operating system built specifically for autonomous robots. By providing the Intel® RealSense™ Depth Camera, this company makes a significant contribution in the robotics industry. In some cases, this awareness technology is combined with proprietary processors for smooth continuity.
5.SIMBE ROBOTICS
SIMBE ROBOTICS has ventured into previously uncharted territory by exploring the retail sector. This company seeks to answer some strategic questions that retail store managers grapple with regularly using their robot. Managers may know that a specific product has arrived in the store but is it still in stock? They may also wonder if it is placed on the correct shelf or it is priced correctly. Assigning staff to check these aspects can lead to significant overhead in terms of time and cash resources. SIMBE ROBOTICS solves this problem with Tally, an autonomous, artificial intelligent robot.
Tally’s operation is divided into 5 sections. The first and most crucial is navigation followed by data capturing capability. The next include data processing, information analysis and finally action. By relying on these phases of operation, the Tally robot can manage product shelves, inventory, pricing and customer satisfaction in retail stores.
By utilizing more than 40 different sensors, Tally achieves 360 degree awareness such that it can chart its own path while sensing and avoiding obstacles. The robot has a very light body and moves at the speed of a walking toddler. These characteristics ensure that it still wouldn’t be harmful to anyone in case of an accidental collision. The robot is heavy on the bottom so it is resistant to tipping over. Furthermore, it is made of soft tactile materials so kids and shoppers can touch or hug Tally. With this innovative robot, SIMBE ROBOTICS are revolutionizing management in retail stores.
6. Rethink Robotics
Humans have always cooperated to accomplish large tasks in short periods of time. Rethink Robotics applied this concept in the world of robots and achieved stellar results. They innovated collaborative robots and their first model launched in 2012 was known as Baxter. Before this groundbreaking innovation, robots were controlled by highly skilled technicians. However after Baxter, they can now control each other according to a hierarchical model.
The latest iteration of collaborative robots at Rethink is known as the Sawyer BLACK Edition and it was created a year after the company’s assets division was taken over by the HAHN Group in 2018. The Germans implemented their mastery of engineering to produce a new robot that was smarter, quieter and more durable. This robot utilizes a Cognex Vision System that boosts situational awareness while performing precision tasks. The robot is also versatile so it can be implemented perfectly in industrial or scientific environments.
By introducing the concept of robots cooperating or controlling each other, Rethink Robotics made it possible for manufacturers to operate with minimized staff on the shop floor. Their robots also cooperate with human specialists to get tasks done. As a result, Rethink Robotics redefined operations and investment decisions for manufacturing companies.
7. Alphabet Inc
The very first driverless car in the world was created by Google In 2009 under the brand name Wayamo. This car was constructed by the Alphabet Inc that is also Google’s parent company. A successful test drive in 2017 thrust this parent company into the limelight for their exceptional capability in robotics. Following this success, the Alphabet Inc acquired Schaft, Boston Dynamics and Nest so as to increase their portfolio investment in the field of robotics.
Through their Alphabet Group X division, they are embarking on an ambitious project to create an everyday robot. This will be a machine infused with Artificial Intelligence (AI) such that it can perform daily tasks such as taking out the trash, walking pets, cleaning homes or controlling entertainment systems on behalf of its users in a home environment.
As opposed to traditional autonomous robots that are pre-programmed, the Alphabet Inc everyday robot will learn on its own. In this way, it will express Artificial Intelligence (AI) in its purest form. The project is currently ongoing in the company’s Research & Development division with the vision to create numerous versions of the everyday robot for varied environments. There are talks that the technology will be extended to industrial, medical, geological and space landscapes.
8. DJI
While traditional robots kept their feet on firm ground, modern ones are conquering the skies with flight. DJI is a robotics company that focuses on flying robots. In addition to quadcopters, they also manufacture camera stabilization technologies that help to perfectly position and control the lens motion as well.
DJI is headquartered at Shenzhen, China’s Silicon Valley. Seeing as drones are increasingly being utilized for photography and video capturing, DJI is concentrating all their efforts in empowering flying robots to accomplish high-end professional photography. They also produce unmanned aerial vehicles.
Lately, DJI has ventured into the educational robots sector with the RoboMaster S1. This fantastic robot is inspired by the company’s annual robotics challenge and empowers learners to discover more about programming, math, science and physics. The RoboMaster S1 has 46 components and 6 modules that are fully pogrammable. The robot has intelligent sensing armor and is capable of 4WD omnidirectional movement. Students can interact with this insightful robot from DJI and learn robotics through hands-on experience.
9. Locus Robotics
Upon visiting the Locus Robotics website, you’re greeted by a tagline that reveals they they know a whole lot about robots and even more about warehouses. That said, Locus Robotics specializes in the creation of robots that perform warehouse automation. The company places immense focus on innovation for the automation of warehouses . As a result, Locus Robotics produces collaborative and autonomous robots that operate alongside humans.
A warehouse can improve its picking productivity by between 2x to 3x through implementing Locus robots. Their multi-bot approach can be fully deployed in only 4 weeks. Upon execution, it reduces the overall labor costs while boosting productivity. A fantastic feature of Locus robots is that they can be fitted with customized totes, boxes, containers or boxes for holding your products. Their built-in Artificial Intelligence (AI) enables them to operate alongside warehouse staff efficiently. This sets them apart in this sector of robotics.
10. Vex Robotics
Robotics is a highly versatile discipline because robots can be used in various sectors of activity including education. Vex Robotics creates tools for mentors and educators that are used in problem-solving during educational efforts. Vex Robotics products are especially utilized in STEM (Science Technology Education and Mathematics) type of education. Their tools are often implemented to assist beginners to grasp the fundamental concepts.
By empowering learners to interact with programmable robotic kits, Vex Robotics the creates an environment where the core concepts of STEM education are practiced in full. The company produces robots that are engaging, powerful and affordable at the same time. Their robots are organized into a categor for Elementary and Middle School age kids as well as another for High School and above. Their learning processes are further improved through VEX competitions that include up to 24,000 teams sourced from 61 different countries around the globe. Through such innovations and initiatives, Vex Robotics is heavily invested in the educational sector.
11. IGM
IGM is the one and only manufacturer of Robots from Austria. They specialize robots in arc wielding in mechanical applications. They have more than 3000 wielding robots worldwide. Moreover, they are pretty successful in what they do. Applications of IGM robots are in digging, wheel bearing, bridge manufacturing. Moreover, they are also used in cranes and trucks
IGM was founded in 1983. Since that time, it has improved a lot. IGM has become one of the top robotics companies in the world
Robotics Industrial Trends 2020
Robots have changed the way our industries work in manufacturing products. In the last decade, there has been a lot of development in this regard. Robotics is more like a trend than actual working robots. In addition to that, robots are moving into our houses and industries.
While robots are actively working in automobile and other industries. Therefore, 2020 will be the year where we’ll get to see many big revolutions and trends. Here’s the list of some predictions.
1. Open Source for Robots
2020 has been by far, a great year for the robotics market. Companies have been actively working on a lot of analysis. They have been collecting all sorts of data for autonomous machines and other stuff.
Amazon has launched AWS ROBOTMAKER PLATFORM. Therefore, this would increase a lot of developments by other companies and manufacturers. Open source literally means that making software or system is 50% easier than actually building it by yourself.
This lowers the barrier of problems that most developers have while developing robots. I can proudly say that real innovation is on its way to hit our market.
2. Robots around the Corner
It’s not wrong to say that we’ll get to see a new revolution in our industry. Developers are constantly making out new things, new algorithms, and stuff. This makes it easy to judge that there will be advanced robots in the future. Or maybe this year?
Therefore, with robots getting smart and smart, I think it’s finally time to launch new discoveries in our industries today.
3. Collaborative Robots
The whole concept of Cobots, or should I say robots working alone with humans is being generated. However, it doesn’t mean that we will be suffering from it or something. We won’t lose our jobs. We will just work along with the robots. That’s the type of future I see.
As robots are normalizing, the cost of robots is decreasing too. This means that it’s easier to get our hands on them. Amazon is a fine example of working with Collaborative Robots. But deploying only robots might cause a bit of problem. So a collaborative environment is better in this regard. Therefore, collaborative robots can be in top robotics companies in the world.
4. Delivery Robots
Many online companies suffer from this. Often times, they have to pack a small-sized package and deliver it far away. This makes the delivery man suffer the most. Some of the robots are trained to actually work in the indoor environment. These robots carry out mails and stuff in the office and other companies. Moreover, Nuro, developed by Google will take deliveries in the street and even sell hot foods and stuff. Nuro is already doing its job in Arizona. Therefore, we can expect to see some really awesome technology this year.
Now let’s talk about some of the most expensive robots we see in our robotics industry nowadays.
Most Expensive Robots
So this list will include one of the most expensive advanced Robotics available in the world right now. We all know that robotics is the technology in which robots carry a really complex series of tasks with little no to human operation. Therefore, the truth is that most of the robots are pretty expensive. If you are like a millionaire. You might be able to afford it. Most of the time, robots are created for industrial purposes. On the other hand, there are some robots that are created as a personal everyday robot.
Most people who buy household robots use them as companions. Therefore, robots will help them in their everyday life. There are some robots we use every day. Like, a vacuum cleaner. But the truth is that they are pretty simple. There are several reasons why their robots are so expensive. The main reason is that the company has to cover all the expenses of robots. Moreover, they also need to give money to people who have developed it. So really, it makes sense why these robots are so expensive. So let’s talk about advanced robots made by top robotics companies worldwide.
1. Robo Thespian
The price of Robo Thespian is $93,000. Tell me if it isn’t crazy. Moreover, it’s solely designed to have public interaction with people in our environment. Robo Thespian is the first commercially launched robot that actually acts like humans. Engineered Arts, a British company created his robot.
There are a lot of features it provides. It can sing songs, interact with humans. In addition to that, it can also make eye contact with people. Moreover, it can go even crazier. With complex AI built-in. It can guess your age. Institutes and companies buy this robot to deal with guests. This Robot is also used at events. The price is though. $93,000. Which is quite a lot?
2. Xenex
The price of this robot is $125,000. The main purpose to design Xenex was to disinfect areas from germs. Mostly in hospitals. With the use of Ultra-Violet rays, it completely obliterates germs in a certain area. This will really decrease the possibility of infections. 75% of the deaths occur due to these deadly infections. That’s a fact. So Xenex is pretty much-saving patients from dying. It not only saves lives but also the lawsuits that occur to a company many times a year. The current status is Xenex is that it’s used in over 400 Hospitals right now. Costing 125,000 USD, it really is pretty expensive.
3, ICUB
The price of ICUB is $266,000. This is absolutely mind-blowing. This was developed by the Italian Institute of Technology. The main cause of designing ICUB was to make it interact with humans. Therefore, by interacting it will learn from humans. It is only one meter high in size.
It interacts with people just like children do. The features are mindblowing though. As a child robot, it can crawl just like them. It crawls while avoiding objects. It can solve complex mazes, make different facial expressions, and grab objects that can fit in the hand. Moreover, they can also interact with human beings. Only 30 ICUBs have been made and their price is just a lot.
4. PR2 Robot
It is priced for $280,000. It was introduced by Willow Garage. PR2 was made in 2010. It contains two arms with the Omni directions base. Moreover, it has 48 Gigabytes of ram. PR in PR2 stands for Personal Robot. Therefore, it has a similar body size as a human.
This robot is used to do complex tasks. Such as opening a door and grabbing stuff. In addition to that, it can also fold towels. The price of 280,000 dollars is the sale price.
5. HRP 4
This robot is priced for $300,000. It is supported by Japan’s Ministry of Economy. This is the humanoid robot project. It is 5 feet tall. Moreover, HRP4 is a worker drone. It can do some complex tasks like, gripping, face tracking and even using some tools. HRP4 can even pour drinks. The price is 300,000 USD. However, it is quite a lot.
6. Hubo 2
It is priced for $400,000. It was developed by the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. Moreover, the first Hubo was launched in 2004. It was the first robot that was actually built outside Japan. But the new one is pretty light and fast. There are a bunch of features too. Containing more than 40 motors. Moreover, it has dozens of inbuilt sensors.
Hubo can also walk, even run, or dance. The price is around 400,000 dollars. Many of these robots are mostly used in the industrial sectors.
7. Kuratas
It has an insanely 1.3 Million USD price tag. It’s a semi-autonomous robot. Therefore, it can be operated by the user. Moreover, it’s a rideable robot. Developed by the Japanese Company Suidobashi in 2012. This robot is the future. It shows how robots might actually prove helpful in wars and stuff. It can pick up objects. Moreover, it can also use some accessories. It also has a launcher which firewater. But if we talk about the future, they might be useful in wars. With greater ability in war comes a greater threat to humanity too. Japanese have really improved their technology game I’d say. It cannot walk but it can drive using the four wheels. But what’s crazy is the price. It has a 1.3 Million USD price tag.
8. ATLAS
With the price of $2 Million, it’s a unique product. It was advertised as the world’s most dynamic humanoid robot in the whole world. Originally, it was developed by the awesome Boston Dynamics. ATLAS was introduced in 2013. Moreover, the new version of ATLAS can perform indoors and even outdoors. It can walk over uneven terrain. Moreover, it can even walk on the snow. How cool is that?
With the use of LIDAR sensors, it can analyze all the terrains and stuff. It can grab objects. In addition to that, it can even jump a whole 180 degrees backflip. But the cost is 2 Million Dollars. Which is quite a lot?
9. Valkyrie
This robot is also priced for $2 Million. Valkyrie was developed by NASA. The purpose of designing it was to operate various situations in dangerous environments. It is used to explore other planets. It can even repair international space stations. This robot performs various tasks all by the command of a human being. It can analyze everything with the use of LASER on its heads to assess various situations. Valkyrie has over 200 individual sensors. The most recent models can cost us over 2 Million Dollars.
10. ASIMO
2.5 Million Dollars is a lot. Well, ASIMO costs that much. Therefore, it is the most expensive robot on our list today. Moreover, it’s one of the most expensive robots in the world right now. This robot is created by Honda’s research and development program. It can operate in crowded places such as shopping malls and other highly crowded places. Therefore, it can adapt to the environment in which it’s surrounded.
ASIMO can walk on literally any terrain. It can also dance. Moreover, it can also run too. The speed of ASIMO is 9 Kilometers per hour. It’s one of the rarest robots. One prominent feature of ASIMO is that it can climb and descend stairs too without having to be operated from a human.
But here’s the crazy part. Asimo can actually read humans’ brainwaves. Using those brainwaves it can make various gestures. The price of ASIMO is whopping 2.5 Million USD. Therefore, these are some of the top-level robots we’ve talked about. Now, in the coming years, their prices might change a lot. Depending on the companies situation. But these are some of the most impressive and expensive robots that we talked about. Therefore this was the list of most expensive robotics companies in the world.
Final Words
There’s no denying that robots are intelligent assistants in our journey of life. They come in various sizes, shapes and capabilities. The companies indicated above produce robots that assist in exploration, warehouse management, industrial processes, education, photography, domestic chores and military defense purposes. They are all at the forefront of bringing the benefits of robotics closer to you.
We are going through another revolution of industry. Every company wants to move forward in robotics and become the next robotics company. All the companies want the best for them. Therefore, they are taking measures and doing their best to improve robotics and the applications day by day. Robots are getting smart. It’s 2020 right now and it’s really hard to believe that the time is really close. Time in which robotics companies will take over our industries. The key to making smarter robots is sound research and some quality development. Don’t worry though! Top Techy tips have got you covered. We will bring the latest information and show it to you guys.
