Robotics has found its way into many different areas of manufacturing. Robots perform tasks like welding, assembly, shipping, handling raw materials, and product packing. Manufacturers are increasingly leveraging robotic automation for a wider variety of applications.

While robotics has been used for decades in various industries, many sectors have recently seen the enhanced benefits of robotic applications. The rule of thumb for industrial tasks best suited for robots is the “Three D’s” rule: Any task that is Dirty, Dull, or Dangerous. Typical robotic applications involve simple, repetitive tasks that require dedicated resources to perform.

With recent advancements in machine vision, artificial intelligence, collaborative robotics, and other technologies, robots are more capable than ever of performing complex tasks that typically require human-like recognition, judgment, and dexterity.