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Global Service Robot Sales Surge by 30%, Asia-Pacific Leads Market Growth
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor
In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!
- Global sales of professional service robots rose 30%.
- Asia-Pacific led sales, accounting for nearly 80% with 162,284 units sold.
- Transportation and logistics robots made up over half of 2023’s sales.
Global sales of professional service robots surged by 30%, with over 205,000 units sold, according to a new report published today by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR).
The majority of these sales came from the Asia-Pacific region, which accounted for nearly 80%, or 162,284 units. Europe followed with 33,918 units sold, and the Americas recorded 8,927 units.
Marina Bill, President of IFR, emphasized the growing impact of service robots across industries, saying, “The service robotics industry is on the move: more and more robots are serving on factory floors, in shopping centers or helping with deliveries on the street.”
Transportation and logistics robots led the market in 2023, making up more than half of the total sales. The sector saw a 35% increase, with nearly 113,000 units sold. Notably, in July, Vayu Robotics introduced the world’s first on-road delivery robot , showcasing the sector’s innovative advancements.
As industries like trucking face labor shortages, robots have become essential for automating tasks such as loading and unloading. These robotic solutions are designed to be user-friendly, even for non-technical staff, easing their adoption in industries facing staffing challenges, as noted on the report.
In a similar vein, IKEA announced in July that it is enhancing its warehouse operations with an upgraded AI-powered drone system, set for 24/7 operation . This advanced system aims to streamline inventory management by automating stock checks, thereby reducing ergonomic strain on employees and allowing them to focus on less demanding tasks.
The hospitality industry also experienced significant growth in robot adoption, with over 54,000 units sold in 2023—a 31% increase. Robots in this sector are often used for mobile guidance, information, and telepresence, serving customers in public spaces such as restaurants and hotels, said the report.
They are also being deployed for tasks like food and beverage preparation, enhancing customer service. A notable example is the introduction of Robotic Waiters in Nairobi , attracting locals and tourists alike who are eager to experience this innovative dining concept.
In agriculture, robots are becoming vital as the industry faces demographic changes and labor shortages. Nearly 20,000 agricultural robots were sold in 2023, reflecting a 21% growth. These robots play a key role in precision farming, which aims to increase sustainability and efficiency in food production.
Professional cleaning robots saw a 4% increase in sales, with around 12,000 units sold. While slower compared to other sectors, cleaning robots remain important, particularly for tasks like floor cleaning, which account for about 70% of this segment’s sales.
The report also highlighted growth in medical robots, with sales rising by 36% to approximately 6,100 units. Rehabilitation and non-invasive therapy robots saw the biggest increase, up 128%, while demand for surgery robots grew by 14%, and sales of diagnostic robots increased by 25%.
For instance, NHS Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester announced in September that it will implement the Ion Endoluminal System, a new robotic tool designed to enhance early lung cancer detection and significantly reduce the time required for diagnosis and treatment.
The World Robotics 2024 report also looked at the top countries for service and medical robot manufacturers. The United States leads the way with 199 manufacturers, followed by China with 107 and Germany with 83.
The report underscores the global expansion of the service robotics sector, as automation becomes increasingly essential in industries facing labor shortages and operational challenges.
Photo by Viktor Bystrov on Unsplash
Uber To Launch OpenAI-powered AI Assistant For Drivers
- Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
- Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor
In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!
- Uber will launch a new AI assistant powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4o
- The chatbot will inform and advise drivers who want to transition to electric vehicles
- A new mentorship program will connect experienced EV drivers with curious drivers who want to switch to EVs
Uber announced this Tuesday it will launch a new AI assistant in alliance with OpenAI during Uber’s Go-Get Zero event in London. The new chatbot, powered by GPT-4o, will help drivers answer questions about electric vehicles (EVs) and assist with the transition as part of the company’s goal to become a zero-emission platform by 2040.
“Going electric is a big decision, and drivers have lots of questions,” states the document shared by the company. “That’s why we’re announcing an AI Assistant in the driver app – powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4o– to help drivers get answers to every EV question under the sun.”
The new AI assistant will provide relevant and personalized information as well as guidance considering the driver’s city and the incentive options available for them.
“Uber drivers are adopting EVs five times faster than the average motorist in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. In London, nearly 30% of all miles driven on Uber are now electric,” said Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber CEO, in the announcement.
Uber will also allow drivers to connect with experienced EV drivers, to act as mentors for those interested in switching though a new program. “We’re launching an EV mentorship program to connect experienced EV drivers with drivers who are EV-curious, allowing them to share their experiences and answer their questions,” added Khosrowshahi.
During the conference, the company acknowledged the challenges the industry and the drivers face when it comes to switching to EVs and wants to become a “catalyst” in the sector.
Uber has also been partnering with other companies like Waymo to launch robotaxis in Atlanta and Austin, and Wayve to accelerate the development of self-driving taxis .
