Season 1 Ep. 7 Marc Segura on the millions of robots already changing industries around the world

Summary

In Season 1, Episode 7 of the podcast, Marc Segura, Group Senior Vice President Managing Director of Consumer Segments and Service Robotics at ABB, shares his insights on the growing impact of robots in various industries around the world. With over 20 years of experience, Segura's knowledge has grown alongside ABB, a multinational technology and engineering company that has pioneered advancements through multiple sectors.

ABB has supplied more than half a million robots globally, with their applications spanning across automotive, electronics, logistics, food and beverage industries. Examples of ABB robots include Yumi, a dual-arm robot designed for small tasks, and the 8700, a four-meter tall titan capable of carrying heavy loads. Segura shares experiences of installing these robots in car factories across Spain, Mexico, and Australia.

The podcast also focuses on the role of robotics in the context of the digital revolution, especially in relation to logistics. As the value chain of manufacturing, distribution, and retailing evolves due to the rise of e-commerce and digital transformations, companies need to adapt and take risks to remain competitive. In a warehouse setting, robots assist with various tasks such as depalletizing, storing, order retrieval, item picking, and order sortation, often involving AI for increased efficiency and accuracy.

The impact of AI-driven robots in industries such as restaurants and healthcare is discussed. A Beijing restaurant utilizes robots for logistics tasks, while robots in healthcare automate laboratory processes to improve efficiency and reduce staffing strains. The speaker envisions that hospitals can optimize processes with robotic assistance throughout the entire value chain, turning them into fulfillment centers that better cater to patient needs.

Robots are making strides in other industries as well, including agriculture and recycling. In healthcare, they can help automate material flow, deliver medications and meals, and provide rehabilitation and surgical assistance. As AI and visual perception technologies develop, robots can enter more unstructured environments and solve increasingly complex challenges.

The podcast examines the history of robotics and how modern robots driven by microprocessors emerged in the 1970s, focusing on material handling, machine tending, and spot welding. Looking ahead, service robots such as mobile manipulators may be found assisting in museums, construction sites, and surveillance, while the role of robotics in space missions continues to be of great importance.