I listened to an interesting webinar about robotics during the novel coronavirus pandemic. The presidents and CEOs of major robotics companies were on a panel. Here are some notes I took:
Raising awareness about how integrated robots are in our supply chains.
- Robotics executives have been calling users to assure them the robotics companies would keep the robots operational.
- Robots have made it easier to retool and repurpose production lines to support new requirements for products to help deal with the pandemic.
- Being able to function in the cloud has allowed robotics companies to deploy robots without having to send people onsite because customer companies are currently not allowing people onsite.
- Perception of robots by the general public may become more favorable because of how robots are helping with retooling production lines in support of pandemic response.
- There is a mix of effects on industries depending on the nature of the business. Food and beverage industries are working hard, so robots could help with production. Essential businesses are doing well, but non-essential businesses are hurting. Also, anything facilitating work at home, medical care, and disinfection is in higher demand.
- Medium-sized companies seem to be more active than larger companies.
- Companies may be bringing operations back to the US.
- Robotics companies are expecting a post-COVID-19 surge because of pent up demand.
- Unlike the Great Recession of 2008, the executives expect a lasting effect from the pandemic on how we see the world and do business.
- There will be renewed interest in business continuity.
- The big question is whether increased demand in certain areas will continue post-COVID-19. Decontamination robots could become a real demand, but it’s not clear if other things will continue in demand.
- A new normal is coming: how we can get better at using the collaboration tools we have and how we can increase efficiency; the impact of greatly increased communications tools and capacity.