Robots make the world more sustainable
Industry has found ways to use automated systems that have enabled businesses to improve their processes and become more efficient and profitable. In addition to these benefits, it is clear that robotics help improve sustainability efforts. Today, robots are helping to combat climate change, improve recycling and increase the sustainability of production. Robotics and automated systems are revolutionising the ever modernising world and changing industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, food production and agriculture, among others. They have also proven to play a significant role in achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As such, robotics will have an influence on how these goals are met, for example by supporting manual tasks, improving remote access, improving monitoring and promoting innovation.
In a recent report published by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), it shows that the use of robots plays an important role in achieving 13 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations, helping to protect the planet.
“The use of robots responds to the UN’s call for action,” says Milton Guerry, President of the International Federation of Robotics (IFR),“The IFR supports the United Nations´ sustainable development goals. There are fantastic new ways in which robots save resources and produce green technologies of the future.”
“The transformation on the way to a sustainable use of resources is proving robotics and automation to be key technologies” says Dr Susanne Bieller, Secretary General of the International Federation of Robotics.
“Intelligent automation reduces production costs: This helps battery technology achieve a breakthrough in e-mobility for example or fuel cells production for hydrogen-power as an alternative to fossil energy. At the same time, highly efficient production technology reduces CO2-emissions.”
Green robots
The uptake of sustainability initiatives is growing year by year, and robotics is an important part of these processes. Fighting against a modern global crisis such as climate change requires an equally modern solution. Because of the extreme nature of the problem we face, to achieve significant improvement, our efforts must go beyond what is “humanly” possible.
Progress has been made through the implementation of robotics and automated systems in sustainability strategies, known as ‘green robots’.
Here are some of the diverse applications where robots can be successfully used in our sustainability efforts.
Elimination of chemical agents (Smart Agriculture – UN SDG 2)
In agriculture, new field robots eliminate the use of chemicals. These agricultural robots move across crop rows. Equipped with cameras and artificial intelligence software, they are able to locate weeds and selectively burn them with a laser shot. Not only does the new technology completely eliminate the use of herbicides, but organic farmers now have an alternative to a related process called “ignition” in which they used propane torches to kill weeds.
Sustainable production
Green production and manufacturing are vital to business success. With climate change and all its countermeasures at the centre of attention, today’s consumers are paying close attention to how products are made, their impact during and after production, and how they can be recycled or reused. To address these needs and concerns, manufacturers of all kinds are turning to robotics to ensure their business is at the forefront when it comes to sustainable practices.
Reducing carbon footprint
Integrating robots into production lines has a positive impact as they reduce the carbon footprint of manufacturers. Many factories and production facilities actively release carbon into the atmosphere, which exacerbates climate change.
Many are therefore turning to robots to reduce their carbon footprint.
Speeding up recycling processes
Robots and automated systems take over repetitive tasks and speed them up. Robots can be used to sort recyclables. Recycling materials can be done quickly and efficiently and does not require all the safety equipment and training that manual work generally requires.
“Prepare to Repair” – Industrial Innovation (UN SDG 9)
“Prepare-to-repair” is a successful strategy for robot manufacturers and their customers to reduce costs and save resources. Consider that a robot has an average lifespan of up to thirty years. Using fewer parts in the construction of robots, which translates into a lower risk of future failures, is the first step in this approach.
Since every hour of machine downtime is a waste of customer money, it is often more resource-efficient to transport spare parts and repair the machine on-site than to manufacture and ship new machines. Manufacturer Yaskawa operates dedicated repair centres where thousands of industrial robots are reconditioned and upgraded for a second life.
Improving sustainable production
Robots are now being used in a variety of manufacturing processes to improve efficiency with fewer resources. Robots also reduce the possibility of errors, which means less waste. When less waste is produced, robots can find and separate small parts more efficiently.
Today, sustainability is on everyone’s mind and conscience, and the sum of the parts – i.e. each dedicated initiative – has a positive impact on the whole. Adding robots to these efforts amplifies the results of everyday actions, and plays a major role in research projects.
When it comes to working together for a common goal, humans and robots have proven to be partners, protecting the planet.
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