Orders for robots increased by 26% during the first half of this year, the highest growth ever recorded, and coincides with rising demand to use the machines in the home, according to the latest World Robotics Survey.
A joint project between the UN Economic Commission for Europe and the International Robotics Federation, the survey shows a recovery in orders for industrial robots in North America, Europe and Asia. There are now about 770 000 robots being used in industrial applications, with this expected to grow to about 875 000 in 2005, with the highest number of 330 000 in Japan, followed by 303 000 in Europe and 135 000 in North America.
Home use of robots, especially for vacuum cleaning and mowing the lawn, is expected to increase tenfold by 2006 from the 50 000 units used worldwide in 2002.
Robots are being increasingly used in industrial applications because the unit costs of such machines are falling, while their performance is increasing and labour costs are rising. The survey says a robot sold in 2002 costs about a fifth of one sold in 1990 with the equivalent performance. It also says it is not unusual for robots to have a payback period of as short as one to two years.
Use of industrial robots is also gathering momentum in Third World countries, with increased use being seen in countries such as Brazil, Mexico and China.
The survey predicts that robots will eventually be used in all aspects of modern life and would be able to perform surgery, look after the aged with sophisticated treatment programmes, fight fires and work in hazardous environments.
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