Service Robots are revolutionizing how we live and work. Defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 8373) as “robots in personal use or professional use that performs useful tasks for humans or equipment,” these innovative machines are designed to assist and enhance human capabilities across a wide spectrum of applications.
Understanding Service Robots: Autonomy and Applications
A key characteristic of service robots, as outlined in ISO 8373, is their “degree of autonomy,” which refers to their “ability to perform intended tasks based on current state and sensing, without human intervention.” This autonomy can range from partial, involving human-robot interaction, to full autonomy, where robots operate independently.
Service robots are broadly categorized into personal and professional use, encompassing diverse forms, structures, and application areas. This broad definition highlights the versatility of service robots in addressing various needs, from domestic chores to complex industrial tasks. It’s important to note the evolving landscape of robotics standards; the ISO 8373:2021 standard now recognizes medical robots as a distinct category alongside industrial and service robots. Medical robots are specifically defined as robots intended for use as medical electrical equipment or systems, reflecting the growing specialization within the robotics field.
The IFR (International Federation of Robotics) statistics on service robots include systems with varying levels of autonomy, from tele-operated devices to fully autonomous units, depending on their specific applications. Mechanisms that utilize robotic technology but don’t fully meet the robot definition, such as teleoperated manipulators or unpowered exoskeletons, are classified as robotic devices, distinguishing them from fully-fledged service robots.
Service Robot Market Statistics and Industry Insights
The IFR Statistical Department annually surveys service robotics sales, compiling data published in the comprehensive World Robotics Service Robotics report. A free executive summary is available, with the full report offering in-depth statistical data and analysis of the service robot market, available for purchase in the World Robotics section. This report serves as a crucial resource for industry professionals, investors, and researchers seeking to understand market trends and identify key players, including an extensive list of service robot manufacturers.
Notably, the IFR’s World Robotics Service Robotics report includes data on medical robots, a practical deviation from the ISO 8373 categorization for statistical purposes, reflecting the significant market presence of medical robotics within the broader service robot industry.
The IFR Statistical Department actively seeks participation from new service robot producers in their annual survey, conducted in the first quarter of each year. Companies interested in contributing to these vital industry statistics and receiving the survey results free of charge are encouraged to participate via the annual survey link.
World Robotics Service Robotics report 2023 graph showing top 5 applications. Service robot market statistics from IFR.
Standardization and Safety for Service Robots
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) plays a vital role in setting global standards, and ISO Technical Committee 299 “Robotics” is specifically dedicated to robotics standardization.
Safety standardization is paramount within ISO/TC 299. While safety standards are well-established for industrial robots (ISO 10218-1, ISO 10218-2, ISO/TS 15066), specific standards for the non-industrial (service) robotics sector are also crucial, such as ISO 13482. ISO/TC 299’s standardization efforts extend to performance criteria, modularity, and comprehensive robotics vocabulary, ensuring clarity and consistency across the industry.
Further details about ISO/TC 299 “Robotics,” including published and developing standards, can be found on the ISO webpage.
The safety of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) is addressed in ISO 3691-4:2023 – Industrial trucks — Safety requirements and verification — Part 4: Driverless industrial trucks and their systems, under the purview of ISO/TC 110/SC 2. This highlights the ongoing development and refinement of safety standards to keep pace with advancements in autonomous service robots.
Diverse Applications and Use Cases of Service Robotics
Service robotics encompasses a remarkably broad spectrum of applications, each often requiring unique designs and varying levels of automation, ranging from fully tele-operated systems to completely autonomous operations.
These robots are increasingly integrated into our daily lives, enhancing various aspects from healthcare and domestic tasks to retail and environmental sustainability. Service robots are instrumental in:
- Healthcare: Assisting paraplegics with mobility, improving healthcare quality through automated tasks and precision surgery.
- Domestic Assistance: Reducing time spent on household chores like cleaning and lawn maintenance.
- Retail and Logistics: Enhancing productivity in retail experiences and optimizing warehouse operations.
- Security: Improving home security and public safety through surveillance and monitoring.
- Agriculture and Food Production: Enabling fresher food production with reduced environmental impact through precision farming and automation.
- Environmental Sustainability: Facilitating the recycling of diverse materials, minimizing harmful environmental decomposition.
Whether working behind the scenes in industries or directly interacting with us in our homes and communities, service robots are significantly improving our quality of life and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Explore detailed case studies on service robots and their diverse applications here.
The IFR Service Robotics Working Group: Fostering Industry Growth
Recognizing the expanding commercial landscape of service robotics, the IFR Service Robots Group was established on October 9, 2002. This group aims to support the service robotics industry by providing market assessments and increasing its visibility among financial institutions, media outlets, and government bodies.
The IFR Service Robots Group welcomes all companies involved in producing service robots, components, or related services. The group convenes regularly at major international robotics conferences and trade fairs. For further information and to connect with industry peers, please contact the IFR Secretariat.
