Autonomous mobile robots can boost efficiency and productivity in many ways. They provide high-quality work and help automate repetitive tasks, while also reducing the potential for human error and fatigue. For example, mobile robots can inspect valuable assets such as aircraft and bridges much faster than when done manually. At scale, these operational efficiencies can translate to significantly lower costs.

Robots are an invaluable tool to counter staff shortage and ease the workload for existing staff, enabling companies to do more with fewer people. Skilled, well educated professionals are no longer required to handle simple and time-consuming tasks. Instead, they can focus on specialist tasks such as complex maintenance work or product innovation.

Human analysis is error-prone. Advanced robot systems leverage AI and machine learning algorithms that improve over time, as they are fed more training data. A well developed and fully trained algorithm is often more accurate than its human counterpart. For instance, autonomous mobile robots are excellent at sniffing out crop disease. In case of doubt, a human expert can help the algorithm decide.

An autonomous mobile robot can be equipped with all kinds of sensors such as high definition visual and thermal cameras, microphones and gas detectors. IoT robotics solutions are used for a wide range of inspections, ranging from pipelines and machinery to bridges and dikes. This enables companies to transition from costly periodic inspections to predictive maintenance, only performed when it’s necessary.

Unlike humans, autonomous mobile robots can safely be deployed in harsh environments. Do you need to inspect an asset high up in the sky, such as high-voltage cables or transmission towers? Then it’s much safer to send over a drone than having an employee climb all the way up. The same goes for underwater assets or dangerous industrial zones. Robots are also more hygienic than people.

Often, customer contact with a manufacturer occurs only once: at the time of purchase. Smart analyses of vehicle data offer several advantages. For example, manufacturers can strengthen the relationship with customers by offering service and maintenance at the right time and by giving advice on replacement of the vehicle.