Robotics startups are developing innovations for industries ranging from education to construction. No longer confined to factories, autonomous systems can help clean the environment, save lives, and explore new worlds in outer space or deep beneath the seas.
Robots have come a long way since the days of Leonardo da Vinci's sketches of automatons. (Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci system is named after the Renaissance artist and inventor.) With advances in motion control, sensors, and artificial intelligence, many startups are building, testing, and commercializing the robots of tomorrow.
Multiple sectors begin to benefit from robotics
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education seeks to inspire the next generation of roboticists amid a global talent shortage.
Manufacturing, which has been using robots for decades, has transformed into a knowledge-based industry. It is far different from the dull, dirty, and dangerous tasks that people turned away from, just as they had left agriculture during the first Industrial Revolution.
E-commerce and construction are other industries that face labor shortfalls, changing demands, and the need for supply chain efficiencies.
In addition, pollution and global climate change are wide-scale problems requiring new technological solutions. Luckily, some robotics startups have designed systems to address environmental sustainability.
Last but not least, healthcare is at the top of mind because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A global surge in interest for disinfection systems, social distancing, and robot-assisted surgery promises to expand the accessibility and quality of care.
With all the bad geopolitical and economic news lately, it's easy to forget that progress is still being made on multiple fronts. These 10 robotics companies (see slideshow at right or below on mobile) are working to a bright future where doctors can operate remotely, children have robotic friends, and our world is cleaner and healthier than today.
About the author
Emily Newton is a tech writer who enjoys writing about the latest innovations changing our world. Read more of her articles online at Revolutionized Magazine.
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