Issue link: https://te.mouser.com/i/1351237
The Role of Sensors in the Evolution of Robotics Introductory Section: At one time, robotics was considered more science fiction than reality. That's changing. Today, robots are increasingly playing a role in our everyday lives. They're zooming around our homes to pick up dust, helping surgeons perform operations with even more precision, sniffing out suspicious packages for law enforcement, and on the factory floor — they're performing all kinds of tasks for automotive, electronics, and industrial manufacturing companies. Traditional industrial robots, logistical robots, and collaborative robots all have their jobs to do — just as robot developers and design engineers do. They require solutions that enable accurate, safe, cost-effective operations. With the drive toward "Industry 4.0," the use of robotic, automation, and control systems on the factory floor have become commonplace as they allow manufacturers to increase efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Industry 4.0 or the smart factory has been defined as the mixing of traditional manufacturing and industrial practices with the technological world. Regardless of its name, it is creating a complete revolution in factories and manufacturing. According to an article in Forbes Magazine 1 , "there are four key trends in the digital transformation " that manufacturers should be paying close attention to: 1. Connected consumers, customized experiences — combining the efficiencies of mass customization with a truly unique product. 2. Connected employees — empowered by the information they need most. 3. Optimized production — leveraging insights from real-time data. 4. Transformed products — manufacturing floor machinery that can predict failure and maintenance needs, all thanks to more analytics and data. Trend Paper