The robotics industry is advancing rapidly, with countless new opportunities emerging every year. One area that’s gaining significant traction is the development of proprietary software by robot manufacturers themselves. While this can seem like a daunting task, there are compelling reasons why it may be the right move, and the tools are available to make it more feasible than ever.
In this post, we’ll dive into why robot manufacturers should consider building their own software, and how they can achieve this without being bogged down by the typical challenges.
The Growing Potential of the Robotics Market
The robotics industry is experiencing a boom, with the global market for industrial robots expected to hit between $130 billion and $180 billion by 2026. This encompasses robot machines, software, peripherals, and system engineering, translating to approximately 1.5 million units in the coming years. This rapid expansion is a clear sign that there’s no better time for manufacturers to invest in their own software development.
To put things into perspective:
- In 2019, $40 billion was spent on industrial robotics.
- From 2013 to 2018, 2.4 million robotic units were sold worldwide.
- The rise of collaborative robots, or “cobots,” is gaining traction.
Moreover, 88% of respondents to McKinsey’s 2018 Global Robotics Survey expect to increase their investment in robotics. This growth signals immense opportunity for those entering the space—especially for manufacturers looking to differentiate themselves with custom-built software solutions.
Why Robot Manufacturers Should Build Their Own Software
With the growing demand for robotics, many robot manufacturers now face a key question: Should they develop their own software or rely on third-party solutions? There are significant advantages to building in-house software.
1. Control Over the Product
By creating their own software, manufacturers can ensure it meets the specific needs of their robots. This level of control allows for more customization and adaptability, ensuring that the software aligns perfectly with their robotic systems.
2. Competitive Advantage
The robotics market is becoming increasingly competitive. Having proprietary software not only sets a manufacturer apart from competitors who rely on generic solutions but also opens up new revenue streams. If done right, custom software can also be a unique selling point for customers, adding value beyond just the robot hardware.
3. Avoiding Common Pitfalls
The history of other industries, like machine tool builders and their relationship with CAD/CAM software, offers a valuable lesson. By not developing their own software for CAM programming, toolpath generation, and simulation, machine tool manufacturers missed out on innovation and potential revenue. Software developers quickly filled the gap, leaving those companies at a disadvantage. Robot manufacturers can avoid this mistake by taking ownership of their software solutions early.
Off-line Programming: A Key Enabler
One method that can help robot manufacturers create their own software is off-line programming (OLP). OLP allows the robot program to be created on a computer, away from the actual robot. Once the program is ready, it is uploaded to the robot for execution. This is especially valuable for large-scale manufacturers like Yaskawa, KUKA, and FANUC, who are increasingly integrating robotics into their operations.
Off-line programming has multiple advantages:
- It lets manufacturers simulate and test robotic operations before deployment.
- It reduces downtime, as the robot doesn’t need to be physically present during the programming phase.
- It allows for more flexible, faster iterations during the development process.
This is a powerful way for robot manufacturers to streamline their software development, reducing the need for external integrators and creating smoother, more efficient workflows.
Overcoming Development Challenges
While there are clear benefits to developing their own software, robot manufacturers may hesitate due to the complexities involved. Some of the most significant challenges include:
- High Development Costs: Building custom software is a costly and time-consuming endeavor.
- Integration Issues: Connecting multiple systems together seamlessly is a challenge many manufacturers face.
- Lack of Expertise: There’s a shortage of qualified experts who can develop, maintain, and improve the software.
To address these challenges, companies can partner with experts like Spatial Software Development Kits (SDKs), which provide tools to ease the development process. These kits can help manufacturers import CAD designs, prepare geometry, generate teaching points, and even support reverse kinematics and toolpath calculations.
The Role of Software Development Kits
By utilizing SDKs, manufacturers can avoid many of the pitfalls of custom software development. These tools provide a much-needed framework to create applications faster, at a lower cost, and with less risk. Additionally, SDKs can be integrated into the overall development process, reducing reliance on external software providers and enabling companies to build stronger, more efficient solutions in-house.
Spatial’s 3D components, for example, allow manufacturers to import major CAD formats, automate teaching points generation, and even work with third-party providers for complex calculations. This comprehensive approach supports the full workflow, ensuring that robot manufacturers can focus on their core business without getting bogged down by the technical intricacies of software development.
Embracing Innovation and Looking Forward
The future of robotics holds immense potential, from collaborative robots (cobots) to the emerging fields of swarm robotics and nanorobotics. As robotics continues to evolve, so too must the software that powers these systems. By building their own software, robot manufacturers not only contribute to shaping the future of the industry but also gain the flexibility to innovate and stay ahead of the curve.
As exciting as the future is, the path to success isn’t always smooth. Development costs, time-to-market, and integration challenges are all hurdles that manufacturers need to overcome. However, with the right tools and support, such as Spatial’s SDKs, manufacturers can take control of their software development and unlock new possibilities for growth.
Conclusion
The robotics industry is expanding, and the opportunity for robot manufacturers to create their own software is now more viable than ever. By doing so, they can unlock new revenue streams, retain more control over their product offerings, and differentiate themselves from competitors. With the support of solutions partners and advanced tools like SDKs, the challenges of software development become far more manageable, paving the way for a more innovative, efficient, and profitable future in robotics.
