Artificial intelligence (A.I.) is at it again, this time in the interactive or social robotics market. A.I., machine learning and language processing advancements have elevated the capabilities of interactive robots. They use advancing cognitive technologies to interact to gestures, voice and even people’s emotions.
Need a last-minute babysitter or a dog walker? Soon, interactive robots may be on call just like how we order dinner—with a menu of options to select from.
The interactive or social robot market is projected to be valued at more than $4.7 billion by the end of 2033, according to a study on the global market by research company Fact.MR, growing at a rate of 24% between 2023 and 2033. Interactive robots react to their environment through sensors or programmed to handle specific types of work or duties.
According to the report, robots that can interact with their environment and react to outside stimuli are called interactive robots: “An interactive robot is an autonomous machine that interacts and communicates with people or other physical autonomous agents by adhering to the social norms and expectations of that function. A social robot has a physical body, much like other robots do. Some artificial social agents are built with a screen that serves as the face or head to interact with users in real time.”
Robot technology, states the report, is in high demand in many industries because it can boost productivity, efficiency and safety. One of the markets that has increased its demand for robot control systems is manufacturing, where they can be used to automate processes while reducing labor and boosting quality assurance. This may be further fueled in the future by Industry 4.0 endeavors to increase automation in manufacturing.
Aging population needs assistance
The report also cites changing demographics and an increasing number of seniors as a potential impetus for growth. In healthcare, interactive robots will be deployed for caregiver services, to support daily living activities and as companions to prevent loneliness and isolation. In education, interactive robots are especially adept at helping assist teachers or students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics classes. They can also augment and provide support to special education students. In the military or government sector, robots can support troops or assess situations before humans enter an area.
Over a million industrial robots are currently operational, according to Fact.MR researchers, indicating the potential for acceptance of interactive robots to transfer to other markets and users. Researchers also assert that teams comprising humans and robots are 85% more efficient than solitary workers.
In physical security, robots often augment or supplement guard patrol services, or serve as receptionists at a building entrance to screen and direct visitors. In construction, they assess a job site for safety, and in tasks that are simply too dangerous for humans, robots are often the first to enter an area.
One company cited in the Fact.MR report, Blue Frog Robotics, Boston, has released Buddy, a smart, mobile and emotional robot at an affordable price. Designed as an emotional companion, according to the Blue Frog website, Buddy is engineered in an open and scalable platform that includes an Android-based software development kit for developers to customize the robot.
Misty II is another product, increasingly used in education and research, according to a report by Misty Robotics, Boulder, Colo., with 22% deployed in these sectors. But in addition, some 49% of the devices are used for commercial applications.
