Objective
Scope
Summary
Educational Robot Competitive Profile:
The companies in the educational robotics market feature a diverse range of global leaders and innovators. ABB (Switzerland) and FANUC (Japan) are known for their advanced industrial and collaborative robots, with a focus on automation and education. YASKAWA (Japan) and KUKA (Germany) offer cutting-edge robotics solutions, particularly in manufacturing and robotics training. Universal Robots (Denmark) specializes in collaborative robots (cobots) used for educational purposes. Softbank Robotics (Japan) and Hanson Robotics (China) are pioneers in humanoid robotics, contributing to both educational and social interaction platforms. Companies like ROBOTIS (South Korea) and Robolink (US) focus on robotics kits for STEM education, while Probotics America (US) and ROBOTERRA (US) provide educational tools for programming and robotics development. Hyulim Robot (South Korea), Techman Robot (Taiwan), and Seiko Epson (Japan) are significant players in collaborative and industrial robotics, with applications in educational settings. DJI (China) leads in drone technology, which is increasingly used in educational programs. PAL Robotics (Spain), UBTECH Robotics (China), Pitsco (US), and Sanbot Innovation (China) offer diverse robotics platforms designed to engage students in learning robotics, coding, and AI. ABB: ABB’s Robotics Education Package is a comprehensive training solution aimed at unlocking the potential of STEM education through hands-on robotics and automation experience. The package includes a user-friendly education cell, detailed coursework, and globally recognized STEM certification programs. Designed collaboratively by ABB experts and educators, it is suitable for technical training at universities, trade schools, and workforce development organizations. The package bridges the skills gap by offering intuitive robotics training and empowering educators with ready-to-use materials and customizable curriculum options. It enhances students' career prospects by providing real-world industrial skills and supporting their exploration of robotics across various educational streams. With access to ABB’s leading hardware and software, students and educators benefit from top-tier training and support, fostering career development and improving marketability in the robotics field. ABB's fifty-year journey of robotic innovation, which began in 1974 with the introduction of the world's first commercial all-electric robot, the IRB 6, has now entered a new chapter with the ongoing advancement of AI-powered robotics. The future of work is evolving rapidly with automated technologies, such as robots, becoming integral to the modern workplace as companies seek to enhance performance. ABB is addressing the skills gap by introducing new Robotics & Automation training facilities, forming strategic partnerships, and offering comprehensive training packages. They collaborate with educational institutions in over 40 countries to ensure students acquire essential skills in robot programming and operation. Through these global partnerships, provide the necessary equipment and support to teach robotics and automation. This collaboration advances research and development of automated solutions for real-world applications and enhances opportunities for students.• On Jan 1, 2024, ABB declared its agreement to acquire a majority stake in software service provider Meshmind, enhancing its research and development in AI, Industrial IoT, and machine vision. This move will establish a new global R&D hub within ABB’s Machine Automation division (B&R), integrating Meshmind’s talent and expertise to advance AI-powered automation solutions. The acquisition, expected to close in Q1 2024, aims to make automation more adaptive and accessible, supporting businesses in becoming more resilient. This strategic investment complements ABB’s recent acquisition of Sevensense and underscores its commitment to innovation in automation technologies.
YASKAWA: YASKAWA is at the forefront of robotics education, offering advanced tools that integrate industrial-grade components for hands-on learning. Their educational equipment, including portable robot modules and comprehensive academic tools, is designed to mirror the technology used in global factories. The MotoSim EG-VRC software allows for offline robot programming and virtual 3D simulations of industrial workcells, providing a safe and realistic training environment. Additionally, MotoSim Touch offers a PC-based tool for offline programming and simulation, enabling students to work with both virtual and hardware pendants. YASKAWA’s web-based LMS delivers a STEM-aligned curriculum that prepares students for careers in advanced manufacturing, addressing industry talent gaps with robots like the MotoMini, GP4, GP8, AR700, and HC10. Their approach bridges the gap between education and real-world application, equipping students with essential Industry 4.0 skills.• On Nov 29, 2023, Yaskawa Electric Corporation has launched the MOTOMAN NEXT series, the industry's first adaptive robots capable of autonomously adapting to their environment and making judgments. The new series includes five models with payload capacities ranging from 4kg to 35kg. This launch is part of Yaskawa's i3-Mechatronics initiative, in advancing industrial automation through digital data utilization. The MOTOMAN NEXT robots address automation gaps in areas like indefinite item states and variable work orders. The open platform encourages collaboration with customers and partners to tackle labor shortages, enhance automation in industries such as food, logistics, and agriculture.
Recent Development:• On August, 21, 2024, Kawasaki Robotics (USA), Inc. launched Astorino, a new educational robotics platform, at the 2024 IMTS Smartforce Student Summit in Chicago. Astorino provides the functionality of modern industrial robots at a lower cost, making it more accessible for educators and students. Named after the Arduino platform and development partner ASTOR, the robot includes hardware, firmware, control systems, and application software, along with STL files for 3D-printed replacement parts. Astorino’s aim to enhance industrial robotics education by reducing barriers and offering hands-on learning experiences in manufacturing.
• On March 28, 2023, Elephant Robotics unveiled new educational robots for 2023, including the ultraArm P340, myCobot 2023, and AI Robot Kit 2023. The ultraArm P340 is a high-performance robotic arm designed for educational use, while the myCobot 2023 features enhanced user-friendly software, including mobile phone and gamepad controls. The AI Robot Kit 2023 includes upgraded hardware and software, with new textbooks and tutorials to support learning in robotics, AI, and machine vision. These advancements aim to make robotics more accessible, affordable, and effective for educational environments, facilitating hands-on learning and creativity for students.
