The next great frontier of technology is robotics. Even today, robots are becoming part of our lives in ways we might have never imagined. They patrol the floors in our homes, scooping up dirt. They sort through our cats’ waste and leave a tidy litter box. They operate in hazardous manufacturing environments dangerous for humans. They snake through rubble left by fallen buildings or collapsed mines, looking for survivors. They do battle alongside our warfighters in conflicts overseas.
Technology advancements for robotics are driving their widespread use through a variety of industrial sectors from defense to health care to advanced manufacturing. A uniquely American industry, robotics represents an amazing competitive opportunity. To optimize the manufacturing and performance of robotic systems, entire new industries will be born. New materials, capabilities, data analysis and processes need to be developed that will increase throughput, drive efficiencies, and lower costs of manufacturing. NCMS has recognized robotics will help define the future, and has named it as one of the organization’s key initiatives moving forward. Each of these initiatives will drive and support one another, fueling manufacturing innovation:
- Advanced modeling and simulation will drive manufacturing designs and the implementation of robotics on the shop floor
- Lightweight materials will also improve robotics capabilities as more flexible and responsive systems become a reality
- Robust processes for producing robotic systems will be part of a new drive for sustainability in manufacturing
- Meanwhile, Robotics will drive the adoption and enhancement of all these visions, helping lead the world to a smart, digitial, sustainable future
With its 25 years of experience in developing and managing collaborative technology R&D, NCMS continues to lead the way in cross-industry collaborative research and development of Robotics and related industry sectors. As the administrating agent of the Robotics Technology Consortium (RTC), NCMS is well-placed to steer robo-innovation. RTC includes more than 200 members – small and large, traditional and non-traditional, focusing on robotics research. Together we will lead cross-industry sectors to optimize the manufacture and use of robots.
It’s the rise of the robots. But don’t worry, that’s a good thing for us people.
For more information on the NCMS Robotics Initiative, please contact: