Robotics giant KUKA has become the latest organisation to join the Open IIoT initiative
Open IIoT is an initiative founded with the mission of delivering valuable, efficient and easy-to-understand information on Industry 4.0, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and other related topics to end-users and the broader manufacturing industry. Its membership includes some of Australia’s most prominent automation brands, including SMC Corporation, Beckhoff Automation, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS, Balluff and ZI-Argus.
With the tagline ‘Industrial intelligence 4.0 beyond automation’, KUKA is a natural fit to join Open IIoT. Since its founding over a century ago, the company has stood for ideas and innovations, bringing industrial robotics solutions to more than 40 countries. In addition to being a leading supplier of automotive production systems, KUKA has established itself as a trailblazer in e-commerce, electronics, energy, consumer goods, metal, plastics, healthcare and the entertainment industry.
Cameron Fisher, General Manager at KUKA Robotics Australia believes that the company’s vision aligns closely to that of the Open IIoT group: “For over 120 years, KUKA has stood for ideas and innovation. Joining IIoT gives us the opportunity to join fellow prominent brands in promoting the latest technical advances in smart automation.
“By joining Open IIoT, we hope be part of the movement to ramp up Industry 4.0 capabilities and acceptance in Australia. There is a definite sense of urgency in this mission, as our country is more in need of automated solutions than ever before.”
The latest Economist and WSJ statistics regarding growth dynamics in industrial robotics reflect the sense of urgency that Fisher raises. The WSJ estimates that 373,000 industrial robots were put to use in 2019, in addition to 173,000 “professional service” robots, equipped with advanced software, sensors and wi-fi. By the end of 2021. It is estimated that the installed base of factory robots worldwide will exceed 3.2m, and the current global market for industrial robotics is currently valued at $45bn dollars.
“We believe COVID-19 has changed the way people work and as a result, smart automation is a key to making this efficient,” says Fisher. “From real-time monitoring of factory floors to an increase in social distancing in the workplace, robotics automation can solve many of the issue, companies are facing in the new world.”
For those looking to advance their IIoT journey through robotics, Fisher suggests the following guidelines: “We strongly recommend that customers deal only with experts in the field and ensure that integration between suppliers for the best possible results.
“The calibre of the members of Open IIoT have definitely helped to cement its footprint as the IIoT group of choice in Australia, and we look forward to incorporating more robotics into the group’s agenda.”