Industrial Robot

An industrial robot is typically an automated, programmable, multi-axis machine system designed to perform various tasks in production environments. The term “robot” is derived from the Slavic word “robota,” meaning “forced labor” or “drudgery.” The modern usage of the word “robot” was first introduced in 1921 in Karel Čapek’s play R.U.R. – Rossum’s Universal Robots. Technically, the first industrial robot was the Unimate, which began operation in a General Motors factory in 1961.

Historical Development and Its Relationship with Industrial Revolutions

The development of robot technologies has followed a trajectory parallel to the progression of industrial revolutions. The first industrial revolution introduced mechanical production systems, the second integrated electricity, and the third incorporated digital technologies; the fourth industrial revolution, known as Industry 4.0, has enabled robots to operate autonomously. In this evolutionary process, robots equipped with technologies such as sensors, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing have become particularly prominent.

The Role of Robots in Industry 4.0 and Digitalization

With Industry 4.0, production processes have become more flexible, interconnected, and intelligent. Industrial robots at the center of this transformation are endowed with capabilities such as data collection, decision-making, learning, and collaboration. Production lines now possess not only mechanical but also digital and autonomous characteristics. Collaborative robots provide flexibility in production by working safely alongside humans in shared environments.

Classification and Types of Robots

Robots are generally categorized into the following types:

• Mobility Robots
• Humanoid Robots
• Multi-Robot and Swarm Robots
• Micro-Nano Robots
• Collaborative Robots
• Autonomous Robots
• Haptic Systems

This diversity enables solutions tailored to usage scenarios across different sectors.

Applications and Sectoral Distribution

Industrial robots are most commonly used in the automotive, electronics, metal, plastic, and food sectors. Typical applications include welding, assembly, material handling, painting, cutting, and quality control. Thanks to their high repeatability and operational speed, they reduce labor costs, improve quality, and increase productivity.

Rise of Collaborative and Autonomous Robots

Collaborative robots (cobots) enhance production flexibility by safely sharing workspaces with operators. Autonomous robots, on the other hand, can perform tasks independently by perceiving their environment and making decisions. These robots offer significant opportunities in complex and high-risk environments such as construction.

Components of Industrial Robot Systems

An industrial robot system consists of the following key components:

• Manipulator (robot arm)
• Control unit
• End effector (tool or gripper)
• Positioner and power systems
• Sensors and safety systems

The integration of these components enables robots to perform precise, repeatable, and safe operations.

Software Infrastructure and Programming

Industrial robots can be controlled using open-source systems such as ROS (Robot Operating System). These systems provide flexibility in defining parameters such as position, speed, and task planning for robots. Modern industrial robots can be programmed via graphical interfaces, process sensor data, and integrate with production networks.

Safety and Human-Robot Interaction

The safety of industrial robots is ensured through both software and hardware measures. Systems such as light curtains, emergency stop buttons, and area monitoring prevent potential accidents. In collaborative robots, force and torque sensors play a critical role by enabling the robot to stop immediately upon contact.

Future Perspective and Evaluation

Industrial robots have become indispensable components in production processes, enhancing flexibility and efficiency. Next-generation robots supported by artificial intelligence, big data, and machine learning will become increasingly widespread in both manufacturing and service sectors. In developing countries such as Türkiye, increased R&D and technology investments are expected to further expand the adoption of industrial robots.

Current Status of Industrial Robots Globally and in Türkiye

According to data from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the global number of operational industrial robots reached 4,282,000 in 2023, representing a 9.7% increase compared to 2022. In the same year, 541,302 new industrial robots were installed worldwide, the second-highest annual installation figure in history.

Regionally, in 2023, 70% of newly deployed robots were located in Asia, 17% in Europe, and 10% in the Americas. China remains the world’s largest market for industrial robots, with 276,300 installations in 2023.

In Türkiye, the number of newly installed robots in 2023 increased by 15% compared to the previous year, reaching 4,429. The total number of operational industrial robots in the country rose by 16% compared to 2022, reaching 26,413. With these figures, Türkiye ranks as the 16th country globally in terms of total robot stock. However, robot density in Türkiye’s manufacturing industry remains relatively low at 43 robots per 10,000 employees.

The IFR anticipates that advancements in generative AI, robot performance, and applicability will drive further growth in robot numbers. Additionally, demographic shifts leading to labor shortages are expected to increase demand for robots.