Manufacturing Today Issue - 233 Feb 2025 | Page 23

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Robotics

2Robot baristas and chefs For decades , robots were confined to industrial settings , but we ’ re now starting to see them move out into open society . While humanoid robots might be the best-known example - despite being some way from commercial viability - collaborative robots , or cobots , are making their mark across industries . Take film and TV production , for example . By the end of the year , there ’ s a good chance you ’ ll have watched a movie , TV show , or commercial where cobots controlled the camera . A great example of this is MRMC , who produces cobot-based camera solutions .

In the food and beverage industry , cobots are also starting to shine , particularly in the US and Asia . By the end of 2025 , you may find yourself enjoying a coffee or a meal where a robot has assisted with the preparation . Cobots designed for hygienic food preparation can maintain consistency and speed during peak periods for businesses . US fast-food chain Chipotle are among those paving the way , already using cobots in their restaurants . And just like we see across other industries , cobots are not replacing workers , but are rather improving both productivity and the working environment .
Beyond kitchens and film productions , cobots will also begin appearing in industries like construction more frequently . Companies like Canvas are already using cobots for tasks such as drywall finishing , highlighting how these versatile machines can address skill shortages in industries with high variability . Another example is Raise Robotics , who uses cobots to , among other things , install fasteners for façade panels on high-rise buildings - a both dangerous and repetitive task .
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