866,000 Mobile Robots Will Be Sold Totaling $17 Billion In 2005
(EMAILWIRE.COM, February 22, 2001 ) Peterborough, NH - ActivMedia Research (www.activmediaresearch.com) - Sales of mobile robots are expected to soar to nearly 866,000 units worth more than $17 billion by 2005. This is up from an estimated 11,000 mobile robots worth $1.2 billion that were installed at the beginning of 2000. ActivMedia Research's "Mobile Robotics: The Next Revolution" report ($495) details how new technologies, such as mobility, cameras, microphones, and speakers, in the addition to the Internet, are creating an entirely new market niche for remote sensing. Businesses can expect to take advantage of mobile robotics in a variety of ways to cut costs and grow profits.
-----------------------------------------------------
Mobile Robotics Market Share in 2005
-----------------------------------------------------
Indus/Mining/Util/Agri 25.6%
Entertain/Edu/Media 25.4%
Medical/Health 15.8%
Security 15.4%
Consumer Appliances 10.5%
Travel/Leisure 3.5%
Telecomm 1.7%
Transportation 1.1%
Retail 0.6%
Research 0.4%
-------------------------------------------------------
Source: "Mobile Robotics: The Next Revolution",
(c) 2001, ActivMedia Research LLC
Networked robots used in hazardous, remote, or difficult environments are big business. As 2005 approaches, these robots will begin to respond intelligently to problems that arise, without constant human supervision. Industrial use of service robots will remain the richest sector. Other fast-growing sectors include robotic wheelchairs and assisting devices for the disabled, military and security robots, single-function robotic appliances for consumers, and robotic freight and handling systems.
Further, a significant factor in rapid growth of robot-related sales will be robotic media--your household robot providing today's download of enlightening news and conversation. Industry experts expect to see growth in the entertainment and education sectors, simply because the practical requirements for these robots are much lower. Many of their functions are similar to non-robotic toys such as the Tamaguchi pet.
The near-term trend will be toward single-use robots that are very good at specific tasks, like a popular lawn mower and golf cart already succeeding on the market. Single-function robots are simpler to design, perform better, cost less, and are easier for customers to understand and use.
Cost justification is easiest to demonstrate with a single-function robot. A robot that performs its function 24 hours a day, ceaselessly, may be able to function at a lower efficiency and still provide overall savings. Robotic vacuum cleaners and lawn mowers are not highly efficient, often covering the same point repeatedly. However, their unsupervised dedication to the task does the job capably if given enough time - and robots have the time. It is not necessary for these low-function 'bots to exhibit the judgment and sensing capability of humans for them to perform. They need only sufficient processing capability to perform the tasks assigned to them.
Eventually, enhanced programming will enable manufacturers to create more flexible robots. When industry can invest in multi-use robots that can be reprogrammed for varied chores, businesses will begin to see a faster return on their investments. As sensory perception, vision systems, and microprocessor speed and capabilities increase, robots will begin to take on increasingly humanlike qualities. And when they become truly useful, safe, and low cost, the demand will spur increased custom manufacturing on demand.
INFORMATION: http://www.ActivMediaResearch.com/mobile_robotics.html
ActivMedia Research's "Mobile Robotics: The Next Revolution", available for $495 ($1,500 for a corporate site license) opens a window on the new age of Mobile Robotics and its impacts on the technologies of today and the near-term tomorrow. This is the first in a series of reports dedicated to alerting the business community to trends, products and technologies approaching the margin of commercialization that will transform physical work as we know it.
ABOUT ACTIVMEDIA RESEARCH, LLC
ActivMedia Research LLC has been the Web's leading authoritative eBusiness information source since 1994, when it began studying the emerging world wide web as a business platform. Ever watchful of innovative business strategies, ActivMedia was first to publicly demonstrate that online business was both viable and profitable (Business Week, 9/23/96). An ongoing series of eBusiness research studies continue to alert eBusiness managers to new business opportunities and changing online strategies.
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
ActivMedia Research, LLC is a division of ActivMedia, Inc. Its sister company, ActivMedia Robotics, LLC , is a pioneering manufacturer of mobile robotics technology, and the two companies share senior executive management. This relationship provides a unique perspective from which to interpret emerging robotics markets.
PRESS CONTACT
Chris Anne Wheeler
VP of Information Services
Tel: 800-639-9481, 603-924-9100 Ext. 127
ORDERS/QUESTIONS
Research@ActivMediaResearch.com
Tel: (800) 639-9481 * (603) 924-9100 Ext. 125
ActivMedia Research, LLC
http://www.ActivMediaResearch.com
46 Concord Street
Peterborough, NH 03458
Fax: (603) 924-7258