The technology industry continues to be a hotbed of patent innovation. Activity is driven by the progress in robotics, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and sensor technologies, as well as growing importance of technologies such as robotic manipulators, LiDAR, ultrasonic sensors, thermal cameras, and other specialized sensors. Inspection robots may use technologies like simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), path planning algorithms, and obstacle detection systems to navigate autonomously in various environments, including confined spaces, hazardous areas, or complex structures. In the last three years alone, there have been over 4.1 million patents filed and granted in the technology industry, according to GlobalData’s report on Robotics in technology: inspection robots. Buy the report here.
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However, not all innovations are equal and nor do they follow a constant upward trend. Instead, their evolution takes the form of an S-shaped curve that reflects their typical lifecycle from early emergence to accelerating adoption, before finally stabilizing and reaching maturity.
Identifying where a particular innovation is on this journey, especially those that are in the emerging and accelerating stages, is essential for understanding their current level of adoption and the likely future trajectory and impact they will have.
190+ innovations will shape the technology industry
According to GlobalData’s Technology Foresights, which plots the S-curve for the technology industry using innovation intensity models built on over 1.5 million patents, there are 190+ innovation areas that will shape the future of the industry.
Within the emerging innovation stage, inspection robots, robotic maintenance, and cleaning robots are disruptive technologies that are in the early stages of application and should be tracked closely. Surveillance robots, warehouse management automation, and automated palletizing are some of the accelerating innovation areas, where adoption has been steadily increasing.
Innovation S-curve for robotics in the technology industry
Inspection robots is a key innovation area in robotics
Inspection robots are specialized robotic systems that conduct visual assessments of industrial or commercial facilities. By employing a blend of cameras, sensors, and related technologies, these robots scrutinize the surroundings, identify irregularities, and promptly notify personnel. Moreover, they possess the capability to automate repetitive inspection and maintenance duties.
GlobalData’s analysis also uncovers the companies at the forefront of each innovation area and assesses the potential reach and impact of their patenting activity across different applications and geographies. According to GlobalData, there are 40+ companies, spanning technology vendors, established technology companies, and up-and-coming start-ups engaged in the development and application of inspection robots.
Key players in inspection robots – a disruptive innovation in the technology industry
‘Application diversity’ measures the number of applications identified for each patent. It broadly splits companies into either ‘niche’ or ‘diversified’ innovators.
‘Geographic reach’ refers to the number of countries each patent is registered in. It reflects the breadth of geographic application intended, ranging from ‘global’ to ‘local’.
Patent volumes related to inspection robots
Source: GlobalData Patent Analytics
Gecko Robotics is the leading patent filer in inspection robots, followed by iRobot and Hitachi. Other prominent patent filers in the inspection robots space include Cobalt Robotics, Toyota Motor, IBM, and X Development.
By geographic reach, Cobalt Robotics leads the pack, followed by Gecko Robotics and Walmart. In terms of application diversity, Everseen holds the top position, followed by Gecko Robotics and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.
Inspection robots can enhance efficiency, safety, and accuracy in the inspection of industrial or commercial facilities. They reduce human involvement in hazardous or repetitive tasks, minimize downtime, and enable proactive maintenance, ultimately leading to cost savings and improved operational performance.
To further understand how robotics is disrupting the technology industry, access GlobalData’s latest thematic research report on Robotics.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
