Polyfunctional Robots Will Enhance Machine-Human Productivity

Multiuse robots can provide a quicker return on investment compared with single-function machines. They do so by enabling:

• A more flexible workforce. Polyfunctional robots can fulfill a variety of different tasks which creates a flexible workforce adaptable to current needs.

• Higher robot utility. When an enterprise can use the same robot to fulfill multiple tasks, the organization not only uses the robot more, but it can also leverage them for the most important and highest value activities.

• Stronger human-machine collaboration. These robots are designed to operate in a human environment and use equipment designed and positioned for human access. This is different from single function robots which may operate in delineated spaces or cages to protect nearby humans. As polyfunctional robots navigate human spaces with steps or counter-level tasks, the technology will push manufacturers to explore novel form factors, shapes and sizes.

Though enterprises have been slow to embrace robots with a variety of functions, ongoing development and decreasing price points are increasing their appeal.

Over the next 24 months, simplified deployment — with no custom programming or bolt-down infrastructure — will accelerate business’ adoption of polyfunctional robots. Enterprises will likely deploy a handful of robots (or even a single robot), then scale up as they see benefit or in response to production demands. 

In time, expect to build a fleet of polyfunctional robots, or make use of rentable ones from third parties to address periods of high demand. Fleet management systems that can integrate with one another and with process management systems that include humans in the workflow will be essential. Currently, only nascent standards support such integration, as vendors have been focused on developing and differentiating proprietary functionality.

To expand opportunities for automation and mitigate disruption from deployment, Gartner recommends IT leaders to:

Identify tasks that could transition to a robot or be shared between a robot and human. Even if such a shift seems economically unsupportable, the combination of tasks may tip the balance.

Examine every robot acquisition to understand if a polyfunctional robot would provide greater value immediately or in the future.​

Build local expertise in robotology with a view to drawing up essential company policies and ensuring polyfunctional robots can be repurposed in-house.