At the Richmond IT Director Forum in Rimini (November 10-12), Arash Ajoudani, director of HRII Human Robot Interaction and Interfaces at IIT, showcased the benefits of cobots. These robots are transforming industries and healthcare, with the global AI market projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030.
Industrial and healthcare impacts: driving productivity and precision
In industrial settings, cobots cut production times by 30% and labor costs by 25%. In healthcare, they enhance precision by 50% and reduce postoperative recovery by 40%. With AI, diagnoses are faster, and treatments more personalized, driving a 45% annual growth in the healthcare market.
MOCA and RealMove: the future of collaborative robotics
Ajoudani introduced MOCA, a mobile collaborative robot, and RealMove, a markerless system for tracking body movements. RealMove is being tested for fall prevention in the elderly and assistance for the visually impaired, showcasing the potential of cobots in healthcare.
Physical and cognitive ergonomics: improving workplace well-being
Cobots help reduce musculoskeletal injuries, costing €8 billion annually in Italy. Simultaneously, cognitive ergonomics is gaining attention, focusing on reducing mental stress and tailoring workflows to individual needs.
Ethical and social challenges: the dark side of robotics
Ajoudani warned that AI-based robotics might increase feelings of uselessness. “Cognitive ergonomics can be our greatest ally or our worst enemy,” he stated, emphasizing the need to balance innovation with human well-being.
Share your thoughts below: how do you see cobots shaping our society’s future?
