Increased robotics investments driving automation benefits

The industrial robotics market is expected to explode over the next few years, driving innovation and automation efforts in several industries. In order to keep up and maintain the robotics investments they want, firms will need to ensure they are utilizing the proper support hardware, such as serial to Ethernet converters and device server solutions, to support the integration of these new technologies.

According to MarketsandMarkets, the industrial robotics market has finally recovered from the recession and is expected to show moderate growth over the next few years. The firm's report, which covers applications, functions and robotics products across the globe from 2012 to 2017, estimates an approximate value of the field of $32.8 billion by 2017. At a CAGR of 5 percent from 2012 to 2017, this supports key growth needed for manufacturing and other non-automotive robotics use.

Robotics provide the key resource for production automation, but firms also have to ensure the proper Remote I/O solutions are in place for the control, management and maintenance of these systems. Investing in the tools without the supporting hardware to ensure a latency and problem free connection between IT and the production network will result in lack luster returns. However, by ensuring that the key resources are in place to meet new operational needs and investing in core media converters, firms will eliminate risk as they optimize.

While robotics initially took off in the automotive industry, its spread through other markets has been led by increased opportunities to streamline workflow and the proof that the trend doesn't impact employment opportunities. With new highs in robotics shipments, firms are demonstrating a need for improvements that can be achieved with these resources, like automation. Getting the production and IT networks aligned for these efforts is simply one piece of the puzzle.

The global push toward manufacturing automation is further supported by remote working efforts, the utilization of mobile devices on the production floor and the deployment of wireless networks, allowing firms to expedite these processes and provide a stronger foundation for further advances.

Perle's serial to Ethernet converters connect serial based equipment across an Ethernet network. The Perle IOLAN range of Console Servers, Device Servers and Terminal Servers feature built-in support for IPv6 along with a broad range of authentication methods and encryption technologies.