In line with the Everything as a Service philosophy, Robotics as a Service, also known as Robots as a Service or RaaS, is changing how small and medium-sized companies automate their processes. Robotics, once the domain of big businesses with lots of resources, is increasingly revolutionizing the global business environment.
Companies in various industries need to be aware of this for the advantages and difficulties that new technology will present. It will eventually become commonplace to have robots carry out specific activities.
What Is Robotics as a Service (RaaS)?
RaaS is all about automation. It alludes to service-oriented computing in which businesses can employ robots as needed. This means that it is not essential to purchase them directly, which helps small and medium-sized enterprises with no liquidity for such expensive investments lower capital expenses.
Consider it as if it were a lease, for example. More businesses can access automation technology through OPEX rather than CAPEX costs by hiring robots as just another computer-related service. This lowers entry hurdles for companies looking to automate risky, boring, and repetitive jobs that must be completed precisely.
How does robotics as a service work?
When a business obtains licensing for a real industrial or service robot, this is a typical use case for RaaS. The software-as-a-service (SaaS) model and this are similar. The actual robotic device and the technology that powers it are not owned by the corporation. Instead, they obtain a license to utilize the robot for their business. For the continuous use of the RaaS, the company must pay a monthly cost. A contract between the robotics provider and the industry specifies the prices and other conditions for using the robot.
Benefits of Having Robots as a Service
Businesses had to deal with the high costs of owning robots before this service was available. It’s not just about getting them. Robots require upkeep, network connectivity, and accurate calibration for certain operations. When using robotic services, all these are now delivered by a third party.
Companies don’t need to worry about having specialized technological knowledge to employ the required robot capacity. Even more, firms may quickly scale up or down when needed, assisting all organizations in adapting to shifting market conditions. This is feasible because RaaS is adaptable. Software for robots can easily be updated and kept track of. Based on real-time data and Machine Learning algorithms, robot service providers can use the cloud to deploy new units and modify existing setups.
Having robotics as a service has some of the following advantages:
- Automate repetitive tasks.
- Cheaper than buying robots.
- Operational tasks are delegated to a third party.
- Robots are integrated through the cloud.
- Operational excellence.
- Collect valuable data through robots.
- Implement powerful ML features.
- Reallocate low-value labour costs to more valuable tasks.
- High precision for demanding tasks.
RaaS Foundations
For many, RaaS is a combination of the following:
- Internet of Things (IoT)
Typically, robotic equipment runs on an IoT industrial platform. In other words, they can function like any other Internet-connected IoT device, enabling businesses to obtain real-time data and monitor processes. Additionally, users can operate robots using IoT-compatible devices like smartphones by setting up an IoT network for a robotic system. The ability to monitor robot-driven processes is made possible by effective IoT apps.
- Cyber-physical System (CPS)
Software and physical components communicate with one another in a cyber-physical system. Software that is easily editable via cloud computing is used to control robots. In some instances, consumers can even have direct control over them. Since every business requirement is unique, there is no ideal strategy for using robots. Businesses must comprehend that robots represent a bridge between their business processes and the actual world and algorithms or the world of bytes.
- Autonomous Decentralized System (ADS)
Robots’ ability to function autonomously while still interacting with one another and their environment is a crucial aspect of their design. This enables the creation of intricate interactions between robots and their surroundings.
- Cloud Computing
Robots can now be remotely controlled with all the advantages of wireless technology thanks to user-friendly cloud technologies. Ironically, this is frequently the most significant hurdle many businesses must overcome to implement any digital transformation strategy. Finding a trustworthy DevOps service provider who can assist companies with implementing cloud technology is the best alternative.
Concluding…
It’s pretty close to accomplishing some duties with a robot. Small and medium-sized businesses are starting to recognize that it is already happening. It won’t be long before numerous industries use this technology as a standard procedure.
Before implementing robotic technology, businesses must ensure that a solid technological foundation is in place. If this is not done, there will undoubtedly be issues when introducing robot-driven automated systems.
It is advised that businesses get in touch with subject-matter specialists to configure the proper infrastructure for a successful robot operation. Failure to do so could lead to subpar computer systems that quickly become outdated and introduce legacy issues.
