John Edwards, Technology Journalist & AuthorApril 18, 20255 Min ReadA multi-purpose robodog called Spot at a new technology fair in Turin, Italy, 2021Wirestock, Inc. via Alamy Stock PhotoAs technology advances, attention is rapidly turning toward polyfunctional robots, which incorporate a design and intelligent software that enables them to handle more than one task. Some models are adaptable enough to learn on the job, allowing them to fulfill tasks they weren't originally designed to handle. Liz James, a managing consultant with advisory firm NCC Group, describes polyfunctional robots as robotics systems designed for a wide range of different assignments rather than the single, highly optimized task. "Behind the technology is a desire to increase automation and reduce labor costs," she explains in an email interview. Growth Drivers The future of polyfunctional robots lies in their adaptability and ability to seamlessly integrate into connected systems, says Rodger Desai, CEO of secure identity verification provider Prove. "These robots are no longer limited to a single task," he says in an online interview. "They are evolving into generalists, capable of performing a wide range of functions, from assembly lines to medical assistance." In logistics environments, for example, robots are evolving from task-specific pick-and-place units to adaptive systems capable of sorting, packing, and inspecting while responding to real-time operational changes. Related:At Work Polyfunctional robots are already revolutionizing data center management, particularly in hardware maintenance and environmental monitoring, says Nick Esposito, founder of NYCServers, an IT infrastructure and hosting provider. In an email interview, he points to a colleague who manages a 50,000-square-foot facility that uses polyfunctional robots equipped with sensors and modular tools to perform various essential tasks, such as replacing faulty drives and checking server temperatures. "These robots quickly identify hot spots that could cause hardware failures and then replace components, saving hours compared to manual processes," he explains. Previously, separate teams handled hardware and environmental monitoring, resulting in delays and inefficiencies. "Now, a single robot performs both roles resulting in faster response times and fewer disruptions." Evolving AI and machine learning technologies will further accelerate polyfunctional robot trends, allowing adopters to autonomously analyze and improve workflows, Desai says. "This will make them indispensable in industries with high variability, such as e-commerce and agriculture, where conditions change on a daily basis," he says. "Just as cloud-based systems reduce programming complexity, polyfunctional robot adoption will spread to smaller businesses, which are currently falling behind large enterprises in robotics integration." Related:Market Players Boston Dynamics is among several leading polyfunctional robot manufacturers. One of the firm's mobile robots is Spot, which is targeted at construction and oil industries where it's used to conduct inspections and make data-driven decisions aimed at reducing manual labor costs while improving worker safety. "Additionally, Boston Dynamics' Stretch robot is transforming logistics, allowing companies, such as DHL, to automate warehouse unloading, increasing efficiency by as much as 25%," says Stanislav Khilobochenko, a vice president at medical device manufacturer at Clario in an online interview. On the industrial side, ABB Robotics offers YuMi, a robot that works on assembly lines, supporting human-robot collaboration in electronics and automotive manufacturing. Khilobochenko notes that YuMi recently assisted a major European manufacturer by reducing production time while maintaining precision in complex assembly tasks. Innovative robotics makers succeed because they invest in versatility and integration, Khilobochenko observes. "Boston Dynamics focuses on adaptability, making their robots useful across multiple industries," he says. "ABB thrives on precision and scalability, having formed partnerships with major corporations such as BMW and Nestlé." Related:Future Outlook With advancements in modular design and interoperability, polyfunctional robots have the potential to reshape industries by increasing efficiency, flexibility, and scalability across a wide range of applications, Desai says. James, meanwhile, expects polyfunctional robot adoption to grow steadily in settings where relatively low-skill and low-complexity tasks are currently handled by humans. "This is especially true in logistics and freight tasks, where there has already been significant investment in specialized robotic solutions." Remote facility monitoring is likely to gain widespread adoption in the near future, James says. "This is already being trialed by some infrastructure operators, using mobile robotics platforms and computer vision to take periodic measurements and/or samples around key areas." She also anticipates the arrival of "porter robots" delivering food and beverages to tables in restaurants. "I can also see this potentially being applied to ... porter functions in hospitals and care facilities, too." The Human Element It's important to ensure that the human element isn’t lost within the polyfunctional hype, James says. "As with automation, there's a potential for large parts of the economy to be impacted by this technology, and that could harm people who currently survive performing basic tasks," she explains. "These polyfunctional technologies should be rolled out in a very considered way, both at a societal level and at an individual organizational level." About the AuthorJohn EdwardsTechnology Journalist & AuthorJohn Edwards is a veteran business technology journalist. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and numerous business and technology publications, including Computerworld, CFO Magazine, IBM Data Management Magazine, RFID Journal, and Electronic Design. He has also written columns for The Economist's Business Intelligence Unit and PricewaterhouseCoopers' Communications Direct. John has authored several books on business technology topics. His work began appearing online as early as 1983. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, he wrote daily news and feature articles for both the CompuServe and Prodigy online services. His "Behind the Screens" commentaries made him the world's first known professional blogger.See more from John EdwardsReportsMore ReportsNever Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.SIGN-UPYou May Also Like