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Autonomous robotics systems

Turnkey smart robotics solutions fostering transformation to autonomous operations.

Accenture at CES 2023 

Prepare to innovate, adapt and lead at the speed of life. 

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Why are smart robots different?

Conventional robotic systems have automated certain industrial operations for the past 50 years. Recent advancements in AI and computer vision technology have enabled a paradigm shift toward smart robotic systems that can be integrated into informational and operational systems while expanding use cases.

We believe smart robots are intelligent systems that can:

  • Collaborate with humans
  • Learn from their environment with sensors
  • Analyze data to continuously improve
  • Operate in dynamic unstructured environments

As we look ahead, smart robotic workcalls may be a requirement to achieve fully autonomous or "Dark" facilities.

Robotics is no longer science fiction

85%

Of organizations believe that professional or consulting service providers in robotics will be critical or helpful to their success.

68%

Of organizations expect to increase their spend in robotics by up to 5% per year.

54%

Of people will buy AI and applications services by 2024.

* Gartner surveyed 250 professionals who play a role in selecting, buying, or managing industrial physical robotics and related services in businesses with revenues of $500m+.

Scaled smart robotics delivers value

When deployed across a network of operations, smart robotic workcells generate a return on investment while tackling key challenges in physical operations today.

Address labor shortages

A global pandemic accelerated a decreasing workforce for physical operations. Robots collaborate with personnel to fill the void and meet demand.

Deliver high quality

Smart robots leverage computer vision and machine learning to reduce errors, shifting focus toward complex problems and strategic initiatives.

Drive down costs

With robotics as a service (RaaS), drive down initial capital expenditures (CAPEX) to create value and impact margins immediately.

 

Improve productivity and efficiencies

A fleet of smart robotic workcells can work together to increase throughput while making operations efficient by realigning the workforce.

Become sustainable

Smart robots continuously improve to reduce waste and energy, helping organizations reach their sustainability objectives.

Improve flexibility and resilience in production

Integrated smart robotic workcells use business and robot data to collaborate and dynamically operate, addressing variability in demand.

Challenges in deploying robots

Research* shows >75% of companies ramping up or optimizing their robotics capabilities, which means the benefits of robotic systems in physical operations are clear. However, while demand is growing, 37.5% of companies report worse than expected return on investment (RoI). They list the following reasons:

  • Longer than expected deployment times
  • High Implementation Costs
  • Inexperience in robotics design and customization
  • Inability to scale, operate, and maintain

How we help

As a turnkey smart robotics solution provider and operator, our capabilities are designed to address deployment challenges while guiding organizations through a robotics journey that generates a return on investment.

Smart robotics engineering & integration

Prioritize automation opportunities towards ROI and pre-engineer workcells to meet expected deployment times.

Services

  • Robotics Capability & Value Strategy
  • Use Case Identification
  • Site Assessment & Process Mapping
  • Work-Process Re-Engineering for Robotics
  • Autonomous Facility Planning

Ecosystem management & commercial modelling

Grow and maintain a strong ecosystem of vendor relationships and create commercial constructs to reduce implementation costs and meet robot demand.

Services

  • Financial Modelling & Commercial Constructs
  • Robot Vendor Management
  • RFP Management
  • Robot Procurement & Leasing Models
  • Robotics as a Service (RaaS) Models

Smart robotics engineering & integration

Simulate, prototype and develop smart robotic workcells that are integrated into business sytems.

Services

  • Workcell Physics & Plant-Level Simulation
  • Robotics Rapid Prototyping
  • Workcell Configuration & Customization
  • Warehouse Integration (WMS/WCS/WES)
  • Manufacturing Integration (MES)
  • Custom gripper & accessory design
  • Robot Data Security & Risk Management

Deployment, operation and maintenance

Standarize workcells to scale toward successful deployments and provide 24/7 operations and maintenance support to ensure uptime and performance

Services

  • First Deployment
  • Change Management & Operator Training
  • Network-Wide Deployment
  • AI Orchestration & Machine Learning Updates
  • Operations & Maintenance

Awards & recognition

Expertise you can build upon: Independent research organizations continuously recognize Accenture as a best-in-class provider of operations consulting, solutions, and services.

RECOGNIZED BY IDC MARKETSCAPE

IDC MarketScape Names Accenture a Smart Manufacturing Services Leader

A Worldwide leader in this 2021 report. Find out more.

RECOGNIZED AMONG

Verdantix 2020 Green Quadrant for Operational Excellence Digital Services

A leader in ’Operational Excellence Digital Services’ market worldwide.

RANKED NO.1 ON

HfS Top Ten Report for Industry 4.0 Services 2019

Accenture ranked No.1 overall for Industry 4.0 Services in 2019.

Acquisitions

Our capabilities are strengthened and expanded through key acquisitions that bring new strategy services and expertise to our clients at speed. Access to leading industry players and specialists gives your business a competitive edge.

Eclipse Automation

August 29, 2022: Combining advanced automation capabilities with Accenture’s deep digital expertise. Read more.

Pollux

April 8, 2021: Expanding Accenture’s industrial robotics and automation solutions. Read more.

Myrtle Consulting Group

October 9, 2020: To expand Industry X's manufacturing and supply chain capabilities. Read more.

SALT Solutions

 

October 30, 2020: Expanding Industry X’s digital manufacturing, operations and supply chain business in Germany. Read more.

 

Callisto Integration

 

May 5, 2020: Strengthens Industry X’s ability to make manufacturing more efficient and flexible. Read more.

 

What we think

Human Machine Interface and Experience

A new approach to warehouse automation

Accenture identified 4 key elements that are essential to warehouse operations that maximizes the returns from digital investments.

Industry X

Capture value from collaboration

Explore how to better connect your business functions.

Meet our lead

Joe Lui

Managing Director – Industry X, Autonomous Robotic Systems, Global Lead
LinkedIn

Related capabilities

Production and operations

Digitalizing and optimizing factories, plants and sites.

Intelligent asset management

The power of data and digital to increase asset reliability through self-optimizing operations.

Digital industrial workforce

Applying technology to improve the safety, productivity, experience and resilience of the industrial workforce.

Frequently asked questions

Smart robotic Systems combine the best of computer science and engineering to streamline and automate repeatable processes through autonomous robotics, specifically in manufacturing, distribution, and logistics. These systems utilize IIOT sensors and robots with autonomous solutions to learn from their environment, analyze data, and operate in dynamic, unstructured environments with human and machine collaboration.

Collaborative industrial robotics involves robots that are compact in size and can work alongside people safely through a quick and cost-effective introduction. The different types of industrial robots are Cartesian (moving in straight lines on 3 axes; SCARA (like Cartesian, but also with rotational movement); Articulated (a robotic arm with multiple rotary joints); Cylindrical (cylindrical work area with an extendable sliding arm); Parallel (three arms connecting to one base); Spherical (One arm with two rotary joints and one linear joint); and Cobots (involve human and machine collaboration).

Technology in robotics is ever-changing, and what is a hot topic in smart robotic systems today will probably be moved down the hot list next month or next year. A key robotics focus is for companies to simulate, prototype and develop smart robotic work cells that are integrated into business systems. This involves services like work cell-level (physics-based) and plant-level simulation, robotics rapid prototyping, work cell configuration and customization, warehouse integration (WMS/WCS/WES), and robot data security and risk management.

How robots are utilized in manufacturing varies depending on a variety of factors – but mainly the type of manufacturing business, the size of manufacturing business and the budget a company has for robotics and autonomous systems. Some of the more common manufacturing areas for robots are Product Assembly; Handling of Raw Materials; Material Movement; Welding; Painting; Filling; Sealing; and Product Handling and Packaging.

This content is provided for general information purposes and is not intended to be used in place of consultation with our professional advisors. This document refers to marks owned by third parties.  All such third-party marks are the property of their respective owners.  No sponsorship, endorsement or approval of this content by the owners of such marks is intended, expressed or implied.