Hexagon sees leadership in measurement and positioning technology as a potentially key differentiator in a fast-growing global robotics market after announcing the launch of a dedicated robotics division.
Division president Arnaud Robert said Hexagon aimed to leverage progress in measurement technologies, AI and autonomous systems to advance humanoid robotics and help customers achieve true autonomy. He said AI, simulation, and reinforcement learning breakthroughs were unlocking the potential of robotic systems, allowing them to become more autonomous and navigate intricate environments and accomplish complex tasks.
Interim Hexagon CEO Norbert Hanke said: “Robotics has always been a core innovation pillar at Hexagon. From total stations and drones for construction to laser trackers for manufacturing and off-road autonomy for mining and agriculture, we have continuously pioneered accurate autonomous systems leveraging robotics.
“Today, we are taking the next step by creating a dedicated robotics division to leverage investments we have made over the last few years and develop autonomous solutions to complement a shrinking, ageing and changing workforce.”
Robert said the robotics division would focus on industrial applications.
McKinsey said in a 2023 report based on a survey of 188 industrial automation users and vendors that advanced manufacturing technologies such as digital twins, robots capable of teaching themselves and devices that could do their own programming would become commonplace in the future.
“These trends will enable a software-defined paradigm for industrial automation,” it said.
“It is harder to predict when this future will arrive. It may come in 15 years but it also may come in five years, depending on the speed of technological advances and their adoption in different industrial sectors.
“Which time frame turns out to be correct has important implications for companies’ near-term strategies.”
