Is now the time to invest in robotics startups?

by 23rd of September, 2016

Is now the time to invest in robotics startups?

Could your next investment be the best you ever make? What if it could also help change the world? These are the questions that drive non-manufacturing applications of humanoid robotics. If that all sounds like sci-fi magic, let us break down why robotics is about to transform the way we look at business.

Innovation through automation

There were a record number of global published patents for robotics technologies in 2013.

The first thing to do is understand the use of robotics in our lives. Industrial robots are the most commonplace, and generally look like a single arm that performs one or two pre-defined actions on a conveyor belt or automated assembly line.

Domestic robotics could be anything including smart vacuum cleaners, pool cleaners, or automated security systems. Service robots, on the other hand, are created to display advances in technology or to further research across all areas of robotics.

You'll notice a key word above was automation, and with attitudes towards consumerism moving towards instantaneous production, there's no surprise that robotics will be involved in a monumental way.

Consumers are demanding faster production and turn-around times, with many companies now promoting same day or hour delivery, express production and more to meet the public's requests. If this trend continues, it could greatly affect the types of businesses or franchises for sale in the near future.

The industrial job gap

According to a report by Manpower discussing the future of manufacturing, there are an estimated 600,000 unfilled job positions in the US alone. A combination of existing employees retiring and new technology being introduced will require both employees and businesses to rethink how they approach production and delivery. This may mean that everything from cafes to franchises and industrial facilities will require individuals to be skilled in specialised areas such as robotics maintenance.

It's not just manufacturing that is set to see a robotic revolution either. PricewaterhouseCoopers states there were a record number of global published patents for robotics technologies in 2013. Indicating a sharp increase from around 1,400 in 2004, the number of patents surpassed 5,000 in 2013, with many of the investments coming from outside traditional manufacturing.

For anyone buying a business, it will pay to consider the statistics. In just under ten years, we have almost tripled our robotics applications, redefined how we create and deliver products through automation and 3D printing, and brought humanoid robotics closer to reality than ever before. The only question is, will you help create the robotic future or wait for it to happen?

To keep up with all the latest trends in buying and selling a business, get in touch with Bsale today.