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Smart Robots 101
About Jari Haiston
Jari Haiston is a Marketing Communications Lead at the Exponential Technology Group (XTG). Leveraging nearly a decade of technical writing and marketing experience, she supports Braemac Americas and other XTG brands through specialized technical content creation, social media management, and on-page SEO/AEO/GEO strategy. Jari focuses on translating complex technologies into clear, engaging content that helps engineers, decision-makers, and innovators drive real-world impact.
The future of smart robots has arrived. Adopted in nearly every industry from manufacturing facilities to retail and healthcare, robotics is an essential tool that’s improving efficiency, safety, and supporting automated environments.
What is a Smart Robot?
By definition, a smart robot an AI-enabled autonomous system equipped with advanced sensing, decision-making, and learning capabilities. Unlike their traditional counterparts, smart robots can learn from experience, expand their skill sets over time, and continuously improve their performance based on acquired knowledge.
A smart robot is an intelligent machine that uses:
- Sensors (e.g., cameras, lidar, microphones, touch sensors) to perceive its surroundings
- AI algorithms (such as machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing) to interpret information
- Actuators (motors, grippers, wheels, etc.) to take physical action
- Autonomous decision-making to choose actions without human control
In comparison, the main differences between traditional industrial robots and smart robots revolve around utility, adaptability, and the ability to interact with humans.
Types of Smart Robots
Smart robots, sometimes referred to as collaborative robots, or cobots, collaborate with users to perform tasks. Focusing on flexible user-friendly workflows, applications of cobots highlight use cases where humans and machines work side by side.
Recent industry reports show the global smart robot market was valued at $14.4 billion in 2024 and is expected to continue growing significantly over the next decade, with estimates reaching over $50 billion by the early 2030s as automation expands across industries like manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and consumer applications.
There are several categories of robots. Industrial robots are common in IIoT sectors and include:
- Articulated robots
- Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm (SCARA) robots
- Delta robots
- Cartesian/Gantry robots
Smart Robots Enter Consumer Market
In consumer sectors, smart robots, often classified as service robots, are increasingly being encountered in daily life. Many of us are familiar with the Roomba, a household robot that keeps your floor clean without users having to lift a finger – unless your Roomba consistently gets stuck between the ottoman and the floor, like mine.
The demand for smart robots that can assist with household chores is on the rise. Global Newswire found that “The Global Household Robot Market (henceforth referred to as the market studied) was valued at USD 6.81 billion in 2021. It is expected to reach USD 21.94 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 20.50% during 2022-2027.”
Source: Maytronics
Maytronics has taken the idea of smart vacuums into aquatic environments. Boasting a “sparkling pool in under two hours,” the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus saves customers time and effort in maintaining the cleanliness of their pool. A plug-and-play solution, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus can climb walls (something the Roomba hasn’t quite mastered yet), has an easily accessible top-load filter, and is efficient in reducing water, chemicals, and energy usage.
The momentum behind smart home robotics doesn’t end at smart vacuums. Amazon’s Astro, is a smart home robot on wheels that features eyes, a rotating screen, and other compelling interactive qualities. With a namesake straight from the Jetsons’ and characteristics as familiar as WALL-E’s, Astro demonstrates how modern robots are becoming more approachable and user friendly.
Equipped with microphones, cameras, and sensors, Astro can:
- Complete demands like those found in Amazon Echo devices (sending reminders, making video calls, reporting the weather, etc.)
- Deliver items like beverages to occupants and guests throughout your home
- Be utilized for security purposes through alerts of unrecognized persons in the home or certain sounds
Source: The Verge
The trending theme surrounding household robots revolves around utility. In smart home environments, developers and consumers alike seek technology that streamlines everyday tasks. There are a variety of market-ready solutions to meet smart home robotics needs, including:
- Grill cleaning robots
- Education robots
- Window cleaning robots
- Home assistant companion robots
Develop Smart Robotics Innovations with Solutions Now Available at Braemac Americas
To develop a comprehensive smart robotics device, designers must define:
- Application & Use Case - Determines the required sensing, processing, and control components.
- Operating Environment - For example, low visibility applications require solutions like Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors. Whereas high altitude application will require barometric pressure sensors.
- Power Requirements - Battery chemistry, capacity, and efficiency needs.
- Connectivity - Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, ultra-wideband (UWB), or other wireless standards.
- Motor Type - Selected based on torque, precision, and efficiency targets.
Fortunately, Braemac Americas is a one-stop destination for smart robotics innovation. As a trusted electronic component distributor with over 40 years of industry success, we support engineers and innovators alike with a broad portfolio of best-in-class robotics solutions.
From collaborative robots in industrial environments to service robots designed for everyday use, we provide the components, expertise, and guidance needed to improve efficiency, safety, and usability. With a focus on real-world applications, Braemac Americas helps teams implement automation solutions that meet the evolving demands of modern robotics.
Image | Manufacturer | Part Number | Description | Data Sheet | Pricing | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Arduino | AFX00002 | Programmable Logic Controllers - PLCs PRO Opta WiFi Carrier |  | 1: $201.49 | |
 | Digi International | CC-WMX-YC7D-KN | System-On-Modules - SOM ConnectCore 93 Dual, i.MX 93 Dual A55, M33, NPU, 1GB LPDDR4, 8GB eMMC, -40/+85C, Wi-Fi 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.3 | | 1: $141.09 | |
 | Ezurio (Formerly Laid Connectivity) | T700_SMARC_SOM_4R16E | System-On-Modules - SOM Tungsten700 SMARC SOM: Genio 700 / 4GB / 16GB eMMC / 0 to +70C | | 1: $178.46 | |
 | Lantronix | LOQ-8550-EVK | Development Boards & Kits - Other Processors Open-Q 8550 SIP Android Dev Kit, HDMI & Camera Adapter Board, WiFi & BT Antennas | | 1: $1,400.00 | |
 | MediaTek | GENIO_510_EVK | Development Boards & Kits - ARM Genio 510 Evaluation Kit | | 1: $1,248.75 | |
 | Synaptics | 720-000275-01 | Development Boards & Kits - ARM SL1680 Astra Machina dev kit Commercial-grade (32G eMMC/4GB DRAM/43752 WiFi6 2x2) | 1: $275.03 | ||
 | TDK InvenSense | EV_ICU-20201-00 | Distance Sensor Development Tool Chirp Evaluation Kit for ICU-20201. Plugs into DK-x0201 | | ||
 | u-blox | EVK-MAYA-W276-00C | Multiprotocol Development Tools Eval. kit MAYA-W276 | | 1: $199.00 |
Smart Robotics Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a smart robot?
A smart robot is an AI-powered robotic system that can learn from its environment and past experiences and adapt its behavior in real time. Unlike a traditional industrial robot, a smart robot can respond to changes, make decisions, and often interact with humans.
What is the difference between a traditional industrial robot and a smart robot?
The difference between a traditional industrial robot and a smart robot lies in flexibility and interaction. Traditional industrial robots typically operate on fixed assembly lines and perform repetitive tasks, while smart robots use AI and sensors to adapt to changing conditions and support more dynamic automation solutions.
What are collaborative robots (cobots)?
Collaborative robots, or cobots, are smart robots specifically designed to interact with humans safely in shared workspaces. Applications of cobots include packaging, inspection, and light manufacturing tasks where flexible and user-friendly operation is essential.
What are common collaborative robot applications?
Common collaborative robot applications include material handling, assembly assistance, quality inspection, and machine tending. These tasks benefit from real-time feedback and allow humans and robots to work side by side without extensive safety barriers.
What are service robots?
Service robots are robots designed to assist people outside of traditional industrial environments. Service robots are commonly used in homes, healthcare, retail, and hospitality to perform tasks like cleaning, delivery, monitoring, and personal assistance.
How are smart robots used in consumer environments?
Smart robots in consumer environments are used to automate everyday tasks such as vacuuming, pool cleaning, security monitoring, and home assistance. These AI-powered systems focus on convenience, efficiency, and user-friendly interaction.
What are key robotics requirements when developing a smart robot?
Key robotics requirements when developing a smart robot include defining the intended application, understanding the operating environment, selecting appropriate sensors, determining power and battery needs, choosing connectivity protocols, and identifying the correct motors to support performance goals.
Why are smart robots important for modern automation solutions?
Smart robots are important for modern automation solutions because they increase efficiency, improve safety, and enable flexible operations across industries. By supporting collaborative robot applications and real-time decision-making, smart robots help businesses scale and adapt more effectively.
About Jari Haiston
Jari Haiston is a Marketing Communications Lead at the Exponential Technology Group (XTG). Leveraging nearly a decade of technical writing and marketing experience, she supports Braemac Americas and other XTG brands through specialized technical content creation, social media management, and on-page SEO/AEO/GEO strategy. Jari focuses on translating complex technologies into clear, engaging content that helps engineers, decision-makers, and innovators drive real-world impact.
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