Cloud robotics: a review of technologies, developments and applications

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to provide an insight into the current state of cloud robotics developments, technology and applications. Design/methodology/approach Following a short introduction, this paper first considers the potential benefits of cloud robotics. It discusses cloud service providers and then considers a range of recent applications and developments involving humanoid, mobile and industrial robots. This is followed by details of some recent market entrants and their developments. Finally, brief concluding comments are drawn. Findings Cloud robotics is a rapidly developing technology made possible by the current ubiquitous internet connectivity and the growing number of powerful cloud computing services available. Benefits include access to big data sets, open-source algorithms, code and programmes, massively powerful parallel or grid computing and the sharing of information between robots. The technology has been applied successfully to humanoid, industrial, mobile and other classes of robots, often through direct collaborations between robot manufacturers and major IT companies. Several new companies have been established in very recent years to exploit the capabilities of cloud robotic technologies. Originality/value Cloud robotics is a highly topical and rapidly developing field, and this paper provides a detailed insight into recent developments and applications.