By Anurodh Saxena
The Electric Vehicle market has grown rapidly in the last twenty years hence assisting in revolutionizing the automotive market to accept electric cars as opposed to the internal combustion (IC) engine. It is not a mere fancy but has become irreversible due to technological advancements in mechatronics and robotics, and the constant updates in electric motors and batteries. And at the same time robotics is entering the stage across industrial sectors, a new definitely promising society of automation is on the way. The integration of these technologies has a domino effect and is changing industries, transportation systems, and the human experience.
The Electric Vehicle Revolution: Moving from the negative impacts of IC engines
Nevertheless, due to climate change, pollution concerns, and technological advancements, electric vehicles are a more efficient and environmentally friendly option. As BloombergNEF indicates, the global electric vehicle sales hit 10.5 million units sold globally in 2022, accounting for about 14% of the total global new car registrations. This shift is already actively going on in developed markets like Europe where the sales of EVs crossed 20% of the market and has started gaining pace in emerging economic markets like India as well.
The market of electric vehicles is gradually taking off in India with the government promoting their sale by providing incentives and subsidies under the FAME scheme. The Indian electric two-wheeler market touched 600000 units in 2022 with YoY growth crossing 132%. Moreover, the intent of the government to include electrifying public transport is clear, as over 5,000 electric buses are plying the roads in India.
The advantages of EVs go beyond environmental impacts where exhaust emissions are the primary concern. They use electricity and have higher fuel efficiency, low operating costs, and dependence on fossil fuel is minimized. The other advantage of electric cars is the driving feel because electric motors are quiet, powerful, accelerate faster, and do not emit pollutants. In addition, advancements in thermal management systems and battery chemistries have contributed towards handling issues concerning the range and durability of electric cars thereby increasing their attractiveness to both consumers and operators of fleets.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles: Bridging the Gap
This is an area where HEVs are much more viable in most markets out there as we have just seen. Some innovative automobiles with an IC engine and an electric motor offer enhanced fuel economy rather than a complete reliance on batteries. This combination of electric and combustion engine also reduces range issues and high battery costs.
Fully electric and hybrid vehicles will continue to become more efficient because of advancement in battery technology. Since 2000, development costs in lithium-ion batteries have reduced by approximately 85 % while energy density increased by approximately 200 % or more which offers longer driving ranges and less charging time. Furthermore, there have been improvements to how thermal systems have been handled improving battery safety and performance under both extreme temperatures.
Mechatronics for EV and Robotics
At the core of both the electric vehicle and robotics industries lies a key technological frontier: mechatronics. This integration of mechanics, electronics, and controls has accelerated many advancements in electric motor accuracy, battery efficiency and management, and robotics. Modern control systems and the accuracy of electric motors in electric vehicles are changing the feel of handling. Highly efficient regenerative braking systems, improved vehicle dynamics, and self-driving features are no longer something from the near future but the reality that has made the EV industry one of the most revolutionary mechatronics industries in the world today.
Technology wise in robotics there is a continued improvement in the algorithms and controls which makes the machines to be efficient with time and able to perform various tasks. Fine motors, sophisticated sensors, and intelligent control methods facilitate the accomplishment of intricate operations with admirable precision. This progress was illustrated at the World Robot Conference that took place in China in August 2024 and where the most technologically innovative robots were introduced. Surgical robots for conducting complicated medical operations, flexible manufacturing robots, and utterly self-governing delivery robots are at the forefront of the next generation technologies.
The Dawn of Robotics: The Changing Society
When discussing the current and future development of the societies that are getting deeper into the 21st century, it is worth mentioning the role of robotics. From industrial factories and line productions to hospitality and tourism sectors, the utilization of robots have emerged gradually in executing tasks which are conventionally assigned to human beings to effect efficiency and safety. There has been improved efficiency in the manufacturing sector through the introduction of robots which has improved the rate of production. The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) estimates that there are now more than 3 million industrial robots installed in factories globally, while the robotics market as a whole is anticipated to increase by 30% annually over the upcoming five years.
However, outside of industry, robotics is set to become an increasingly important part of people’s lives. Self-driving cars based on the concurrent robotics and mechatronics technology will change urban transport systems, decreasing traffic density and crashes. Moxi and similar service robots are already being adopted in sectors such as hospitals where patients are served and given high quality experiences.
Conclusion: The Convergence of Technologies
The advances in electric vehicles and the emergence of robotics are two distinct but related technological disciplines that have many connections: mechatronics in particular has applications within both markets. The transition to electric vehicles from internal combustion engines is filling the gap, and improvements in battery technology and motor controlling are making them more realistic than before. At the same time, robotics is revolutionizing industries and societies, as it has the potential to enhance the productivity, safety, and convenience of many aspects of life that are still not fully understood at the moment.
The changes are not only technical, such as the transition to electric cars and robotics, but about change in the future. It is impossible not to wonder that these technologies will revolutionize the way people exist, perform activities, and interact with their environments. The next few decades are sure to see even more revolutionary advancements in mechatronics as the foundation for industries across the board.
About the author: Anurodh Saxena is a Subject Expert on Automotive & Robotics Systems Engineer
Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of Financial Express Online. Reproducing this content without permission is prohibited.
