10 technologies to avoid when building a robot

Developing a successful robot requires careful selection of technologies. Poor choices can lead to costly setbacks, reliability issues, or future-proofing problems. Drawing from the extensive experience of our work at OLogic, which specializes in robotics and consumer electronics, here are 10 technologies to avoid to ensure your robot is scalable, reliable, innovative, and manufacturable.

1. Outdated microcontrollers

Outdated microcontrollers (MCUs) can limit your robot’s capabilities by restricting processing power and energy efficiency. With robotics increasingly demanding edge computing and AI features, using obsolete MCUs reduces flexibility and adaptability. Advanced options like NVIDIA Jetson or MediaTek’s AIoT platform offer the necessary processing power for modern robots​.

2. Proprietary software ecosystems

While proprietary software platforms can seem like a secure choice due to their comprehensive support, they often impose limitations on flexibility and scalability. Open-source software ecosystems, such as the Robot Operating System (ROS), allow for greater customization and integration with other systems. In the future it will give your robotics product more room to evolve​. On this list of 10 technologies to avoid in robotics, this one is very important.

3. Single-function sensors

In an era where multi-functional and smart sensors dominate the robotics landscape, single-function sensors are becoming outdated. Advanced sensors like LIDAR, depth cameras made by companies like Intel or Orbbec, or AI-enhanced vision systems, offer versatility and precision in complex environments. Avoid the temptation to use single-function sensors like sonar, as they can significantly limit your robot’s abilities​. Intel is spinning off its RealSense division as a standalone company.

The Intel RealSense D421 Depth Module. | Credit: Intel

4. Legacy Communication Protocols

Robots increasingly rely on fast, secure, and scalable communication systems, especially in IoT environments. Outdated protocols like Zigbee or old Bluetooth versions may seem cost-effective, but they can’t match the speed or reliability of newer standards like Wi-Fi 6, BLE 5.0, or 5G. Sticking to legacy communication systems can hinder your robot’s ability to operate efficiently, especially in complex environments with high network demands​.

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5. USB connections

While USB is commonly used for connectivity, it’s a risky choice in robotics applications due to its instability in environments with constant movement and vibration. USB connectors are prone to issues like re-enumeration or system hanging, often triggered by the motion of a robot. For critical systems, consider more stable and rugged alternatives like Ethernet or GMSL and ruggedized connectors to prevent random disconnections during operations​. This is another critical item in our list of 10 technologies to avoid in robotics.

6. Non-locking connectors

In moving robotics applications, non-locking connectors are a frequent point of failure. Standard consumer grade connectors tend to loosen or disconnect due to constant vibration and movement, causing unpredictable performance issues. Locking connectors, such as those used in industrial and automotive applications, ensure a secure and reliable connection even in challenging environments​. Avoid using non-locking connectors in any application where stability is crucial and use locking ones from companies like Molex or JST.

7. Low-bandwidth data processing

Robotics applications often involve the processing of large amounts of sensor data in real-time. Opting for low-bandwidth data processing systems can create bottlenecks, slowing down decision-making and impacting the robot’s performance in dynamic environments. Using high-bandwidth, edge computing solutions enables faster and more accurate data processing, which is essential for tasks like obstacle detection, navigation, and manipulation​. Just having a WiFi connection to the robot is usually not enough. Having access to a 4G or 5G network in parallel is essential to uninterrupted connectivity.

8. Cheap wiring harnesses or tin connectors

Cheap wiring harnesses and tin-plated connectors might seem like a way to cut costs, but they can lead to significant reliability issues, especially in robotics applications where durability and consistent connectivity are crucial. Tin connectors, in particular, are prone to oxidation over time, which can result in poor conductivity and even complete system failures. Cheap wiring harnesses can suffer from poor insulation or weak connections, leading to intermittent electrical failures, signal loss, or even short circuits. Opt for high-quality materials, such as gold-plated connectors and robust wiring.

9. Non-modular mechanical designs

A non-modular design locks your robot into a fixed configuration, making future upgrades or customizations difficult. Modular mechanical designs provide the flexibility to easily swap components, adjust to new technologies, and accommodate future expansions. This is particularly important in industries where robotics applications must evolve rapidly to meet new challenges. Robot serviceability is critical with fielded products. Make sure your mechanical engineering is optimized for deployment at scale.

10. Battery technologies with poor energy density

Robots rely on efficient power management to perform for extended periods, especially in mobile applications. Opting for batteries with poor energy density limits operating time and increases downtime for recharging. Out-dated battery technologies like sealed-lead-acid (SLA) or older prismatic lithium batteries. Instead, focus on advanced battery technologies like lithium-iron-phosphate, which offer higher energy density and longer operational lifespans​.

Conclusion

In the complicated, multi-disciplined field of robotics, it is crucial to make informed decisions about which technologies to embrace and which to avoid. This list can definitely help you in your next project. By steering clear of outdated microcontrollers, non-locking connectors, USB in unstable environments, and other technologies mentioned above, you can build a robot that is more reliable, scalable, and ready for future demands.

With guidance from experienced firms like OLogic, your product development will stay ahead of the curve.

Editor’s Note: This article was republished with permission from OLogic.

About the Author

Ted Larson is the CEO of OLogic, a research and development outsourcing company with a focus on robotics. OLogic has worked on products for companies such as Hasbro, Facebook, Google, Motorola, HP, and Amazon. Larson is computer software and electronics expert with 30+ years of experience designing and building commercial products.

Prior to OLogic, he founded an internet software company called the Urbanite Network, a web server content publishing platform for media customers, and grew the company to over 70 employees, and raised over $10 million in private equity and venture capital. Prior to Urbanite, Larson held positions at Hewlett-Packard, Iomega, and the Los Alamos National Laboratory. He has both a BS and MS in computer science from Cal-Poly, San Luis Obispo.

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