Trends and Knowledge Structure in Collaborative Robot Research in the Knowledge Economy Era: A Bibliometric Analysis

In recent years, collaborative robots have emerged as a prominent research area in the modern work environment of the knowledge-based economy. However, the systematic and comprehensive analysis of literature on collaborative robots, particularly in relation to the knowledge-based economy, has been lacking. This study employs bibliometric analysis to delve into the trends and knowledge structure within the field of collaborative robots, with the aim of gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the interplay between collaborative robot technology and the knowledge-based economy. Analyzing 900 records from the Web of Science database, the research reveals an exponential growth in collaborative robots’ research since 2016, partly attributed to the influence of the ISO/TS 15066 standard. However, this growth trend is not only confined to the academic sphere but has also exerted profound influences in the industrial sector. Taking highly cited research outcomes as an example, these findings not only spark extensive discussions within academia but also find practical applications in the industrial realm, offering crucial support for production and innovation. The research in the field of collaborative robots encompasses various key topics such as control, perception, optimization, design, and human factors engineering, reflecting its interdisciplinary nature. Through keyword co-occurrence analysis, researchers can gain a better understanding of research hotspots, trends, and application directions. This study fills a gap in the literature on bibliometric research in the field of collaborative robots, providing foundational data and research categorization for initial investigations. It underscores the significance of collaborative robot technology in the context of the knowledge-based economy and offers potential research directions for the future.