The market for industrial robots continues to grow. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the global market value of installed systems has reached a new high of 16.7 billion US dollars. The drivers are technological advances, new fields of application and structural changes in industry and services.

Trend 1: More AI and autonomy in robotics

The focus is on the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI), which gives robots more autonomy. Analytical AI is used to evaluate large amounts of data, for example for predictive maintenance in factories or to optimize routes and resources in intralogistics. Generative AI expands these capabilities by enabling robots to develop new solutions, learn tasks independently and generate training data via simulation. This is supplemented by agentic AI, which combines analytical and generative AI to enable decisions to be made in complex real-world environments.

Trend 2: IT/OT convergence on the rise

Another trend is the closer integration of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT). Real-time data exchange between digital systems and physical control systems makes robots more flexible to use. IT/OT convergence is considered a central element of Industry 4.0 architectures and is intended to reduce data disruptions between planning, analysis and execution.

Trend 3: Humanoid robots are becoming more reliable and efficient

Humanoid robotics is becoming increasingly important. To date, applications have mainly focused on the automotive industry, but are also coming into focus in warehousing and manufacturing. Reliability, energy efficiency, maintenance requirements and short cycle times are crucial for industrial use. At the same time, standards define safety and performance requirements. Humanoid systems must also achieve a level of dexterity and productivity comparable to human workers in order to be economically viable.

Trend 4: Safety & security in robotics

With growing autonomy and networking, the requirements for safety and protection are increasing. Robot systems must be certified in accordance with ISO safety standards and operated within a clear liability framework. Greater integration into cloud and AI environments also increases the risk of cyberattacks on control systems and platforms. In addition, there are data protection issues when processing video, audio and sensor data as well as the limited traceability of decisions made by so-called black box models. These developments reinforce the demand for a binding legal and ethical framework.

Trend 5: Using robots to combat the shortage of skilled workers

Finally, the IFR sees robotics as a tool to combat the global shortage of skilled workers. Automation can compensate for unfilled positions, relieve employees and create new qualification profiles. The prerequisite is the early involvement of the workforce as well as accompanying training and further education programs that are supported by companies and government agencies.