Robotics and Automation Trends to Watch

2025: Autonomy’s tipping point. What seemed like science fiction just years ago is now our reality. Watching humanoid robots like AgiBot and XPeng's latest creations mimic human-like movements with their tens of joints and hundreds of degrees of freedom, it's clear—2025 isn't just another year in tech; it's the year autonomy becomes mainstream. The streets of San Francisco tell a compelling story: Waymo now commands 22% of taxi journeys. Tesla's vision-based fleet learning and the mighty Dojo supercomputer push boundaries for Full Self-driving with a different approach. Meanwhile, BYD is democratising ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) by making it standard across their lineup. But this revolution extends far beyond our roads. In 2024, we saw around 300,000 industrial automation installations in China alone, addressing labour shortages and efficiency demands. These aren't just robots – they're becoming collaborative partners in our industrial future. The transformation is everywhere: • John Deere's AI-powered tractors working 20-hour days, revolutionising agriculture • Robotic surgery and AI-driven drug discovery reshaping healthcare • Autonomous systems dramatically changing defence and security operations • Smart cities integrating autonomous systems for everything from traffic to waste management, and energy efficiency. What's most striking is that 80% of enterprises are already embracing AI, from customer service to financial analysis (note that just 20% are leaders). Fulfilment centres hum with advanced robotics, while AI agents are beginning to transform sales, healthcare, and hiring. The trajectory is clear: by 2030, 95% of new vehicles are expected to feature Level 4 or 5 autonomy. Last year's 20 million cars with Level 2 automation were just the beginning. 2025 isn't just another year – it's the inflection point where autonomy becomes the norm rather than the exception. The question isn't if your industry will be transformed but how quickly this autonomous revolution will take hold.

The future of manufacturing probably does not look like a humanoid robot walking through a dark factory. It looks more like a 60-person machine shop quietly buying its second cobot. That’s the real story unfolding underneath the robotics hype cycle right now. While headlines chase AGI demos and humanoid moonshots, SMEs are deploying palletizing cells, machine-tending cobots, low-code automation tools, and Robotics-as-a-Service models that actually solve immediate labor and production problems. And honestly, that matters far more to the economy most of us actually live in. Most manufacturers in the U.S., UK, Germany, Japan, and across much of the industrial world have fewer than 250 employees. These companies are facing: ⚙️ Labor shortages 📦 Demand volatility 💸 Thin margins 🧰 Limited engineering bandwidth For many of them, automation is no longer about “innovation.” It’s about survival. This week's Six Degrees of Robotics dives into: 🤖 Why SMEs are finally buying robots 📈 The rise of cobots and RaaS 🏭 The real deployment patterns happening on factory floors 🌍 Why industrial policy is still too focused on giga-projects 🦺 The workforce, safety, and standards challenges hiding underneath the growth The companies quietly deploying their first robot today may matter more to the future of manufacturing than the flashy humanoid demo everyone reposted this morning. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/eKG6r3jY

Robotics is no longer about hardware — it’s about who owns the data. When RealMan Robotics opened its data training center in Beijing, it wasn’t just creating another research hub — it was signaling the industry’s shift from hardware-driven innovation to data-driven performance. For years, robotics progress centered on building faster autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), stronger arms, and more precise sensors. But performance is hitting diminishing returns. The real bottleneck? Training data. Robots generate massive sensory streams, but without curated datasets, algorithms don’t improve. That’s why structured data pipelines have become the “conveyor belts” of the AI era. We’re seeing this across industries and geographies: • ROVR Network’s open dataset is democratizing access, much like ImageNet did for computer vision. • NVIDIA and Qualcomm are embedding compute at the edge, ensuring robots learn from local feedback in real time. • Siemens’ Shanghai plant reported a 350% efficiency leap — not from better robots, but from data-driven orchestration across fleets. • John Deere’s acquisition of GUSS Automation signals that agricultural robotics is following the same path: the value is in data loops, not just machines. The strategic play is clear: robotics differentiation is moving from hardware to data-driven adaptability. For operators, this means three things: • Data becomes the moat. Running robots today train the models that will dominate tomorrow. • Partnerships will shift. Expect joint ventures between OEMs, logistics providers, and manufacturers to pool datasets. • Competitive advantage compounds. Companies that build proprietary feedback loops will accelerate past those who just buy off-the-shelf robots. The critical question for leaders: are you just automating tasks—or building the dataset that future-proofs your operation? I put together the most comprehensive weekly newsletter on automation, robotics and innovation driving intralogistics, supply chains, and e-commerce. ↓ https://lnkd.in/evrCrS2P

The single biggest trend in robotics right now is not any one technology. It is the convergence of three forces simultaneously: 1. Big Tech commitment. In one week (March 24, 2026), Amazon acquired a humanoid company, Google partnered its best AI with 20,000 robots, and Toyota deployed humanoids commercially. 2. Capital at scale. Over $4 billion flowed into Physical AI startups in March alone -- Mind Robotics ($500M), Rhoda AI ($450M), and more. 3. A new business model. Toyota's Agility Digit deal runs at $30/hour under robots-as-a-service. That changes the math for every manufacturer. The trend that is still underrepresented? Tactile sensing -- giving robots the ability to feel what they touch. As someone who has spent over 15 years developing electronic skin at NUS, I believe the companies that solve touch will define the next decade of automation. What do you think? Share your thoughts below:

Robots are leaving the lab. In our Tech Trends 2026 report, I was privilege to be one of the co-authors of the Physical AI chapter (with Jim Rowan, Tim Gaus)—looking at how vision‑language‑action models, onboard NPUs, and modern robotics are pushing autonomous systems from pilots into production. What’s changing: • Physical AI turns robots into adaptive machines that perceive, reason, and act in real time—far beyond preprogrammed automation.  • Onboard compute allows split‑second decisions without cloud dependency, which is critical for safety‑critical environments.  • Economics are improving fast: component commoditization and advanced manufacturing are bringing reliability and scale. Where it’s real: • Amazon’s millionth robot—coordinated by DeepFleet AI—improved fleet travel efficiency ~10%.  • BMW plants have vehicles driving themselves through testing and finishing routes.  • Waymo has passed 10 million paid robotaxi rides; Aurora is hauling freight driverlessly between Dallas and Houston.  • Cities are using AI‑powered drones for bridge inspections; Detroit launched an accessible autonomous shuttle service. Humanoids on the horizon: UBS estimates ~2 million humanoids in workplaces by 2035 and a US$30–50B TAM—driven first by logistics and health care use cases, then consumer scenarios as cost curves fall. What still needs work: Sim‑to‑real training gaps, comprehensive safety governance, cybersecurity for connected fleets, and orchestration across heterogeneous robots. The next 18–24 months will be defined by organizations that tackle these fundamentals. https://lnkd.in/esiAtMN6 Firms like Agility Robotics • Apptronik • Figure • Sanctuary AI • 1X • Cobot • Tesla Optimus • Boston Dynamics • Diligent Robotics • NVIDIA are paving the way to the future. #PhysicalAI #Robotics #Humanoids #Logistics #Manufacturing #Healthcare #SmartCities

AI, Robotics, and Clean Energy Are Transforming 80% of the World’s Jobs For the last few years, most discussions about AI and automation have focused on knowledge work: coders, analysts, writers, lawyers, marketers. But according to the World Economic Forum’s 2025 “Jobs of Tomorrow” report, that’s only part of the story — and increasingly, not the most important one. The real transformation is happening in the work that keeps the world running: . Agriculture . Manufacturing . Construction . Retail & Trade . Transport & Logistics . Business & Management . Healthcare Together, these seven job-families represent 80% of the global workforce — and every one of them is being reshaped by four technologies: Artificial intelligence, robotics, clean energy systems, and connected digital infrastructure. In boardrooms, AI is often discussed through a white-collar lens: productivity tools, coding assistants, or knowledge retrieval systems. But across the globe, change is already underway in very different environments. 1. In agriculture, AI-driven drones monitor crops and distribute fertilizers precisely, reducing waste and increasing yields. 2. In construction, semi-automated equipment is making sites safer and less physically demanding. 3. In healthcare, sensor networks and robotics are supporting medical teams under strain. 4. In logistics, predictive systems are optimizing routes and fuel use. 5. In retail, digital platforms and robotics are redefining supply chains and fulfillment. This isn’t a “future scenario.” It’s today — unfolding quietly, and often away from the spotlight of AI headlines. What Leaders Should Focus On 1. Bring AI strategy beyond the office. Future competitiveness depends on how technology diffuses into operations, logistics, and frontline work — not just digital functions. 2. Invest in large-scale reskilling. Skills in robotics maintenance, energy systems, and digital coordination are becoming as vital as data literacy once was. 3. Design technology with inclusion in mind. Adoption that deepens divides is bad business. Technology that expands opportunity creates resilience. 4.Build human-machine collaboration models. The goal is not substitution, but synergy — a workforce that combines human creativity with machine precision.

One of our most anticipated reports each year is out—a comprehensive look at the most significant tech trends unfolding today, from agentic AI to the future of mobility to bioengineering. It provides CEOs with insights on how to embrace frontier technology that has the potential to transform industries and create new opportunities for growth.   Here’s my top-line take: —Equity investments rose in 10 out of 13 tech trends in 2024, with 7 of those trends recovering from declines in the previous year. This rebound signals growing confidence in emerging technologies. —We're witnessing a significant shift in autonomous systems going from pilots to practical applications. Systems like robots and digital agents, are not only executing tasks but also learning and adapting. Agentic AI saw a $1.1 billion equity investment in 2024 alone. —The interface between humans and machines is becoming more natural and intuitive. Advances in immersive training environments, haptic robotics, voice-driven copilots, and sensor-enabled wearables are making technology more responsive to human needs. —And, of course, the AI effect stands out as both a powerful trend in its own right and a foundational amplifier of others. AI is accelerating robotics training, advancing bioengineering discoveries, optimizing energy systems, and more. The sheer scale of investment in AI is staggering, with $124.3 billion in equity investment in 2024 alone.   Let's discuss: Which of these trends do you think will have the most significant impact on your industry? Share your thoughts in the comments below!   Big thanks to my colleagues Lareina Yee, Michael Chui, Roger Roberts, and Sven Smit.   #TechTrends #AI #Innovation #FutureOfWork #EmergingTech http://mck.co/techtrends

The first quarter North American robotics market results are in, and the story is more nuanced than the top-line number alone would suggest. At the top line, robot orders were essentially flat in units and down in order revenue compared to Q1 2025. Companies ordered 9,055 robots valued at $543 million in the first quarter, representing a 0.1% decrease in units and a 6.4% decrease in revenue year over year. But underneath that overall number, the market showed some important signs of strength. Automotive OEM orders were down significantly compared to Q1 2025, which had an outsized impact on the overall results. That is not something to ignore, but automotive order patterns have historically been cyclical and tied to the timing of large programs. Outside of Automotive OEM, the picture was considerably more positive. Several sectors posted strong year-over-year gains, including life sciences/pharmaceuticals, semiconductors/electronics, food and consumer goods, plastics and rubber, and other general industry applications. Collaborative robots were also a bright spot, with orders up 55.6% in units and 78.2% in revenue compared to the first quarter of last year. So, my read is this: Q1 was not a broad robotics market pullback. It was a mixed quarter that also showed continued diversification of automation demand across North American industry. That broader trend is one of the most important things I’ll be watching in 2026. Automotive remains a critical part of the robotics market with long-term upside, but more industries are clearly looking at automation as a practical tool for productivity, quality, labor availability, flexibility and competitiveness. As we head toward the Automate Show in Chicago, June 22-25, I’m interested in what you are seeing. Are these trends showing up in your business? Are customers moving forward with automation projects, pausing, shifting priorities, or looking at different types of applications than they were a year ago? Would welcome your perspectives from across the industry. A3 - Association for Advancing Automation, #robotics, #automation, #AutomateShow, #Automate, #AI, #PhysicalAI, #Humanoids

CES 2025 was a showcase of robotics innovation, but the real revolution isn't in flashy humanoids or dancing robot dogs—it’s in solving real-world problems. Here’s what stood out: 1️⃣ Labor Shortages Are Driving Demand: Industries like logistics and property maintenance need robots that are reliable, scalable, and adaptable. The future belongs to robots that work as hard as we do. 2️⃣ Gaps in Robotics Applications: Consumer robots dominate headlines, but B2B robots for dirty, dangerous, and demanding jobs are where the real opportunity lies. 3️⃣ Emerging Trends: Vision-based navigation, hybrid robots, VTOL aircraft, and job-specific durability are reshaping what’s possible. The Takeaway: The robotics industry is shifting from proving what’s possible to delivering what’s needed. Practical, scalable solutions are the future—and the opportunity for innovation has never been bigger. What robotics trends are you most excited about in 2025?

Everyone's watching Tesla and Figure build humanoids. Yet, the robotics gold rush is happening inside restaurants, hotels, and hospitals. Smart operators aren't waiting for the future. They're automating today: While tech companies promise humanoid breakthroughs, actual businesses are transforming operations with practical robotics right now. Tesla talks about Optimus learning from videos. Figure demonstrates impressive lab capabilities. However, they're not yet generating ROI in real businesses. Unglamorous robots drive the profitable revolution. UV disinfection units in hospitals. Delivery bots in hotels. Kitchen automation in restaurants. They're working 24/7 and delivering measurable returns. Medication delivery robots don't look human. They look like rolling cabinets. But they navigate hospital corridors autonomously, freeing nurses for patient care. Healthcare facilities report significant efficiency gains. Restaurant robotic equipment handles repetitive tasks. Not particularly exciting to watch, but operators report 20-40% labor cost reductions and a doubling of productivity. Hotels, warehouses, manufacturing - the pattern repeats everywhere. Early adopters gain compound advantages. While competitors debate humanoid timelines, they're refining operations and reinvesting savings. The productivity gap widens quarterly. By 2027, this gap will become insurmountable. Companies that automate now will operate at efficiency levels that traditional businesses cannot match. Most businesses struggle with implementation. Which processes first? Which robots? How to integrate? Vendors sell equipment and disappear. After 18 years of bringing robotics to thousands of businesses, we built what the industry needed. Complete last-mile support. RobotLAB teams nationwide handle everything from assessment to service. I wrote "Our Robotics Future" as a practical guide. When you're ready to stop watching demos and start building a competitive advantage, we have someone in your city who can be on-site today. The robotics revolution isn't coming. It's here. Time to stake your claim.