State of robots in manufacturing
The report examines advances in manufacturing robots
Robotics in manufacturing has evolved since the days of rigidly programmed robotic arms on automotive production lines. Robot models are diversifying, increasingly broad applications for industrial automation are changing with improvements in perception, autonomy and actuation.
Additionally, widespread skilled labor shortages are spurring demand in several industries, ranging from electronics and metals to food, beverages and pharmaceuticals.
According to the International Federation of Robotics, installations of industrial robots doubled in the decade ending in 2024. The organization also saw an increase in robot density, or the number of robots per 10,000 workers. Global leaders are South Korea, Singapore, Germany and Japan, where the workforce is aging.
At the same time, the rise of collaborative or power-limited robots, autonomous mobile robots, and physical AI is enabling factories to automate more tasks. Cobots, mobile manipulators and humanoids promise new levels of flexibility in operations and spaces designed around humans. While interest in humanoids is high, commercial trials are just starting and other form factors are already available.
Identifying the right applications and tools, as well as fully integrating them and ensuring a return on investment, remains a challenge.
According to the Association for Advancing Automation, in the first half of 2026, the value of robot orders increased 6.6% year over year. He noted that increased orders in non-automotive sectors have offset slowdowns among automotive OEMs.
The robot report covers the growing use of robots in workflows such as material handling, assembly, welding, machine servicing and finishing. Developers, vendors and integrators offer greater efficiency and security.
This free download includes conversations with numerous experts from leading companies on the following:
- How robotics can help scarce workers instead of replacing them
- Recent advances in detection and manipulation
- How automation can promote reshoring and national security
- Examples of recent collaborations and implementations
- The potential of humanoids and artificial intelligence in manufacturing
Learn how facilities and supply chains can modernize and improve their competitiveness with the latest robots, software and artificial intelligence.
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