#24 Top 5 Robotics Trends of 2025: Insights & Fresh Perspectives

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As every year, IFR 2025 sets the trends in robotics for the upcoming year. Comparing it to what they showcased in 2024, it's hard not to agree with them :)

Of course, I’ve added my own perspective it’s my newsletter!

Check out what's shaping robotics in 2025!

1. Artificial Intelligence: Mind-Blowing Stuff, but Let’s Not Get Ahead of Ourselves

AI in robotics is like the internet back in the 90s, everyone’s talking about it, and it’s a game-changer. Analytical AI can analyze real-time data, optimizing production like it’s a robot wizard. Sounds cool, right? But here’s the deal:

• Many factories don’t even collect data yet. It’s like trying to stream Netflix on a TV from the ‘80s 

• AI isn’t cheap, and companies are still figuring out basic automation.

• And let’s be honest, people still get weirded out by robots “thinking.”

But I’m optimistic. This trend might push factories to start with baby steps, like better data collection systems. 

Step one: gather data. Step two: upgrade factories. Step three: AI-driven magic. 

Oh, and education will help too…because if we’re scared of robots, imagine how we’ll feel about robots that can “think.”

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2. Humanoids: The Future is Foggy (but Cool)

Humanoids are hyped like the latest Marvel movie. And yeah, I was excited too. Now? I see the future, but it’s kind of like a Polish winter - foggy and uncertain.

Sure, humanoids are a leap forward, but there are faster, better solutions for most tasks today. Still, they’ve got potential, especially in the automotive industry. A lot of car production is still manual because traditional robots can’t handle the complexity. Enter humanoids, they’re the MVPs of flexibility and adaptation (or hopefully they will be).

The world is hyped for humanoids, and I think this hype will keep driving progress. Let’s just hope they don’t start asking for vacation days.

3. Sustainability: Robots Are the Green Warriors of Industry

Let me tell you something: robots are sustainability superheroes. They use about the same energy as your oven, but instead of baking cookies, they crank out products with precision and zero waste. If that’s not impressive, I don’t know what is.

But robots aren’t a magic wand. You’ve got to use them where they make sense. Like, don’t bring a bulldozer to plant tulips. Properly maintained, robots can last decades without much waste, which is good news for Mother Earth.

Sure, things like sleep modes and bionic grippers are nice upgrades. But let’s be real: robots are already champions of sustainability. These features just add a little extra shine to their superhero capes.

4. New Fields: Robots Are Moving Out of Their Comfort Zone

Robots are finally leaving their “manufacturing bubble” and heading into construction, labs, and warehouses. It’s like watching your introverted friend join a karaoke night.. Exciting and weirdly satisfying.

There’s no tech or cost barrier holding them back anymore. The small hiccup? Many solutions outside manufacturing are still in “startup mode.” Think of them as toddlers learning to walk. There will be a few falls, but they’ll figure it out.

RaaS (Robot-as-a-Service) is the real game-changer here. It’s like renting a Netflix account for robots. No massive upfront investment, and you can scale as needed. Expect RaaS companies to pop up like mushrooms after rain.

5. Labor Shortages: Robots to the Rescue

Factories have been struggling with labor shortages for years. And in my 8 years in robotics, I’ve only met one company that said, “We’re using robots to save money on labor.” Everyone else is like, “We just need humans for the jobs that robots can’t do.”

This is a long-term shift. People don’t want to do repetitive, low-wage jobs anymore and let’s be real ,can you blame them? The biggest barrier is cost. Integration and social resistance? Those problems are mostly solved.

Still, companies are reaching a breaking point. If they don’t automate, they won’t survive. Robots aren’t just filling gaps, they’re redefining the whole factories and way we work.

Robotics is evolving fast, and these trends are just the start. It’s exciting, messy, and full of opportunity -kind of like life itself. Now let’s go build the future.

If you would like to take a glimpse on what’s original take from IFR gurus, check it out right here:

Have a nice week!