Robotics Trends 2026. What really changes and what is just noise

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Welcome!

Like every year, IFR honored us with a list of robotics trends prepared for 2026.

As usual, I have a small issue with this list, because it is extremely, really extremely general. Additionally, IFR does not categorize robotics. Different trends rule industrial robots, and different trends rule robots outside industry. Meaning humanoids, Roombas, and all the rest.

Still, let’s take a closer look at these trends and see what is waiting for us in the coming year. Will we see something new, or is it just a continuation of what already started in 2025 and earlier?

Let’s start!

1. AI & Autonomy in Robotics

There is no robotics without AI.

At least not anymore. And this is exactly what IFR says. In 2026, artificial intelligence will enter the robotics mainstream, making robots more and more autonomous.

Sadly, they do not say which robots they really mean. I have a bit of a problem with that, because when I look at industrial robots, I feel autonomy can still wait. AI can do much more right now in maintenance and failure prediction.

This is where today’s AI is actually good. Data analysis, finding patterns, predicting issues. From an industrial point of view, we do not need autonomous fireworks. We need machines that work without a single hiccup, 24/7. And this can be achieved by analyzing data from robots and sensors.

Autonomy for robots outside industry. Of course, this is a step everyone is waiting for. Full autonomy is still far away, but every step in that direction is good, as long as human safety comes first.

2. Robots gain versatility as IT meets OT

Well, of course.

But we already know this. Industry 4.0. A topic discussed for years.

IFR points out that now this will be especially important, driven by AI that generates and analyzes data.

Maybe now we will finally see some real systems implemented in practice. Because so far, in my opinion, Industry 4.0 is like a unicorn.

Everyone has heard of it, but no one has seen it ;)

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3. Humanoids to prove reliability and efficiency

I am not sure if I even need to add anything here. Of course humanoids need to prove something, because for now they are cool toys for big boys.

The idea of a humanoid as a helper and a general solution to all problems. I am totally fine with that. But come on people, let them finally start doing some real work.

Enough of flexing Chinese muscles that look pumped like they were injected with synthol.

Robots, get to work!

4. Safety and Security in Robotics

Finally, we get to the most important trend in my opinion. In the last year, we have seen a massive number of deployments that look great, but at the same time raise even more questions about safety. And safety looks like a hot potato.

Nobody wants to deal with it, because safety slows things down.

Unfortunately, development is speeding up, safety questions keep growing, and this is the last moment to fasten the seatbelts. If we do not deal with safety now, bringing humanoid robots into our environment may end very badly.

From a factory perspective, safety is super important. The growth of AI, Industry 4.0, and connecting robots to networks creates good food for basement hackers, who could break in and shut down an entire factory.

That is why 2026 should be the year of stronger actions in safety and cybersecurity for robots.

5. Robots as allies in tackling labor gaps

But we already see this.

For years. Sadly, this is nothing new.

I have the feeling IFR had nothing better to put here, so they dropped a safe placeholder just to make a top 5, as they usually do ;)

I do not feel the need to add anything here ;P

And this is how the upcoming 2026 looks.

Am I surprised?

Absolutely not.

All these trends are a natural continuation of what we have been seeing for a while in business and robotics.

And that is a good thing.

It shows that the whole world is moving in the same robotic direction.