Trends in Robotic Technologies

The AI race just took a sharp turn—straight into the world of robots Google, OpenAI, Meta, and Amazon aren’t just building smarter chatbots anymore—they're quietly (and not-so-quietly) making massive moves in robotics. Not just software. Hardware too. We're talking robotic arms that can "think," household bots that learn your routines, and warehouse automation that adapts in real time—all powered by next-gen AI models. This isn’t theoretical. ➡️ Amazon is already deploying AI-powered robots across their fulfillment centers ➡️ Google DeepMind is training robots with reinforcement learning that mimics human behavior ➡️ Meta is exploring AI agents that understand and interact with physical environments ➡️ OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, is investing in robotics startups aiming to merge GPT-like intelligence with real-world machines The vision? Smart machines that see, learn, adapt, and execute—in homes, factories, and even the streets. Having worked closely with AI startups, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly the line between digital and physical intelligence is blurring. What felt like sci-fi just two years ago is now something founders are actively pitching—and building. This shift could be as transformational as the rise of the smartphone. Maybe even more. Curious to hear— Where do you think robotics will impact daily life first? Home, healthcare, manufacturing... or somewhere else? Drop your thoughts in the comments. 👇

When we think of robots, we often imagine metallic humanoid machines. But the robots of tomorrow might look very different - soft, flexible, and specialized for specific tasks. Here's why this shift is happening and what it means for the future of robotics: Researchers are increasingly exploring soft, flexible materials to build robots. Why? There are several key advantages: - Safety: Soft robots are inherently safer to interact with humans. - Adaptability: They can squeeze through tight spaces and conform to different environments. - Resilience: Soft robots are less likely to break when dropped or impacted. - Efficiency: In some cases, soft materials allow for simpler designs with fewer parts. Rather than trying to create humanoid robots that can do everything, many researchers are focusing on specialized robots optimized for specific tasks. For example: - "Vine robots" that can grow to explore tight spaces - Jumping robots that can leap over obstacles - Soft, octopus-inspired robots for grasping objects This specialization allows robots to go beyond human capabilities in niche applications. These new types of robots are already finding practical uses: - Search and rescue operations - Minimally invasive medical procedures - Space exploration - Inspecting hazardous environments As we continue to innovate in materials science and robot design, we're likely to see more soft, flexible, and highly specialized robots entering our lives - not as humanoid servants, but as tools optimized for specific tasks. The future of robotics may not look like science fiction predicted, but it promises to be just as transformative. :)

🤖 What if AI doesn’t take jobs, but creates better ones? This week on The Bridgecast, I sat down with Arshad Hisham, Founder and CEO of inGen Dynamics Inc., to talk about the real future of AI and robotics in business, and why IT leaders need to start building smart policies now. We covered a ton of ground, including: 🧠 AI Adoption Strategy: Organizations are rushing to deploy AI without proper oversight, creating risks and inconsistent results. Effective AI governance isn't just about compliance; it's about achieving a competitive advantage. Companies need clear ethics guidelines, data quality standards, cross-functional oversight committees, and comprehensive employee training. The winners will be those who establish governance frameworks first, enabling safe and scalable AI adoption as technology evolves.  🦾 Human-Centric Robotics: Workplace robotics will succeed or fail based on human acceptance, rather than technical specifications. Workers will embrace robotic colleagues when they understand limitations, feel valued, and see clear benefits. The key is designing for transparency, intuitive interaction, and clear role boundaries. Invest equally in change management and technology. 📉 Beyond the Hype: The AI market is flooded with solutions promising transformation but delivering incremental gains. True value assessment requires measurable outcomes: cost reduction, improved customer satisfaction, faster go-to-market and better decision-making. Establish baselines, track long-term performance, and prioritize specific problems over broad transformation. Focus on use cases with clear ROI, existing data infrastructure, and stakeholder buy-in.  👤 The Next Wave: Humanoid robots are moving from fiction to reality within 18 months. Initial deployments will target logistics, manufacturing, and customer service and handling repetitive tasks while maintaining flexibility. Unlike fixed automation, these robots work alongside humans, requiring new safety protocols and management approaches. Start identifying use cases, assessing workforce capabilities, and developing integration strategies now. Early preparation in stakeholder education and human-robot collaboration protocols will create significant competitive advantages. Arshad cuts through the noise with clarity and conviction. If you’re navigating AI, robotics, or digital transformation, this episode is a must-listen. 👉 Tune in and tell me: How human is your tech strategy? #AIAdoption #Robotics #DigitalTransformation #TheBridgecast

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?

Robotic Market Predictions 2025 𝟭. 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗶𝗱𝘀: Incremental Gains, but Market Pressures Grow • No major breakthroughs, but steady improvement. Humanoid robots will advance in dexterity, mobility, and AI-driven autonomy, but cost, reliability, and practical deployment challenges will slow adoption. • Smart robotics startups will compete with humanoids. Companies like Cobot - Collaborative Robotics, Inc will introduce flexible, cost-effective alternatives that could slow humanoid adoption. • Celera Motion, A Novanta Company will update servo drives with safety features further advancing humanoids. 𝟮. 𝗔𝗜-𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 & 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝘁𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 • Specialized robotics AI startups surge. Companies like Path Robotics, Machina Labs, and GrayMatter Robotics will see significant revenue growth as they leverage AI to automate high-variability tasks in welding, structure manufacturing, and surface finishing. • Expect one of the established robotics companies to release an improved operating system with AI-driven programming (low code). 𝟯. 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀: Regional Market Shifts China: Growth Halts, Decline Begins • China’s robot sales decline. The country’s manufacturing overcapacity, weaker exports due to tariffs, and economic uncertainty will lead to a slowdown in industrial robot orders. • Chinese robot firms use price to gain global share despite domestic struggles. Europe: Flat Growth as Automotive Woes Continue • European robot sales stagnate as the region’s automotive sector declines and manufacturers hesitate on capital investments. North America (NA): Robotics Market Booms • Robot sales in NA surge over 15%. Several factors will drive strong growth: • Pent-up demand from delayed investments in 2024. • Reshoring momentum pushing U.S. manufacturers to automate. • Mexico’s tariffs on Chinese automakers benefiting NA manufacturing. • Clarity on EV policy encouraging U.S. automakers to ramp up investment in production automation. 𝟰. 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘀 & 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 • Large system integrators will acquire smaller firms to scale up capabilities. • Chinese integrators will aggressively enter Western markets directly or through partnerships due to weak demand at home. 𝟱. 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 • ATI Industrial Automation will launch a next-generation force sensor. This new technology will enable more intelligent robotic applications. (Inside info) 𝟲. 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 • The U.S. CHIPS Act, Europe’s and Japan‘s semiconductor expansion will result in new manufacturing facilities, increasing demand for wafer-handling robots, microchip packaging automation, and cleanroom robotics. 𝟳. 𝗔𝗠𝗥 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲 • Advancements in technology and lower costs will drive widespread adoption. #robotics

Hello 👋 from the Automate Show in downtown Detroit. I’m excited to share with you what I’m learning. Robotics is undergoing a fundamental transformation, and NVIDIA is at the center of it all. I've been watching how leading manufacturers are deploying NVIDIA's Isaac platform, and the results are staggering: Universal Robotics & Machines UR15 Cobot now generates motion faster with AI. Vention is democratizing machine motion for businesses. KUKA has integrated AI directly into their controllers. But what's truly revolutionary is the approach: 1. Start with a digital twin In simulation, companies can deploy thousands of virtual robots to run experiments safely and efficiently. The majority of robotics innovation is happening in simulation right now, allowing for both single and multi-robot training before real-world deployment. 2. Implement "outside-in" perception Just as humans perceive the world from the inside out, robots need their own sensors. But the game-changer is adding "outside-in" perception - like an air traffic control system for robots. This dual approach is solving industrial automation's biggest challenges. 3. Leverage generative AI Factory operators can now use LLMs to manage operations with simple prompts: "Show me if there was a spill" or "Is the operator following the correct assembly steps?" Pegatron is already implementing this with just a single camera. They're creating an ecosystem where partners can integrate cutting-edge AI into existing systems, helping traditional manufacturers scale up through unprecedented ease of use. The most powerful insight? Just as ChatGPT reached 100 million users in 9 days, robotics adoption is about to experience its own inflection point. The barriers to entry are falling. The technology is becoming accessible even for mid-sized and smaller companies. And the future is being built in simulation before transforming our physical world. Michigan Software Labs Forbes Technology Council Fast Company Executive Board

🤖 Robotics – The Reality Check We constantly hear that robotics is set to be the next wave of innovation—and our society must prepare. Thanks to our partners at the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce, we brought together three leading experts in the field. Here are their key insights: 1. What’s the Hype? The real excitement isn’t about flashy demos—it’s the fusion of large language models with deep learning–powered control systems. That combination is forging robots capable of operating autonomously and safely in unstructured environments. It's a genuine paradigm shift opening doors for robotics across countless industries. 2. Industry Challenges Robotics still grapples with key technical hurdles—ensuring systems are reliable, safe, and seamlessly integrated. Unlike software, hardware doesn’t scale easily, making growth more capital-intensive. On top of that, regulatory issues like data governance and liability raise complex questions as robots become more autonomous. 3. Where Are We on the Hype Curve? Predictions vary, but one shared insight was clear: we can avoid the “valley of disillusionment,” one way being to tailor the technology to real user needs, not pet projects. 4. And What About Humanoids? Opinions were mixed: The idea of humanoid personal assistants still feels distant from today’s industrial focus. But the pace of innovation is rapid—we may see first-generation humanoids integrated into workflows much sooner than expected. A big thank‑you to Mario Mauerer (maxon), Satschin Bansal (ANYbotics) David Boldt (Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Jan-Hendrik Meier (PwC) for their inspiring presentations. And special thanks to our partners at PwC and the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce - Rahul Sahgal and Liana Wild - as well as Corine Thommen from Swissnex in San Francisco for making this conversation possible.

Have you seen what's happening in the world of robotics? Boston Dynamics' Atlas, a humanoid robot, is now performing tasks independently in a setting that mimics a factory environment. This development brings us a step closer to a future where robots and humans work side by side in new ways. 𝐈𝐧 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐀𝐭𝐥𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: - Working Autonomously: Completing tasks without direct human control, making decisions based on its programming. - Real-Time Adaptation: Utilizing advanced sensors and machine learning, Atlas can adjust to new situations on the fly. For example, if an object is moved, it can recognize the change and respond appropriately. - Navigating Obstacles: Skillfully moving around equipment and other barriers, reducing the need for humans to set up perfect conditions. The combination of artificial intelligence and robotics is leading to machines that can handle complex tasks more efficiently. This doesn't just automate simple, repetitive jobs; it opens the door to robots taking on roles that require adaptability and problem-solving. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐖𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞? - Operational Efficiency: Robots like Atlas could perform certain tasks faster and with fewer errors, potentially increasing productivity. - Workforce Evolution: As robots take over specific duties, humans may shift to roles that focus on oversight, programming, and maintenance of these machines. - Preparing for Change: It's important for businesses and professionals to consider how automation might affect their industries and what skills will be valuable in the future. What steps can you take to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving technological landscape? How do you envision robotics impacting your workplace? #innovation #technology #future #management #startups

I often get asked about the future of robotics. My answer? Look at the semiconductor industry. Decades ago, manufacturing semiconductors was an arduous, hands-on process, requiring extensive physical prototyping and testing before reaching production. But as the industry matured, much of that process was virtualized—replaced by advanced software, modeling, and simulation. Today, chip design happens almost entirely in software, with fabrication being one of the last physical steps. Robotics is on the same trajectory. The future isn’t just about building better robots—it’s about designing, testing, and iterating entirely in simulation before anything is physically manufactured. With advancements in high-fidelity physics engines, AI-driven reinforcement learning, and digital twins, we’re moving toward a world where robotic systems can be perfected virtually before they ever touch the real world. This shift will drastically accelerate innovation, reduce costs, and unlock new possibilities in automation. Just as software transformed chip design, it will revolutionize robotics. #Robotics #Simulation #AI #Automation #FutureOfTech

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