The Worldwide Federation of Robotics expects robotic utility to proceed to unfold this yr. Supply: IFR
The worldwide market worth of business robotic installations has reached an all-time excessive of $16.7 billion, in response to the Worldwide Federation of Robotics, or IFR.
The Frankfurt, Germany-based group predicted that a variety of technological improvements, market forces, and new fields of enterprise will drive future demand. Listed below are the highest 5 traits the IFR recognized for the robotics business in 2026.
1. AI offers robots higher autonomy
Robots that use synthetic intelligence to work independently have gotten extra frequent. The primary advantage of AI on this context is the elevated autonomy of robots empowered by AI.
Various kinds of AI drive this pattern: Analytical AI helps to course of giant datasets, detect patterns, and supply actionable insights. For instance, it may well autonomously anticipate failures earlier than they happen in good factories. Such AI also can assist path planning and useful resource allocation in logistics.
Generative AI, however, marks a shift from rule-based automation to clever, self-evolving programs. GenAI creates new outputs and permits robots to study new duties autonomously and generate coaching information by way of simulation. This additionally permits a brand new sort of human–robotic interplay with pure language and vision-based instructions.
A key pattern to additional develop autonomy in robotics is agentic AI. This know-how combines analytical AI for structured decision-making and generative AI for adaptability. The hybrid strategy goals to make fashionable robotics able to working independently in complicated, real-world environments.
2. Robots acquire versatility as IT meets OT
Demand for versatile robots is accelerating, in response to the IFR. This instantly displays a market push towards a convergence of knowledge know-how (IT) and operational know-how (OT).
The mix of IT’s data-processing energy and OT’s bodily management capabilities can improve robotic versatility by way of real-time information alternate, automation, and superior analytics. This integration is a foundational component of the digital enterprise and Business 4.0.
The IT/OT convergence breaks down silos, making a seamless movement of knowledge between the digital and bodily worlds, which considerably enhances the capabilities and flexibility of robotics.
3. IFR expects humanoids to show reliability and effectivity
Boston Dynamics unveiled a brand new model of Atlas at CES 2026. | Credit score: Hyundai
The sphere of humanoid robotics is increasing quickly, famous the IFR. Many see humanoid know-how as promising for industrial functions the place flexibility is required, usually in environments designed for people. Pioneered by the automotive business, functions in warehousing and manufacturing are coming into focus worldwide.
At this time, firms and researchers are shifting past prototypes to deploy humanoids in actual life. Reliability and effectivity are key to industrial success. In competing with conventional automation, these robots have to match stringent necessities for cycle instances, vitality consumption, and upkeep prices.
Business requirements additionally outline security ranges, sturdiness standards, and constant efficiency for humanoid robots on the manufacturing unit ground. Humanoids meant to fill labor gaps want to attain human-level dexterity and productiveness, key measures to show real-world effectivity.
4. Security and safety stay issues for builders, customers
As robots more and more function alongside people in factories and repair settings, making certain they function safely is not only essential; it’s important for the robotics business. The AI-driven autonomy essentially modifications the security panorama, which makes testing, validation, and human oversight rather more complicated—but additionally extra vital.
The necessity for such validation and management turns into significantly clear within the meant use of humanoids, the IFR acknowledged. Robots should be designed and authorized according to ISO security requirements and clearly outlined legal responsibility frameworks.
Within the context of AI in robotics and the convergence of IT and OT, a spectrum of security and safety issues arises that demand sturdy governance and clear project of legal responsibility. The fast enlargement of robotics programs into cloud-connected and AI-driven environments is exposing industrial manufacturing to a rising array of cybersecurity threats. Consultants have cited an increase in hacking makes an attempt concentrating on robotic controllers and cloud platforms, enabling unauthorized entry and potential system manipulation.
As robots turn out to be extra built-in into workplaces, issues are mounting over the delicate information they acquire — together with video, audio, and sensor streams, famous the IFR.
Deep studying fashions, which are sometimes described as “black containers,” can produce outcomes which are tough or inconceivable to elucidate, even to their very own builders. The authorized and moral ambiguity surrounding legal responsibility has prompted requires clear frameworks to control AI deployment.
5. Robots turn out to be allies in tackling labor gaps, says IFR
Supply: Adobe Inventory
Employers world wide are struggling to seek out folks with the specialised abilities required. These unfilled jobs depart present workers overlaying additional shifts, with rising stress and fatigue throughout all sectors. The IFR stated the adoption of robotics and automation is a key technique for addressing this situation.
On this transformation course of, employers can profit from taking their human workforce on board. The shut cooperation with staff in implementing robots performs a vital function in making certain acceptance, each in industrial manufacturing settings in addition to in manifold service functions, the IFR stated.
Robots can ship advantages reminiscent of tackling labor shortages, taking away routine duties, or opening up new profession alternatives. If these advantages are correctly communicated, they are going to be accepted as allies within the office.
On the identical time, robots are a approach to make a office rather more engaging to younger folks, stated the group. Firms and governments are pushing skilling and upskilling applications to assist staff sustain with altering abilities demand and compete in an automation-driven financial system.
Editor’s Word: This text was syndicated from the IFR’s weblog.
