GENERAL NEWS
Embodied AI ushers in new robotics era
The integration of artificial intelligence( AI) into robotics is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality poised for significant market expansion, according to global technology intelligence firm ABI Research.
Its new report,‘ The Landscape of AI in Industrial and Collaborative Robotics’, reveals that AI-augmented industrial and collaborative robots have achieved the technological maturity required for widespread adoption, presenting tangible ROI opportunities for manufacturers and logistics providers. This pivotal moment, it said, is set to unlock substantial new revenue streams, addressing complex, dynamic and dexterous tasks previously unattainable with traditional automation.
“ For years, the robotics industry has grappled with the‘ sim-to-real’ gap and the over-promising of nascent AI. Our deep dive into the technology’ s readiness confirms that robust algorithms, particularly in Dynamic Policy Adjustment( DPA) and emerging Robotics Foundation Models, are now capable of delivering on the promise of true adaptive automation,” said George Chowdhury, Senior Analyst, ABI Research.“ This isn’ t about incremental improvements;
Image: Shutterstock. com. it’ s a paradigm shift where robots can finally adapt to the unpredictable real world, moving beyond rigid programming to genuinely intelligent, adaptive execution.”
While existing static manufacturing processes continue to be served by traditional robotics, the significant growth potential lies in“ under-automated” markets and workflows requiring sophisticated, heterogeneous dexterous manipulation. This includes specialised sectors such as lifesciences, niche high-value manufacturing( e. g. semiconductor production), and
the expansive logistics and warehousing industries, where the ability to handle variability is paramount.
ABI Research’ s latest taxonomy of physical AI technologies highlights key advances reshaping robotics including reinforcement learning; robot foundation models; large language model( LLM) interfaces for humanrobot interaction( HRI); new SLAM and world models; agentic AI; Dynamic Policy Adjustment( DPA) platforms and machinevision algorithms. The report assesses the maturity of these technologies and identifies leading innovators driving progress in each area.
“ The critical challenge now is translating this technical readiness into widespread commercial adoption,” said Chowdhury.“ Vendors must prioritise usability, transparency and clear ROI [ return on investment ] metrics to overcome economic uncertainty and market scepticism.”
For further information, see www. abiresearch. com / market-research / product / 7786565-the-landscape-ofphysical-ai-in-industrial? hsLang = en n
www
. abiresearch. com
BIEMH 2024 in Bilbao, Spain.
Meet ISMR at BIEMH 2026 in Bilbao
BIEMH 2026 will be held from 2-6 March 2026 at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre( BEC) in Spain. It is a live technological showcase for advanced manufacturing, offering solutions designed to boost competitiveness and address the current challenges facing the industry.
The international trade show for production technology and metallurgy has already registered 2,000 product innovations in the directory. The event will also feature a VIP programme for international buyers. In 2024, the trade show attracted 37,000 professionals from 67 countries.
Key sectors represented across six halls at the BEC will include cutting and forming machinery; tools; accessories; welding; metrology; components; sheet metal and tubecutting; and surface treatment lines, with large machinery in operation allowing visitors to experience industrial processes in action.
“ So far, more than 1,170 exhibiting companies from 26 countries have confirmed their participation, including leading Spanish and international brands,” confirmed the show organiser.
Automation, robotics and digitalisation will feature prominently at the 33rd edition of BIEMH. These sectors will display what they have to offer in Hall 6, which will occupy 20 % of the total exhibition space. Hall 6 will also host the Innovation Workshops, where representatives from exhibiting companies will present the technological developments on display at the stands.
BIEMH 2026 is organised by AFM, Machine Tool Manufacturers; AIMHE, Machine Tools Importers and the Bilbao Exhibition Centre. The Provincial Council of Bizkaia and SPRI- Basque Government are institutional partners. n
https:// bilbao exhibitioncentre. com / en /
8 | ismr. net | ISMR December 2025 / January 2026