FOCUS ON ROBOTICS attracts attention for its resilience and growth potential.
■ The manufacturing and industrial automation sector is a focal point for investment. The sector spans a broad array of industries, including automotive, electronics and the general industries like pharma. The category encompasses high-skill production processes, factory automation systems and precision assembly tasks. highly positive. This is driven by accelerating factory reshoring initiatives and a persistent shortage of skilled labour. We project a resilient, long-term growth trajectory for the region’ s automation sector, as manufacturers are increasing automation investments to mitigate structural workforce gaps and as demand diversifies beyond traditional sectors,” outlined the IFR.
North America’ s largest automation trade association, A3, has officially published and presented its“ Vision for a National Robotics Strategy” to lawmakers. The trade group advocates a framework for a Federal Robotics Office and a National Commission to coordinate policy, with the aim of harmonising government research and fostering publicprivate partnerships.
The proposed national strategy also calls for market-driven tax incentives, expanded technical workforce retraining, updated safety standards and a federal mandate to purchase domestic robotics technology to accelerate commercial deployment.
Europe in focus
The IFR confirmed that Germany is the fifth-largest robot market in the world, and by far the largest in Europe.
“ In 2025, it had a 41 % share of the total installations in the European Union. Between 2020 and 2025, annual installations across industries grew by 2 % on average per year( CAGR). However, sales fell 8 % to fewer than 25,000 units in 2025. The automotive industry is the largest user of industrial robots in Germany, but its share is in retreat,” it explained.
“ The number of installations in Italy, the second largest European market, fell by 11 % to about 7,800 units. France is back in third place with almost 4,500 units and minus 8 %, ahead of Spain with about 4,300 units, down 15 %,” it added.
AI in robotics
A new generation of AI-powered robots moving from research labs into the real world is fuelled by AI tech companies and analysts forecasting a multitrillion-dollar market. The vision is to give artificial intelligence its own robot body.
AI is transforming robotics at a rapid pace. Integrating AI into robotics enhances capabilities, increases efficiency and improves adaptability. This development is transforming AI from a supporting technology into a powerful enabler, opening the door to wider robot adoption across industries.
According to the International Federation of Robotics( IFR), there are currently several key sectors leading the way in integrating AI and robotics:
■ Logistics and warehousing. This is driven by high demand, available investment and relatively controlled environments. Fields of adoption include logistics, warehousing and intralogistics, and the broader supply chain. The sector
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■ The service sector is among the leading customers adopting AI and robotics. AI is supporting human-robot interaction, allowing for example a natural communication and increasing the usability and personalisation of the robots. This trend is driven by rising costs and a shortage of workers, particularly in post-pandemic markets where recruitment has lagged demand. The future, says the IFR, lies in hybrid models where robots handle repetitive tasks and humans deliver the personal touch.
Robot and chip manufacturers are investing in dedicated hardware and software that simulate real-world environments. This Physical AI allows robots to train themselves in virtual environments and operate by experience, rather than programming. The excitement about embodied AI has drawn attention from major tech players and governments around the world.
“ In the United States, companies like Amazon, Tesla and NVIDIA have announced record-breaking investments. Venture capital is pouring into a growing ecosystem of startups focused on specialised robot applications,” confirmed the IFR.
“ Over the next five to ten years, AI is expected to be widely adopted in various robotics applications. Because AI increases efficiency, reduces errors and maintenance costs, companies often see a quicker return on investment( ROI) compared to non-AI systems,” continued the IFR. It has recently released an“ AI in Robotics” position paper.
Top five global robotics’ trends
The International Federation of Robotics( IFR) listed the top five trends for the robotics industry in 2026 earlier this year.
■ AI & autonomy in robotics: Robots that use artificial intelligence to work independently are becoming more common. Different types of AI drive this trend: Analytical AI helps to
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