The robotics sector is in full swing this year, expects the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). Artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems and the rise of humanoid robots are at the centre of this. The industry association points to five trends that will define the development of robotics in 2026.
AI enhances robot autonomy
The IFR points to the increasing autonomy of robots. Analytical AI plays a key role in this by processing large amounts of data, recognising patterns and providing actionable insights. This will enable robots to predict failures in smart factories, for example, or optimise logistics processes such as route planning and resource allocation independently.
Generative AI is also driving a shift from traditional, rule-based automation to intelligent, self-learning systems. Thanks to this technology, robots can learn new tasks autonomously and generate training data through simulations. A key advantage of this is that robots can now also respond to natural language and image commands, simplifying human-machine interaction.
An emerging technology within this field is agentic AI, which combines analytical AI for structured decision-making with generative AI for adaptability. This enables robots to function autonomously in complex real-world conditions, such as manufacturing or logistics environments.
Versatile robots through integration of IT and OT
Demand for versatile robots is rapidly increasing, partly because information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) are increasingly converging. This combination allows for the exchange of data between digital and physical systems, enhancing the functionality of robots. The IFR expects capabilities of IT such as data processing and advanced analytics to be combined more with the physical control capabilities of OT. This will create robots that not only work faster and more accurately, but also respond better to changing conditions, according to the IFR.
The IFR calls this integration a fundamental part of digital transformation and Industry 4.0, with factories and logistics centres becoming more dependent on real-time automation and data-driven decision-making. As the traditional separation between IT and OT disappears, robots are more versatile and better able to adapt to diverse tasks.
Humanoid robots are proving themselves in practice
Developments in humanoid robotics are moving fast, especially in sectors where flexibility and adaptability are crucial. Although humanoid robots were originally introduced in the automotive industry, they are increasingly finding their way into other places such as warehouses and product environments. The IFR points out that humanoid robots are now increasingly being used in real-world applications.
For successful implementation, humanoid robots must meet strict industry requirements, including production times, energy consumption and maintenance costs. In addition, the robots must meet specific safety standards, for example with regard to durability, reliability and consistent performance. A key challenge, according to the IFR, is achieving a human level of dexterity and productivity, especially if these robots are intended to fill labour shortages. The IFR expects humanoid robots to be widely deployed in industrial environments only if they can compete with traditional automation in terms of efficiency and precision.
Safety and security will become increasingly complex
As robots work more frequently with humans in factories, warehouses and service industries, the importance of safety is growing. Increasing autonomy makes testing, validating and supervising robots more complicated. This is especially true for humanoid robots, which often interact directly with humans, according to the IFR. Robotic systems therefore need to comply not only with ISO safety standards, but also with clear liability frameworks to mitigate risks, according to the industry association.
In addition to physical security, new security challenges are emerging. For instance, robots are increasingly connected to cloud environments and AI-driven systems. This poses security risks. For instance, experts warn of more cyber attacks on robot controllers and cloud platforms, which could lead to security incidents. At the same time, the collection of sensitive data such as video, audio and sensor data raises questions about privacy and data security.
An additional complication is the transparency of AI models, especially so-called deep learning models that are often seen as 'black boxes'. As these models sometimes make difficult to explain decisions, there is a growing need for clear regulations and ethical guidelines for the use of AI in robotics.
Solving labour shortages
Globally, employers are struggling to find suitable staff for specialised jobs. This leads to additional workload, stress and fatigue among existing employees. The IFR expects robotics and automation to provide solutions by taking over routine tasks and creating new career opportunities.
A key requirement here is that companies actively involve employees in introducing robotics, both in industrial production and service sectors. For instance, the IFR points out that the introduction of robots as colleagues who take repetitive work off their hands can increase acceptance. In addition, robots can help attract young people by making them perform less strenuous and repetitive tasks. Governments and companies are therefore investing in retraining and upskilling programmes to prepare workers for the changing skill requirements in an increasingly automated economy, the IFR concludes.
