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Robotics and AI evolution

We, Robot

Technology 2 min read
In popular imagination, robots have near-unlimited powers: superhuman strength, agility and intelligence. The reality has been much more prosaic, argues Daegal Tsang.
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Steady but unspectacular

Annual global installations of industrial robots and projections (‘000 units)

Source: World Robotics 2023* forecast

Other articles from the Megatrending 2025 report

Artificial intelligence will make robots much more adept at navigating their environments independently by allowing them to analyse and process information captured through their sensors and then act on it in a logical way.

Robots have primarily been confined to routine tasks, delivering tireless and quick precision, but within fairly limited industrial applications — though these have been expanding steadily. But there’s good reason to believe that two trends in innovation will trigger a major shift in robotics: artificial intelligence and lighter, more powerful batteries.

Much of this industrial demand has been within manufacturing, particularly in electronics and automobile manufacturing. Both sectors were pioneers in the use of industrial robots, with the car industry adopting hydraulically-driven robots for heavy lifting from the 1960s. Electronics and automotive applications continue to dominate. Unsurprisingly, countries with big electronics and automotive industries and facing demographic challenges tend to have the greatest demand for these robots – for example South Korea.

Hungry for robots

Source: World Robotics 2023

More powerful batteries will give robots greater capabilities, allowing them to travel further, operate longer and handle heavier loads. This will significantly expand the role of robots in logistics, transportation and agriculture, far beyond their current capabilities.

At the same time, artificial intelligence will make robots much more adept at navigating their environments independently by allowing them to analyse and process information captured through their sensors and then act on it in a logical way. This will be particularly important for cobots, robots that work collaboratively with people.

AI will help grow the market for service robots, opening up new possibilities for both professionals and consumers. 

Packing in the electrons

Battery energy density (watt hours per kilogram)

Source: RMI

At your service

Service robots* by type

PROFESSIONAL SERVICESCONSUMER ROBOTSMEDICAL ROBOTICS
Agricultural robotsDomestic tasks 
Professional cleaningSocial interaction and education 
Inspection and maintenanceCare at home 
Construction and demolition  
Logistics and transportation  
Search and rescue  
Hospitality  

Source: International Federation of Robots
*International Federation of Robots classifi cation scheme https://ifr.org/wr-service-robots/

Small beginnings

Service robots for professional use, top five applications (sales, ‘000 units)

Source: World Robotics 2023

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Footnote

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