With voices from the frontlines of robotic research and development, we distil the essence of what lies ahead: a symbiosis of human ingenuity and robotic precision that promises to redefine efficiency, safety, and functionality.
We asked industry experts to unveil their predictions, from revolutionary applications to breakthroughs disrupting traditional industries. Envisage the transformative impact of robotics on work, society, and ethical frameworks, pioneering an era of unprecedented capabilities and opportunities.
1: Addressing the labour shortage
“Labour shortages are a huge concern for warehouses right now, with recruitment giant Hays reporting that more than three-quarters of supply chain and logistics employers anticipate low applicants. This isn’t being helped by the perception that automation will make many jobs in the sector obsolete in the near future.
“Robotics will continue to revolutionise the sector and will be able to attract the next generation into warehouses. Gen Z and millennials have both grown up with technology, and as warehouses modernise, they will be eager to work with cutting-edge technologies like automation and AI.
“The key is incremental adoption that complements human workers. With the right change management, robotics can unlock cross-generational collaboration. Younger hires bring digital skills while experienced staff have institutional knowledge – together they can optimise new technology.”
Brandon Black, VP and GM at Ivanti Wavelink
2: Innovations in materials and soft robotics
“Soft robotics and new materials will have the biggest impact on how robotics manufacturing will develop in the next five years, as our 2023 Robotics Manufacturing Status Report reveals. Soft robotics, such as grippers that enable robots to perform more logistical tasks, is expected to see a compound annual growth rate of 35.1% between 2022 and 2027, with biomedicine, food and agriculture set to benefit.
“Using new materials and technology requires several iterations for testing and refinement, so digital manufacturing is a key element in speeding up the development cycle.
“New materials are also being introduced in shape-morphing systems, also known as 4D printing. By using responsive materials that react to external elements like heat, light, moisture, electric current, or pressure, 4D-printed objects can change shape or properties.”
“Examples of how these are being developed include aerospace — 4D printed drone wings, which can bend up to 20 degrees in response to stimuli, significantly improving efficiency; MedTech — implants that adapt to a patient’s body over time; smart textiles that adjust their breathability based on humidity; and components in a plumbing system that expand or contract in response to temperature fluctuations.”
Bjoern Klaas, VP and MD of Protolabs Europe
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