5 Robotics Predictions for 2025

The advances we are seeing in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) represent only the tip of the iceberg of its potential. This technology is revolutionising everything and is set to completely change the robotics industry, where its possibilities are already beginning to be glimpsed.

‘In the field of robotics, AI is pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Robots, once limited to repetitive tasks in controlled environments, can now understand and perform complex tasks autonomously like never before. This evolution is changing the way various industries operate and rapidly redefining the future of our work,’ says Anders Billesø Beck, Vice President of Technology at Universal Robots.

He also sees 2025 as a very important year in their development. Here are his five predictions for the evolution of robotics this year.

1. AI maturity

Billesø Beck predicts that in 2025 we will see the transition from a media trend to AI becoming a practical tool.

‘In recent years, many AI startups have emerged at an accelerated pace, but this year will see a consolidation and integration stage. While new ideas and interesting propositions will continue to emerge, we will also see more refined and mature solutions,’ he says.

He believes that AI will also become more naturally integrated into existing systems, and will no longer be perceived as a stand-alone technology. ‘During the height of the AI hype, many solutions were specifically touted as AI-driven. However, now and in the coming years, we will see AI acting as a discrete enabler: a powerful tool operating in the background to optimise functionality.’

For example, he talks about logistics-focused cobots such as Ocado, ‘which is not presented as “an AI solution”, but as a pick and place system using AI,’ he says.

‘The next phase of AI will also have a physical component. That is, AI will be able to understand the laws of physics, adapt to unforeseen situations and operate in dynamic, real-world environments. By 2025, the integration of this AI into robotics will enable the creation of systems that interact meaningfully with the physical world, transforming various industries,’ he says.

2. Cobot camera operators, baristas, chefs…

Such integration of AI into robotics brings us to the second prediction. ‘For decades, robots were only used in industrial settings, but now they are starting to be integrated into society. Although humanoid robots are the best known, they are still far from being commercially viable. Cobots are gaining ground in a variety of industries. For example, in film and television production, it is likely that by the end of this year you will have seen a film, programme or commercial in which cobots controlled the cameras. A good example of this is MRMC, which produces cobot-based camera solutions,’ he notes.

Cobots are also starting to creep into the food industry, especially in the US and Asia, he says. ‘By the end of 2025, you may be able to enjoy a coffee or a meal that a robot has helped prepare. Cobots designed for hygienic food preparation can maintain consistency and speed during peak business times. One example is the US fast food chain Chipotle, which already uses cobots in its restaurants,’ he says.

Billesø Beck stresses that such cobots ‘are not replacing workers, but are improving both productivity and the working environment’.

He also predicts that cobots will start to become more common in industries such as construction. ‘Companies such as Canvas are already using them for tasks such as finishing drywall, demonstrating how these machines can help overcome the shortage of skilled labour in sectors with high variability. Another example is Raise Robotics, which uses cobots for tasks such as installing fasteners for façade panels on high-rise buildings, a task that is dangerous and repetitive,’ he says.

The development of humanoid robots and cobots, which can adapt to various scenarios and continuously learn from their environment, was already one of the trends for 2025 discussed in this report.

3. The rise of robotics in India

The Universal Robots expert highlights the important role India is set to play. ‘While historically we have seen Asian powerhouses such as China, Japan and South Korea dominate the global robot market, the next 12 months will see major changes in the dynamics of this market, with India playing a key role,’ he says.

‘The country is investing significantly in automation, supported by proactive government initiatives. An example of this is the Production Linked Incentives (PLI) scheme, which offers subsidies to companies that generate production capacity in India in key sectors such as automotive, metal, pharmaceuticals and food processing,’ he adds.

He specifies that India’s automation potential will also be driven by ‘three powerful forces’. ‘First, India has a young population, with an average age of 29, compared to 45 in Germany, offering a dynamic and adaptable workforce. Secondly, the country’s thriving technology industry, valued at $115 billion in IT and business process management, provides a solid foundation for innovation. And finally, the government’s strategic investments in digitisation, industrial automation and skills development are creating an enabling environment for growth,’ he says. He also highlights the ‘Make in India’ initiative being rolled out in the country.

‘In just one year, India has moved from 10th to 7th globally in robot installations, an increase of 59%. This rapid growth highlights the country’s emergence as a key epicentre for automation and innovation, backed by strategic policies and a robust economy,’ he says.

4. New approach to security

‘Safety has always been a key feature of cobots, but as they integrate into more dynamic and less controlled environments, a different approach will be needed,’ says Billesø Beck.

Thus, he explains, cobots are designed to work closely with people, but additional safety functions are still needed. For example, in cases where the cobot will be working at high speed or handling sharp objects.

‘In factories, safety is often managed by fencing and strict protocols. However, these methods are not practical in situations where cobots and humans work together in unpredictable environments,’ he notes.

‘The future of security will focus on adaptive technologies that can adjust to variations. For example, cobots will be able to use real-time sensor data and advanced algorithms to instantly detect and react to human movements, ensuring safety without affecting efficiency. This breakthrough represents an important step towards making collaborative robotics viable in a wide variety of applications,’ he says.

5. Standardised turnkey solutions

The Universal Robots representative points out that this is not a new concept, but predicts that standardised turnkey solutions will become more prominent this year.

‘These solutions, which simplify the automation process by offering pre-configured systems, will become essential for companies looking to integrate cobots quickly and efficiently,’ he says.

‘The appeal of these solutions is that they eliminate the complexity normally associated with automation, such as the need for excessive customisation and long installation times. This ease of implementation will make cobots more accessible to small and medium-sized businesses, allowing them to compete on a larger scale without facing high costs,’ he predicts.

As such, he predicts that more than a third of cobots will be included in these standardised solutions by the end of 2025. ‘Thanks to their scalability and low cost, these solutions will drive adoption across a wide range of industries, from manufacturing to logistics. As companies look for practical and cost-effective ways to increase efficiency, standardised solutions will be key to the next stage of automation,’ he concludes.