32 n ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATED MANUFACTURING February 2026 www.drivesncontrols.com Five trends driving the robotics industry Future demand for robots will be driven by a combination of technological innovations, market forces and new fields of business. The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) has picked the following as its top five trends for the robotics industry for 2026: 1: AI & Autonomy Robots that use artificial intelligence to work independently are becoming more common. Main benefit of AI in this context is the increased autonomy it gives robots. Different types of AI are driving this trend: n Analytical AI helps to process large datasets, detect patterns, and provides actionable insights. This enables robots to anticipate failures autonomously before they occur in smart factories, or for path planning and resource allocation in logistics, for example. n Generative AI, on the other hand, marks a shift from rule-based automation to intelligent, self-evolving systems. GenAI creates new outputs and enables robots to learn new tasks autonomously and generate training data through simulation. It also allows a new kind of human–robot interaction with natural language and vision-based commands. n Agentic AI combines analytical AI for structured decision-making, and generative AI for adaptability. The hybrid approach aims to make robotics capable of working independently in complex, real-world environments. 2: IT meets OT Demand for versatile robots is accelerating, reflecting a market push towards a convergence of IT (information technology) and OT (operational technology). The merger of IT's data-processing power and OT's physical control capabilities enhance robot versatility through real-time data exchange, automation, and advanced analytics. This integration is a foundational element of the digital enterprise and Industry 4.0. The IT/OT convergence breaks down these silos, creating a seamless flow of data between the digital and physical worlds, significantly enhancing the capabilities and versatility of robotics. 3: Humanoids proving themselves Humanoid robotics is expanding rapidly. These machines are seen as a promising technology for industrial uses where flexibility is required – typically in environments designed for humans. Pioneered by the automotive sector, warehousing and manufacturing applications are starting to be implemented. Companies and researchers are moving beyond prototypes to deploy humanoids in real life. Reliability and efficiency are key to their success. When competing with traditional automation, humanoid robots will need to match high industrial requirements such as cycle times, energy consumption and maintenance costs. Industry standards are also defining safety levels, durability and consistent performance of humanoid robots on the factory floor. Humanoids intended to fill labour gaps need to achieve human-level dexterity and productivity – key measures to prove real-world efficiency. 4: Safety and Security As robots operate increasingly alongside humans in factories and service settings, it is essential to ensure that they operate safely. AI-driven autonomy is fundamentally changing the safety landscape, making testing, validation, and human oversight much more complex – but also more necessary. This is especially true for humanoid robots. Robotic systems need to be designed and certified in line with ISO safety standards and clearly defined liability frameworks. In the context of AI in robotics and the convergence of IT and OT, a spectrum of safety and security concerns arise that demand robust governance and clear assignment of liability. The rapid expansion of robot systems into cloud-connected and AI-driven environments is exposing industrial production to a growing array of cybersecurity threats. Experts cite a rise in The value of the global market for industrial robots has reached an all-time high of $16.7bn. The International Federation of Robotics identifies what it sees as the top five trends for robotics in 2026. Robots can help to make workplaces more attractive to young people. Image: Comau
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