Robotics and automation have transformed manufacturing, sometimes gradually, sometimes in giant leaps. Today, they’re no longer optional. According to the latest World Robotics report, over four million robots are now in use globally, with more than half a million new installations in 2024 alone. And that number keeps climbing. Robotics isn’t the future. It’s already here.
To stay competitive, manufacturers need to go beyond just keeping up. It’s not only about reducing risk or replacing manual labor, it’s about being ready for what’s next. As a FANUC Level 2 integrator with broad experience across multiple platforms, ASI helps manufacturers understand where robotics is headed and how to put that future to work on their floor.
What Is the Future of Robotics?
As robotics adoption continues to climb, what will robotics in the manufacturing sector look like from here on out? Put simply, robots are becoming cheaper, easier to use, and smarter. As manufacturing robots become more accessible and affordable, it becomes easier for even smaller manufacturing businesses to reap the rewards of automation at the most basic level for low-volume operations, not just high-volume operations.
In the near term, we’re expecting the following technologies and practices to become even further integrated with manufacturing robots:
Robotic Process Automation
One of the primary functions of robots in manufacturing is to automate repetitive tasks, especially those formerly performed by human workers. Manufacturing robots take these tasks, which are often tedious and carry the risks of repetitive stress injuries or other workplace hazards, out of human hands.
As RPA becomes cheaper to integrate and more efficient, we expect the future of robotics to see these practices increasingly incorporated into small-batch production processes. Utilizing RPA on smaller scales will empower factories to adapt more rapidly to market demands without the need for significant reconfiguration of production lines.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
As machines get smarter, so do the factories they serve. At the center of this movement is AI. Manufacturers are now leveraging AI not just for data crunching, but for real-time decision-making at the machine level. Robotics systems powered by AI can optimize production flow, identify patterns that reduce scrap, and even spot quality issues before they become costly problems.
We’re also seeing AI used in preventive maintenance, where robots analyze their own performance and alert teams before something fails, keeping uptime high and maintenance reactive instead of predictive.
On the vision side, companies like Keyence and Cognex are building AI directly into their smart cameras and inspection systems, giving robots the ability to interpret complex visual data faster and with more accuracy than ever before.
Looking further into the future of robotics, AI could enable operators to interact with machines through voice commands or gestures as well, opening the door to more intuitive human-machine collaboration.
Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
While robotics continues to advance, there are still many tasks where human adaptability and oversight remain essential. That’s where collaborative robots, AKA cobots, come in. Designed to work safely alongside people, cobots help bridge the gap between manual labor and full automation. Whether it’s welding, assembly, or inspection, cobots enhance productivity, improve safety, and reduce downtime.
As these systems become more affordable and easier to deploy, even small operations can begin taking advantage of the benefits.
Robotic Vision Systems
As interpretive AI and machine learning become more effective, the future of robotics will see vision systems becoming increasingly sophisticated and more able to provide the kinds of natural insights you would typically expect solely from human operators. 2D and 3D vision systems can be integrated into sorting, palletizing, and quality control systems to inspect products in real-time and respond more effectively to handling a wider array of product types.
AR and VR Simulation, Training, and Operation
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are becoming increasingly capable of providing a sharper cutting edge to robotics in manufacturing. AR can overlay digital content onto real-life environments and objects, empowering human workers in IoT-connected smart factories to gain a deeper understanding of robotic performance at a glance.
VR, by placing humans in a fully virtual environment, can provide immersive learning and training experiences for your workforce, enabling them to master operations in a safe learning environment. VR can also enable real-time remote operational support and troubleshooting to keep your systems running smoothly with minimal downtime if problems do arise.
With so much new technology becoming increasingly available to manufacturers of all shapes and sizes, it’s not surprising that the future of robotics in the manufacturing sector is so bright.
Take the Reins of the Future of Robotics with ASI
Most manufacturers have had time to integrate robotics into their facilities, but simply having robots on the floor isn’t enough anymore. Today, it’s about how effectively you’re using automation to drive results and how ready your systems are to adapt to what’s next.
At ASI, we specialize in helping manufacturers get the most out of their current equipment while building future-ready systems that evolve with your needs. Since 2008, we’ve provided custom automation solutions to companies across the U.S. from our headquarters in Homewood, Alabama.
Let’s talk about what a flexible, future-proof automation strategy could look like for your facility: Contact Us For A Free Robotics Assessment
