Robotics

As the much-anticipated   automatica   event prepares to open its doors from June 24 to 27, 2025, in Munich, Germany, it would be interesting to ask what the state of the sector is. Automatica is one of the leading international trade fairs for intelligent automation and robotics. A biennial event founded in 2004, it serves as a barometer for the robotics and automation sector, showcasing innovations and fostering dialogue among industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers. Historical context and growth Automatica has consistently attracted significant attention from the global automation and robotics community. Looking back, the 2023 show saw a strong resurgence, drawing 41,169 visitors from 92 countries and featuring 648 exhibitors, with 35 percent of exhibitors being international. Earlier editions also demonstrated robust participation; for instance, the 2008 event hosted over 31,000 visitors from 101 countries and 868 exhibitors. While a specific forecast for numbers a...

The natural state of the world of automation is one of constant evolution. The most recent iteration has been marked by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine vision, and computer-powered solutions, fundamentally reshaping business processes across industries. For the engineers and operations leaders at the forefront, the challenge isn't just keeping up; it's strategically equipping themselves with the tools and insights to not only meet today's demands but to also confidently navigate the shifts in technologies and priorities yet to come. While the idea of a truly future-proof industrial computer for AI automation might be perpetually aspirational, building with adaptability and foresight is not. The ever-increasing sophistication of AI and automation workflows demands computing solutions with greater processing muscle, enhanced efficiency, and specialized capabilities. Relying on outdated hardware can quickly become a limiting factor, hindering the de...

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and wheeled mobile robots currently dominate factories and warehouses, following magnetic stripes or optical markers permanently embedded in warehouse flooring to navigate routes. As requirements evolve, however, wheels are simply not enough. Demand is growing for machines capable of navigating more challenging, human-centric environments, such as hospitals, restaurants, homes, and even rugged outdoor terrain. In such environments, perfectly flat floors, free from steps and stairs, along with conspicuous, clutter-free aisles, are luxuries. Instead, robots must move over thresholds, skirt around unpredictable obstacles and adapt on the fly to a world that’s neither uniform nor pre-mapped. Humanoid robots are the natural solution, literally following in our footsteps, and there are three foundational areas shaping legged and humanoid robots for such complex settings. These comprise motion control, perception/navigation, and modularity/flexibility. Togethe...

  How is technology changing the way robots ‘see’ and perceive the world? Michelle Mooney asks the experts. Robotic perception is at the forefront of transformative change, redefining how machines interact with their surroundings and process complex data. In an era where automation extends beyond industrial confines into diverse fields such as education, underwater exploration, and logistics, the ability of robots to perceive and understand their environment has become a fundamental determinant of their success. Here,  Robotics & Automation Magazine  brings together insights from industry leaders who are navigating the intricate challenges and breakthroughs associated with developing advanced perception systems. Louis Esquerre-Pourtere, head of research and development at Exotec, discusses the essential role of designing hardware and algorithms that adapt to fluctuating conditions, ensuring seamless, 24/7 operations in demanding environments; Dr Farshad Badie, dean of...

An in-depth analysis of the current technological landscape, regulatory roadblocks, and the commercial scalability of autonomous aerial delivery The promise of near-instantaneous delivery via autonomous drones has captivated investors and engineers for over a decade. Initial forecasts, often fuelled by blockbuster tech announcements, painted a futuristic picture of skies buzzing with packages, a vision that has been stubbornly slow to materialize. This has led many to question the ultimate viability of the concept. Is drone delivery, then, finally poised to overcome its significant hurdles and become a mainstream logistics solution, or is it destined to remain a niche, novelty service? The answer, as of mid-2025, is nuanced. While the dream of widespread, on-demand urban drone delivery remains on the horizon, significant technological advancements and slowly evolving regulations are enabling commercially viable applications in specific, targeted sectors. These successes offer a realist...

  1. Communication and Language Barriers Being able to communicate effectively is basic to achieving success in HRI. However, it is often hard for robots to read the more subtle aspects in human speech and gestures. Challenges : Natural Language Processing (NLP): robots could fail to pick up on people’s slightly informal, accented, or situation-specific language. Non-verbal Cues: Recognizing gestures, expressions, and body language still poses a challenge for robots. Solutions: Robots are now better at understanding human language because of recent progress in NLP and machine learning. Communicating visually, talking, and making gestures greatly improves the way people interact. Ultra Updates points out that strong language technology and open channels are important to help humans interact with robots. 2. Trust and Ethical Considerations Building trust between people and robots is really important, especially when they are working together. Challenges: Reliability: Inconsistent rob...

Industrial automation specialist   Comau   and 3D printing expert   Roboze   have agreed a collaboration focused on meeting the market need for affordable automation in advanced, on-demand manufacturing applications. The cooperation targets a range of sectors, from automotive and aerospace to energy, racing, and beyond. The joint effort accelerates the availability of automation for advanced manufacturing everywhere, enabling true just-in-time production whenever and wherever it is needed. This directly supports reshoring strategies and sustainable manufacturing models, allowing companies to optimize resources, minimize waste, and align with growing market expectations for low-impact, environmentally responsible production. This collaboration emphasizes the key role of robotized processes as a game changer in enabling the widespread industrial adoption of needs-based advanced manufacturing. It also enables the creation of advanced geometries that are not feasible wit...

Earlier this year, a robot completed a half-marathon in Beijing in just under 2 hours and 40 minutes. That’s slower than the human winner, who clocked in at just over an hour – but it’s still a remarkable feat. Many recreational runners would be proud of that time. The robot kept its pace for more than 13 miles (21 kilometres). But it didn’t do so on a single charge. Along the way, the robot had to stop and have its batteries swapped three times. That detail, while easy to overlook, speaks volumes about a deeper challenge in robotics: energy. Modern robots can move with incredible agility, mimicking animal locomotion and executing complex tasks with mechanical precision. In many ways, they rival biology in coordination and efficiency. But when it comes to endurance, robots still fall short. They don’t tire from exertion – they simply run out of power. As a robotics researcher focused on energy systems, I study this challenge closely. How can researchers give robots the staying...