In an effort to accelerate industrial automation, digitalization and sustainability, the robotics sector has seen large activity and investments. Drones, humanoid robots, autonomous robots, cobots (robots designed to work alongside humans in shared workspaces) are just some of the sophisticated machines that are poised to revolutionize industries and our daily lives.  

In combination with artificial intelligence (AI), robots can not only replicate the manual dexterity of humans, they can also make independent decisions and take action to achieve repeatable and accurate goals. Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot is an example of the significant technological innovation ready to disrupt traditional labor markets. As a recent report put it, “By performing tasks that were previously exclusive to humans, Optimus could lead to a realignment of workforce demands, necessitating re-skilling and up-skilling in certain sectors.” ¹  

Optimus is just one recent example of innovation the industry has seen. Let’s take a closer look at some of the main trends driving robotics development. 

Robots can not only improve recycling and enhance manufacturing, they can also play a big role in gathering and analyzing data to increase efficiencies and reduce waste. Not only has there been a big push to ramp up production of green technologies such as solar panels, batteries for electric cars, and recycling equipment, there has also been a push to develop robots that support our environment.    

As an example, Recycleye’s AI-powered robotic pickers and sorters allow waste management companies to sort and identify waste by material, size, and color for more efficient recycling. The technology also provides companies with access to more granular data-driven insights and helps identify trends in their waste streams. Recycleye’s ultimate goal is to pave the way for a circular economy.² 

Robots can be a tool to combat climate change as they can help society take larger strides toward sustainability by reducing pollution and emissions.  

Humanoids are a blend of AI and robotics. They typically have a body structure similar to humans, with arms, legs and a head and are used to perform functions once reserved for humans. Post-pandemic, there has been a rise in demand for contactless completion of certain tasks. The worldwide market for humanoid robots is forecast to be even bigger than Goldman Sachs analysts predicted in 2022. According to a 2024 Goldman report, the total addressable market for humanoid robots is projected to reach $38 billion by 2035, up more than sixfold from the previous projection of $6 billion.³ One reason for this is cost—cheaper components and more supply chain options are now available, and manufacturing has improved.  

Motion technology company Schaeffler Group, for example, is introducing humanoid robots into its processes to increase flexibility and productivity across its factories and distribution hubs. These robots, including Agility Robotics’ Digit, can carry out tasks like transporting materials and assembly all while working alongside people.⁴  

Humanoids help bridge the gap between machines and human interactions. They are designed to work alongside people, be versatile and adaptable to their environments, increase productivity and enhance safety by undertaking hazardous tasks. There are immediate benefits to sectors like manufacturing, customer service, warehousing and logistics, and healthcare, but the applications are endless. 

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the global manufacturing sector is suffering from a labor shortage, fuelled largely by demographic changes.⁵ Robotics promises to help fill current and future manufacturing workforce gaps. 

Automation is far more complex than robots replacing humans; it acts as a force multiplier. Robots can take over repetitive, dangerous, delicate, dirty, tedious and physically demanding tasks, freeing human workers to focus on higher-value, complex and creative tasks.

Beyond physical labor, automation plays an important role in skills shortages as well. Chatbots and AI virtual assistants replace the traditional human customer service representatives, AI-powered coding assistants can replace Software and IT Developers who spend time on repetitive coding tasks, and robotic baristas and fry cooks replace high volume, physically demanding kitchen jobs.

While the technology is advancing at an exponential rate and robotic advancements are ready to disrupt different industries and our personal lives, it may not be as seamless as we might think. Costs, maintenance, production, technical expertise, unemployment, fraud, security and privacy are just some of the concerns and factors that demand consideration before we fully amalgamate robots into our everyday lives. But make no mistake: the AI-powered robotics revolution is coming. 

_{1 https://slashdev.io/blog/robotics-trends-in-2025-tesla-optimus-figure-ai-boston-dynamics-ubtech} 

_{2 https://recycleye.com/ai-waste-sorting-robots-circular-economy/} 

_{3 https://www.goldmansachs.com/insights/articles/the-global-market-for-robots-could-reach-38-billion-by-2035} 

_{4 https://www.schaeffler.com/en/media/press-releases/press-releases-detail.jsp?id=88086592} 

_{5 https://www.ilo.org/resource/news/economic-recovery-losing-steam-new-ilo-report-says} 

_{6 https://www.cam.ac.uk/stories/robotic-skin} 

_{7 https://techxplore.com/news/2025-06-humanoid-robot-flight-jet-ai.html}