Future of Robotics: 10 Ways the Technology impacts Businesses

Advancements in robotics entail technologies like autonomous navigation, sensor fusion, and AI-driven decision-making to enhance automation, adaptability, and efficiency. For instance, in manufacturing, collaborative robots (cobots) work safely alongside humans to improve productivity through precise control and real-time adjustments. In healthcare, robotic systems enable delicate surgeries, remote diagnostics, and rehabilitation with high precision. The agricultural sector leverages robotics for automated harvesting, soil monitoring, and pest control, while logistics benefit from AI-enhanced navigation for warehousing and last-mile delivery. These innovations give a glimpse into the future of robotics and improve operational efficiency, accuracy, and safety.

This data-driven report explores the latest trends and technological advancements in robotics by offering insights crucial for professionals and stakeholders to understand its broad impact and opportunities for growth across industries.

Why should you read this report?

• Gain in-depth insights into the top 10 technologies impacting robotics
• Learn about three practical use cases for each technology
• Meet 10 innovative startups advancing these technologies

Key Takeaways

1. Collaborative Robotics (Cobots)
   • Use Cases:
     • Packaging & Palletizing
     • Manufacturing & Assembly
     • Medical Assistance
   • Startup to Watch: Roundpeg
2. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
   • Use Cases:
     • Warehouse Operations
     • Last-Mile Delivery
     • Cleaning & Maintenance
   • Startup to Watch: Navflex
3. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
   • Use Cases:
     • Automotive Production & Assembly
     • Pharma Material Transportation
     • Airport Baggage Handling
   • Startup to Watch: Vzense Technology
4. Humanoid Robots
   • Use Cases:
     • Disabled & Elderly Care
     • Customer Service
     • Education & Training
   • Startup to Watch: LimX Dynamics
5. Wearable Robotics
   • Use Cases:
     • Military & Defense Operations
     • Rehabilitation
     • Heavy Equipment Handling
   • Startup to Watch: Vilje Bionics
6. Swarm Robotics
   • Use Cases:
     • Disaster Response
     • Environmental Monitoring
     • Smart Farming
   • Startup to Watch: Cheetah Robotic Parking Systems
7. Telerobotics
   • Use Cases:
     • Remote Surgery
     • Underwater Exploration
     • Hazardous Materials Handling
   • Startup to Watch: Nanoflex Robotics
8. Simultaneous Localization & Mapping (SLAM)
   • Use Cases:
     • Search & Rescue Operations
     • Autonomous Vehicle Navigation
     • Hospitality Services
   • Startup to Watch: Exwayz
9. Internet of Robotic Things (IoRT)
   • Use Cases:
     • Supply Chain Management
     • Smart Factory Operations
     • Home Automation
   • Startup to Watch: Enkitek
10. Robotics Operating Systems (ROS)
    • Use Cases:
      • Autonomous Vehicle Development
      • Robot-assisted Surgeries
      • Agricultural Drones
    • Startup to Watch: Acceleration Robotics

What You Need to Know About Robotics

What are the latest advancements in robotics tech?

Recent advancements in robotics enhance intelligent automation, flexibility, and task versatility through emerging technologies.

• In industrial settings, advancements like vision-guided systems and force feedback allow robots to perform tasks with precision and adaptability. This improves collaboration with human workers and ensures proper integration into workflows.
• In the medical field, robotic technologies leverage haptic feedback and teleoperation to conduct minimally invasive procedures and remote care with high accuracy and control.
• In agriculture, innovations such as adaptive path planning and real-time environmental analysis allow robots to perform complex tasks like crop monitoring, autonomous weeding, and selective harvesting with high efficiency.
• Logistics and warehousing include robotics with swarm intelligence and real-time mapping for rapid sorting, handling, and transport of goods, optimizing operational throughput.

What will robotics look like in the future?

By 2050, developments in robotics will include the deployment of fully autonomous robots capable of complex decision-making. These robots will integrate advanced AI with deep learning algorithms to adapt to dynamic environments and perform tasks with minimal human intervention. Additionally, advancements in human-robot interaction will provide more intuitive communication between humans and machines. Natural language processing (NLP) will enable robots to understand and respond to verbal instructions effectively to increase collaboration in workplaces. This will enhance productivity and encourage the adoption of robotics in everyday life. Moreover, a greater emphasis on ethical and social considerations in robotics may address concerns related to employment and privacy. Also, regulatory frameworks will emerge to govern the deployment and operation of robots, ensuring responsible integration into society.

Where is this data from?

StartUs Insights provides data through its comprehensive Discovery Platform, which covers 4.7+ million startups, scaleups, and tech companies globally, as well as 20K+ emerging technologies & trends. The platform excels in startup and technology scouting, trend intelligence, and patent searches, offering a detailed view of the innovation landscape. For this report, we analyzed technologies within specific industries using the trend intelligence feature. During this research, we identified patterns and trends, pinpointing relevant use cases and the startups developing solutions for each. More capabilities and details are available at StartUs Insights Discovery Platform.

10 Emerging Technologies Impacting the Future of Robotics [2025 & Beyond]

1. Collaborative Robotics (Cobots)

Cobots work alongside humans in shared environments through the integration of technologies, including advanced sensors that enhance safety by detecting human presence. Also, it includes AI algorithms that enable robots to learn from their interactions and adapt to new tasks. Further, ML analyzes performance data, optimizes workflows and improves efficiency. Additionally, modular designs allow for flexibility in deployment, while cloud-based control systems enable remote management and real-time monitoring.

3 Practical Use Cases of Cobots:

• Packaging & Palletizing: Cobots streamline the packaging process by automating tasks such as picking products from conveyors, placing them into boxes, and stacking these boxes onto pallets. This application enhances efficiency by reducing labor costs and improving packing speed with quicker turnaround times in distribution.
• Manufacturing & Assembly: Collaborative robots handle repetitive tasks, such as part selection, assembly, and quality inspection that reduce the risk of human error and increase production consistency. The integration of cobots in assembly lines improves worker safety and productivity, as humans focus on more complex and value-added tasks.
• Medical Assistance: These robots perform tasks such as patient monitoring, medication dispensing, and surgical assistance. Thus, they enable healthcare professionals to allocate more time to direct patient care, improving overall service efficiency and patient outcomes.

Startup to Watch: Roundpeg

German startup Roundpeg develops a real-time obstacle detection system that prevents accidental collisions for robotic applications. It utilizes integrated sensor modules to detect obstacles and promptly stop the robot to ensure safe operation even at high speeds. Further, the system allows operators to customize detection parameters and integrate them into existing robotic software to provide an interface that enhances the overall experience. Thus, it eliminates additional sensors or cameras by optimizing flexibility and performance.

2. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

AMRs navigate and operate in dynamic environments without human intervention. These robots leverage advanced technologies, such as light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and depth cameras for mapping and localization, enabling them to navigate complex spaces with minimal obstacles. Further, the integration of AI enables real-time decision-making, allowing AMRs to adapt to their surroundings and optimize their tasks. Moreover, onboard sensors and advanced communication systems enhance their operational efficiency and enable the coordination with other robots and systems within an automated environment.​

3 Practical Use Cases of AMRs:

• Warehouse Operations: AMRs optimize warehouse operations by autonomously navigating through aisles to retrieve and transport inventory items with precision. This automation increases throughput, reduces labor costs, and improves employee safety by minimizing the need to manually handle heavy items.
• Last-Mile Delivery: These robots transport packages from distribution centers directly to customers’ doorsteps, enhancing efficiency and speed. Their deployment reduces delivery times and operational costs while addressing challenges such as labor shortages and rising consumer expectations.
• Cleaning & Maintenance: AMRs clean and maintain various settings, including hospitals and offices, by autonomously navigating and performing sanitation duties. Thus, they ensure consistent cleanliness while allowing human staff to focus on more complex responsibilities, improving overall operational efficiency.

Startup to Watch: Navflex

US-based Navflex uses AI algorithms and integrated AMRs to provide autonomous trailer and container (un)loading systems that enhance logistics efficiency. The system maps the trailer on the fly and determines optimal loading patterns while adapting to different load shapes and arrangements. Its features include natural navigation capabilities that require no infrastructure modifications and the option for manual operation when necessary. By integrating with existing warehouse management systems (WMS) or functioning independently, the startup increases productivity while ensuring safety and reliability.

3. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)

AGVs integrate navigation technologies to enhance operational efficiency across various industries. These vehicles utilize guidance systems, including laser, magnetic, and vision-based technologies, to navigate complex environments while avoiding obstacles. Further, advanced sensors and AI-driven algorithms provide real-time decision-making and adaptive route planning to operate autonomously and efficiently. The incorporation of fleet management software enables communication and coordination among multiple AGVs to optimize material handling processes in logistics and manufacturing settings.

3 Practical Use Cases of AGVs:

• Automotive Production & Assembly: AGVs provide automotive production by autonomously transporting parts and components throughout the assembly line for a steady flow of materials without human intervention. This application enhances operational efficiency by reducing manual handling, minimizing the risk of errors, and allowing assembly line workers to focus on higher-value tasks while increasing throughput and productivity.
• Pharma Material Transportation: The vehicles transport sensitive materials and products through production and storage areas while adhering to stringent safety and regulatory standards. Their deployment improves the accuracy and traceability of material handling for maintaining compliance, ensuring patient safety, and reducing the labor burden on staff.
• Airport Baggage Handling: AGVs streamline the baggage handling process at airports by automatically moving luggage between check-in areas, security checks, and boarding gates. This automation minimizes delays and enhances the overall passenger experience by ensuring timely and efficient handling of baggage.

Startup to Watch: Vzense Technology

US-based Vzense develops a time-of-flight (ToF) RGB depth camera to enhance the functionality of AGVs. This advanced camera captures detailed depth images and processes data to enable precise obstacle detection and object interaction in real-time. Further, the camera utilizes algorithms to differentiate pallets from other objects based on their shape and size, allowing AGVs to react accordingly within warehouse environments. Additional features include a wide field of view, millimeter accuracy, and IP67 industrial immunity. Thus, Vzense optimizes the efficiency and productivity of AGVs by providing sensing technology that supports intelligent and autonomous material handling solutions for cost savings in logistics and manufacturing.

4. Humanoid Robots

Humanoid robots mimic human physical characteristics and behaviors. They also incorporate AI to process information, learn from interactions, and perform more and more tasks with autonomy. Enhanced sensor systems, including cameras and tactile sensors, further allow humanoid robots to perceive their surroundings and respond to human emotions, improving their overall ability to engage in social interactions. Lastly, the integration of machine learning algorithms enhances their adaptability to improve performance over time.

3 Practical Use Cases of Humanoid Robots:

• Disabled & Elderly Care: Humanoid robots assist individuals with disabilities and the elderly by performing daily tasks, offering companionship, and providing reminders for medication or activities. This integration promotes independence and reduces the workload on caregivers.
• Customer Service: Androids engage with customers by answering inquiries, providing information, and guiding them through services or products. Their presence improves customer satisfaction by offering consistent interactions and enables human staff to focus on more complex queries.​
• Education & Training: They provide lessons, offer interactive learning experiences, and serve as practice partners for students. This application enhances educational outcomes by providing personalized attention and engagement to make learning more effective and enjoyable​.

Startup to Watch: LimX Dynamics

Chinese startup LimX Dynamics develops the CL-1 humanoid robot that climbs stairs through advanced real-time terrain perception. The company’s technology integrates gait planning, locomotion control, and data streaming to allow the robot to navigate indoor and outdoor settings. Further, the company leverages motion control algorithms and general AI to use robots as artificial general intelligence (AGI). It collects real-world data through teleoperation to iterate control algorithms and improve the robot’s performance continuously.

5. Wearable Robotics

Wearable robotics include wearable devices that enhance human’s physical capabilities and assist in mobility. The technology incorporates advanced actuation systems, such as cable-driven and fluidic actuators, for dynamic and responsive action that mimics natural human movement. The integration of sensors, including pressure and position sensors, enables the control and interaction between the robot and the user. Further, the development of soft robotics provides lightweight and flexible designs that improve comfort and usability.

3 Practical Use Cases of Wearable Robotics:

• Military & Defense Operations: Wearable robotics such as exoskeletons enable soldiers to redistribute the weight of heavy gear and equipment, reducing physical strain during missions. This application improves endurance and decreases the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
• Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation robots assist patients with mobility disorders by enabling them to regain strength and coordination through supportive devices that allow for better movement. These robots promote independence and enhance the effectiveness of therapy by supporting assistance-intensive exercises.
• Heavy Equipment Handling: These robots enhance worker performance by augmenting human strength and reducing fatigue during manual lifting tasks. This significantly boosts productivity and safety in environments like warehouses or construction sites.

Startup to Watch: Vilje Bionics

Norwegian startup Vilje Bionics builds ABELarm, a motorized exoskeleton that restores impaired arm mobility, particularly in stroke victims. The robotoc arm leverages small sensors that detect user intent and assist in raising and lowering the arm, bending and straightening the elbow, and rotating the wrist to grasp objects. Its features include motorized joints that provide smooth, controlled movements and provide functional support to the affected arm for everyday tasks such as carrying items or carrying out hobbies.

6. Swarm Robotics

Swarm robotics means the design and deployment of multiple robotic agents working collectively to solve complex tasks. These robots mimic the coordinated behavior of insects and fish, by utilizing decentralized control mechanisms in which individual robots operate based on local rules for adaptive and scalable collective behavior. Further, swarm intelligence enables communication and coordination that enhances the robots’ ability to share information about their environment and their technical statuses. Additionally, embedded sensors and multi-agent systems allow for real-time data exchange among robots to navigate, collaborate, and execute tasks in unstructured environments. ​

3 Practical Use Cases of Swarm Robotics:

• Disaster Response: Swarm robotics deploy multiple autonomous robots to assess damage, locate survivors, and deliver supplies in challenging environments. This enhances rescue operations by covering large areas quickly and efficiently, minimizing the risk to human responders, ensuring rapid data collection, and situational awareness during emergencies.​
• Environmental Monitoring: By working collaboratively across vast areas, swarm robotics can gather data on ecological conditions, such as water quality, biodiversity, and habitat changes. Further, they are capable of operating in hazardous environments without risking human safety. This enables comprehensive monitoring thus providing more informed data for better environmental management and conservation strategies.
• Smart Farming: In the agriculture industry, multi-robot systems are also involved in planting seeds, monitoring crop health, and controlling pests. This optimizes resource usage, such as water and fertilizers, while minimizing the environmental impact by targeting specific areas for intervention. As a result, swarm intelligence robots enhance overall crop yields and improve sustainability​.

Startup to Watch: Cheetah Robotic Parking Systems

US-based Cheetah Robotic Parking Systems develops a robotic parking system that assists real estate owners and developers in managing parking spaces. Its technology employs modular software and proprietary swarm robots that autonomously lift, rotate, and transport vehicles to designated parking locations without extensive infrastructure. This system eliminates traditional parking requirements such as ramps, turntables, and pallets in favor of flat floors and single-car elevator shafts. As a result, the company increases parking capacity, reduces the overall footprint without sacrificing the number of spaces, and accelerates vehicle retrieval times.

7. Telerobotics

Telerobotics enables the remote operation and control of robotic systems by leveraging advanced sensors for real-time environmental feedback and seamless communication between operator and machine. With the advancement of 5G networks, high-speed, low-latency communication enhances the precision and responsiveness of remote control. Furthermore, the integration of AI and machine learning algorithms enables robots to make autonomous decisions and adapt to their surroundings autonomously.

3 Practical Use Cases of Telerobotics:

• Remote Surgery: Telerobotics enables surgeons to perform complex operations from a distance using robotic systems that replicate their movements in real-time. These robots enhance patient access to specialized care, particularly in remote areas, while also allowing surgeons to operate in risky or impractical environments.​
• Underwater Exploration: Telerobotics allow researchers to operate remotely controlled submersibles equipped with sensors and cameras, enabling them to gather data from deep-sea environments without exposing human staff to dangerous conditions. The technology thereby increases the safety and efficiency of exploration missions while providing high-resolution insights into underwater ecosystems and geological formations.
• Hazardous Materials Handling: By utilizing robotic systems to manipulate and transport dangerous substances remotely, telerobotics optimizes the handling of hazardous materials. Thus, it reduces the risk for human operators by allowing them to control robotic arms and systems from a safe distance, enhancing both safety and efficiency in environments such as nuclear facilities and chemical plants​.

Startup to Watch: Nanoflex Robotics

Swiss startup Nanoflex Robotics develops telerobotic devices that enhance access to life-saving endovascular interventions. Its advanced magnetic technology and ultra-flexible robotic systems allow physicians to navigate intricate blood vessels by using magnetic fields to guide microrobots through the vascular system. Features include a compact and mobile magnetic field unit and a console to control the device’s orientation and movement for rapid adjustments during procedures. As a result, Nanoflex Robotics’ devices reduce transfer and waiting times for thrombectomies and improve treatment outcomes.

8. Simultaneous Localization & Mapping (SLAM)

SLAM enables autonomous systems to navigate and construct a map of their environment concurrently. This technique integrates various sensor technologies, such as LiDAR, cameras, and inertial measurement units (IMUs), to gather spatial data and create accurate 3D maps. SLAM employs sophisticated algorithms, including particle filters, extended Kalman filters, and graph-based optimization, to provide real-time mapping and localization for robots operating in unknown or dynamic environments. Further, the integration of computer vision technologies, such as scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) and oriented fast and rotated brief (ORB), enhances the SLAM systems to detect and track features in their surroundings.​

3 Practical Use Cases of Simultaneous Localization & Mapping:

• Search & Rescue Operations: SLAM enables search and rescue robots to navigate through complex and hazardous environments while simultaneously creating detailed maps of the area. This improves the efficiency of rescue missions to locate victims and assess the conditions of disaster sites for enhancing response times and operational safety.
• Autonomous Vehicle Navigation: By providing real-time localization and mapping data, SLAM enables autonomous vehicles’ to understand their surroundings. This ensures that vehicles accurately perceive their environment to make informed decisions, enhancing overall road safety.
• Hospitality Services: SLAM also assists service robots by enabling them to navigate hotel corridors and public spaces while mapping the layout. The technology thereby enhances guest experiences by allowing robots to deliver items, clean rooms, or guide guests to their destinations to improve service efficiency and guest satisfaction.

Startup to Watch: Exwayz

French startup Exwayz develops the EXWAYZ LiDAR SDK, a software development kit that integrates algorithms for 3D LiDAR sensors to embed advanced object detection and localization capabilities. The SDK is designed to be sensor-agnostic, allowing it to work with various LiDAR models from different manufacturers. Its features include real-time object detection at the sensor’s maximum range, dynamic object tracking, and generation of 3D-oriented bounding boxes for enhanced environmental perception. The SDK also incorporates SLAM functionality, enabling precise positioning without the need for additional sensors or GPS. These capabilities make it valuable for improving integration speed and functionality in industries such as automotive, mobile robotics, and drones.

9. Internet of Robotic Things (IoRT)

The IoRT unifies robotics and the Internet of Things to enhance connectivity and communication between robotic systems and connected devices. This integration leverages technologies, including cloud computing, AI, and machine learning to share and process data in real-time. The IoRT also enhances situational awareness and enable autonomous decision-making capabilities by utilizing various sensor technologies, such as LiDAR, cameras, and IoT-enabled devices. Additionally, the implementation of communication protocols like message queue telemetry transport (MQTT) powers efficient data transmission allowing robotic systems to operate collaboratively within complex networks.

3 Practical Use Cases of IoRT:

• Supply Chain Management: IoRT enhances supply chain management by integrating robotics with IoT to create smart systems that monitor inventory levels, track shipments, and automate the handling of goods. This integration increases efficiency and accuracy in logistics, responds to changing demands, and maintains operational continuity with workforce shortages.
• Smart Factory Operations: The technology enables robots to communicate and collaborate with other machines and systems to optimize production processes. This streamlines operations, enables real-time monitoring and thus predictive maintenance to improve productivity and reduce downtime.
• Home Automation: IoRT-enabled robots integrate with smart home devices to enhance convenience and energy efficiency through automated systems. They manage tasks such as temperature regulation and security monitoring, creating a more interconnected and user-friendly home environment.

Startup to Watch: Enkitek

Spanish startup Enkitek develops a software solution enhancing the efficiency of indoor farming through integrated management and automation. Its farm management system (FMS) operates as a customizable, hardware-agnostic platform that manages materials, processes, and production planning while monitoring customer orders from a single interface. The software unifies IoT devices into one dashboard for controlling lighting, irrigation, ventilation, and air and water quality for improving operational oversight. Benefits include the automation of labor-intensive processes using AI and multi-sensor data, which increases yields and provides insights into agricultural output.

10. Robotics Operating Systems (ROS)

ROS enhances robotic applications through its extensive software libraries and tools. This open-source framework supports advanced communication protocols, enabling interaction between various components of robotic systems. ROS utilizes middleware, specifically the Data Distribution Service (DDS) in ROS 2, to integrate diverse sensors such as LiDAR, cameras, and inertial measurement units (IMUs) for data collection and processing. Furthermore, ROS 2 introduces significant improvements, including better support for real-time systems, enhanced security features, and improved compatibility with various operating systems, making it suitable for both research and commercial applications. These enhancements include multi-threading capabilities, a more robust communication layer, and a focus on industrial and production environments.

3 Practical Use Cases of ROS:

• Autonomous Vehicle Development: ROS integrates sensor inputs, such as LiDAR and cameras, for real-time perception and navigation. Thereby, it streamlines the development process for higher-level decision-making algorithms while improving vehicle performance in dynamic environments.
• Robot-Assisted Surgeries: For robot-assisted surgeries, ROS provides a flexible framework that integrates imaging systems and surgical instruments for the control of robotic arms. This integration enhances the accuracy and safety of minimally invasive procedures, improving patient outcomes.
• Agricultural Drones: The technology coordinates sensors and data processing tasks to optimize tasks such as crop monitoring and pest detection. Thus ROS enhances operational efficiency by automating data collection processes and enable informed decisions making to improve crop yields.

Startup to Watch: Acceleration Robotics

Spanish startup Acceleration Robotics develops ROBOTCORE for ROS 2 which enhances robotic communication through field programmable gate array (FPGA)-based hardware acceleration. It implements the ROS 2 robotics communication framework directly in hardware to imptove data processing and reduce latency in ROS 2 interactions. Its features send and receive messages in microseconds while supporting multiple data link layers and providing performance for real-time applications in robotics.

Impact of Robotics Technologies

Patents, Grants & Investment Landscape

According to data from StartUs Insights, over 269K patents and more than 11K grants were filed or granted for advanced robotics technologies. The sector attracted over 4500 investors and closed 20K+ funding rounds, averaging at USD 31.7 million per funding round. The top five investors in the robotics space include Techstars, Y Combinator, MassChallenge, Futureplay, and Hax, all known for their strong support of innovative startups. These investors primarily focus on funding types such as Seed, Early Stage VC/Series A, Pre Seed, Angel, and Later Stage VC/Series C. The most prominent industries receiving investment include industrial automation, software development, machinery, medical devices, and education management, highlighting the diverse applications and growth potential in these sectors.

Global Footprint

Major hubs for the robotics industry include the USA, India, the UK, Germany, and France. Leading city hubs with high startup activity include London, New York City, Bangalore, Singapore, and Tokyo.

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