Industry leaders have outlined their predictions for the robotics sector in 2026, emphasizing the growing impact of AI-driven automation and the increasing deployment of robotics in warehouses. Key players in the field, including Locus Robotics, are at the forefront of these advancements, shaping the future of logistics and operational efficiency. The discussions took place during a recent industry conference, where experts gathered to explore the transformative potential of robotics technology. The motivation behind these predictions stems from the need for businesses to enhance productivity and reduce operational costs in an increasingly competitive market. By integrating advanced robotics solutions, companies aim to streamline processes and improve service delivery. As the industry evolves, the collaboration between technology developers and businesses will be crucial in driving innovation and addressing the challenges of modern supply chains.
2026 Robotics and Automation Predictions: Top Trends Transforming Global Industries
Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
RobotToday Weekly September 21 – 25, 2026
Cognex buys RealSense, Qualcomm acquires PickNik, the IFR counts 5 million factory robots, AGIBOT deploys 300 robots at Chimelong, and Tekever raises $580 million.
RobotToday Weekly
XPENG Hosts Inaugural Robotics Supply Chain Partner Conference on September 22
On September 22, XPENG conducted its inaugural Robotics Supply Chain Partner Conference, gathering top supply chain firms specializing in essential components such as robot joint modules, actuators, and precision structural parts. This conference is significant as it marks XPENG's commitment to strengthening its robotics business through strategic partner...
Top Logistics Consulting Firms for Effective Supply Chain Automation Strategies
Warehouse robots represent the appealing aspect of supply chain automation, but the success of automation programs hinges on strategic decisions made prior to implementation. Key factors include network design, freight strategy, and data management, highlighting the critical role of logistics consulting firms in achieving successful automation outcomes. T...
Logistics Supply chain Warehouse robots
Siemens on Robots, Agentic AI and the "Last 3%" Problem
Siemens tells RobotToday at IMTS 2026 why AI robot demos are only the tip of the iceberg, and why agentic AI depends on PLM data and business context.
Industrial Robots
Micro Yi Intelligent Manufacturing Secures CSRC Approval for Overseas Listing with 31% Market Share
Micro Yi Intelligent Manufacturing has received approval from the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) for its overseas listing. This move is significant as it positions the company to expand its reach in the global market, particularly in the field of intelligent manufacturing. The company currently holds a 31% market share in the domestic indus...
Robotics Automation AI
USA Rare Earth Partners with Pasqal and Riven Systems for Quantum AI in Rare Earth Supply Chain
USA Rare Earth has announced a collaboration with French quantum computing firm Pasqal and industrial AI company Riven Systems to enhance the separation of rare earth elements in the U.S. This initiative, revealed on September 17, aims to utilize quantum machine learning and automated lab experiments to identify more effective molecules for binding to rar...
AI and Robotics
Addressing Supply Chain Resilience Challenges with Smart Inventory Strategies
The global supply chain has faced significant turbulence over the past year, impacting manufacturers' operations. In a recent podcast, Vincent Vasilevski from Supply Technologies discussed strategies to mitigate supply chain disruptions, emphasizing the importance of additional inventory and contingency planning. However, these methods may not provide the...
Sponsored
Gartner Reveals Four Key AI Trends Transforming Warehouse Operations
Gartner has identified four significant AI trends that are reshaping warehouse operations as of September 17, 2026. These trends emerge from three driving forces: ongoing labor constraints, evolving capital models for automation, and the growing maturity of AI technologies. The trends range from enhanced optimization techniques to the deployment of physic...
AI Automation Systems and Shuttles IT in Logistics
Innovation Works Venture Expo 2026: 58 Pittsburgh Startups Pitch to Investors
58 health, deep tech and robotics startups pitched at Innovation Works Venture Expo 2026 in Pittsburgh. Full company list, program and 2025 funding data.
Market and Business News
Stratasys at IMTS 2026: GM Scales Additive to 20+ Plants
Stratasys is rolling additive out across 20+ GM plants while Toyota prints robot grippers. Booth build data, the F870, and where the cost case breaks.
Market and Business News
IMTS 2026 Showcases Industrial AI and Automation Transforming Manufacturing
IMTS 2026 is set to highlight the advancements in industrial AI, automation, additive manufacturing, and digital technologies that are transforming the manufacturing landscape. As U.S. manufacturing orders, output, and productivity continue to rise, this event will provide manufacturers with a unique opportunity to explore these innovations firsthand. The...
IMTS 2026 Preview: Record Orders and the Automation Story
IMTS 2026 opens in Chicago with 1,788 exhibitors and record H1 machine tool orders. What the USMTO data says about automation, and the booths to see.
Market and Business News
E-COBOT
France
French AMR manufacturer and system integrator offering the HUSKY robot range and MyCobot fleet management software.
EasyMile
France
Toulouse, France autonomous-vehicle software company founded 2014; EZTow and EZDolly systems automate industrial tow tractors and cargo movers at airports.
Filics
Germany
Munich-based robotics startup making ultra-flat omnidirectional AMRs that drive under Euro pallets for space-efficient intralogistics.
Janome Industrial Equipment Europe GmbH
Germany
German sales subsidiary of Janome Industrial Equipment (Japan), distributing servo presses and desktop/Cartesian robots in Europe since 1984.
Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) 工業技術研究院
Taiwan
Hsinchu County, Taiwan applied-technology research institute founded 1973; over 6,500 staff developing autonomous mobile robots and AI perception systems.
ROS-Industrial
United States
Open-source consortium managed by SwRI extending ROS to industrial manufacturing automation, with global hubs in Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
Ortelio Ltd
United Kingdom
Ortelio Ltd is a UK cloud robotics research company founded in 2011 that develops AI platforms giving robots intelligence for service and healthcare tasks.
Parata Systems
United States
Durham, North Carolina pharmacy automation maker acquired by BD in 2022; builds robotic vial-filling and packaging systems.
Pensa Systems
United States
Austin-based AI retail shelf platform using autonomous drones and CV to detect stockouts; customers include J&J, AB InBev, and Circle K.
Collaborative Robotics
United States
Maker of Proxie, a swerve-drive autonomous mobile manipulator that moves materials alongside people without facility changes.
Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
United States
Massachusetts state agency fostering technology and robotics innovation through funding, partnerships, and the MassRobotics Accelerator.
Azalea Robotics
United States
Berkeley-based YC-backed startup building fully-mobile collaborative robots for autonomous airport baggage handling on ramps and in terminals.
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