Assembly Lines
Manufacturers Turn to AI-Enabled Robots to Improve Quality, New Paper Says
FRANKFURT — Artificial intelligence is moving from a supporting role in robotics to a core driver of new factory automation capabilities, the International Federation of Robotics said in a new position paper released Tuesday, as AI begins its transition into new physical forms.
“AI is transforming the field of robotics at a rapid pace," said Takayuki Ito, the president of the International Federation of Robotics. “Integrating AI into robotics enhances capabilities, increases efficiency and improves adaptability. This development is transforming AI from a supporting technology into a powerful enabler, opening the door to wider robot adoption across industries.”
The paper, “AI in Robotics,” signaled this new generation of AI-powered robots is moving beyond research labs and into real-world commercial use. It also said manufacturers are increasingly turning to AI-enabled robots to improve output quality, reduce errors and boost flexibility in production environments, particularly in automotive, electronics and precision assembly.
The group said a major trend is the rise of “physical AI,” where robots train in simulated environments and learn tasks through experience rather than relying solely on traditional programming. IFR said robot makers and chip manufacturers are investing in dedicated hardware and software to support the shift.
In addition to manufacturing, IFR also noted logistics and warehousing remain leading markets for AI robotics adoption due to high investment and controlled environments, while service industries are also growing as AI improves human-robot interaction.
Over the next five to 10 years, IFR expects AI to become widely adopted across robotics applications, driven in part by faster return on investment from lower maintenance costs and improved efficiency.
According to IFR, in the United States, companies like Amazon, Tesla and NVIDIA have announced major investments and venture capital has increased for startups focused on specialized robot applications.
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