IFR names top 5 global robotics trends of 2026

The global market value of industrial robot installations has reached an all-time high of $16.7 billion, according to the International Federation of Robotics, or IFR.

The Frankfurt, Germany-based organization predicted that a number of technological innovations, market forces, and new fields of business will drive future demand. Here are the top five trends the IFR identified for the robotics industry in 2026.

1. AI gives robots greater autonomy

Robots that use artificial intelligence to work independently are becoming more common. The main benefit of AI in this context is the increased autonomy of robots empowered by AI.

Different types of AI drive this trend: Analytical AI helps to process large datasets, detect patterns, and provide actionable insights. For example, it can autonomously anticipate failures before they occur in smart factories. Such AI can also support path planning and resource allocation in logistics.

Generative AI, on the other hand, marks a shift from rule-based automation to intelligent, self-evolving systems. GenAI creates new outputs and enables robots to learn new tasks autonomously and generate training data through simulation. This also allows a new kind of human–robot interaction with natural language and vision-based commands.

A key trend to further develop autonomy in robotics is agentic AI. This technology combines analytical AI for structured decision-making and generative AI for adaptability. The hybrid approach aims to make modern robotics capable of working independently in complex, real-world environments.

2. Robots gain versatility as IT meets OT

Demand for versatile robots is accelerating, according to the IFR. This directly reflects a market push toward a convergence of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT).

The combination of IT’s data-processing power and OT’s physical control capabilities can enhance robot versatility through real-time data exchange, automation, and advanced analytics. This integration is a foundational element of the digital enterprise and Industry 4.0.

The IT/OT convergence breaks down silos, creating a seamless flow of data between the digital and physical worlds, which significantly enhances the capabilities and versatility of robotics.

3. IFR expects humanoids to prove reliability and efficiency

The field of humanoid robotics is expanding rapidly, noted the IFR. Many see humanoid technology as promising for industrial applications where flexibility is required, typically in environments designed for humans. Pioneered by the automotive industry, applications in warehousing and manufacturing are coming into focus worldwide.

Today, companies and researchers are moving beyond prototypes to deploy humanoids in real life. Reliability and efficiency are key to industrial success. In competing with traditional automation, these robots need to match stringent requirements for cycle times, energy consumption, and maintenance costs.

Industry standards also define safety levels, durability criteria, and consistent performance for humanoid robots on the factory floor. Humanoids intended to fill labor gaps need to achieve human-level dexterity and productivity, key measures to prove real-world efficiency.

4. Safety and security remain concerns for developers, users

As robots increasingly operate alongside humans in factories and service settings, ensuring they operate safely is not just important; it’s essential for the robotics industry. The AI-driven autonomy fundamentally changes the safety landscape, which makes testing, validation, and human oversight much more complex—but also more necessary.

The need for such validation and control becomes particularly clear in the intended use of humanoids, the IFR acknowledged. Robots need to be designed and certified in line with ISO safety standards and clearly defined liability frameworks.

In the context of AI in robotics and the convergence of IT and OT, a spectrum of safety and security concerns arises that demand robust governance and clear assignment of liability. The rapid expansion of robotics systems into cloud-connected and AI-driven environments is exposing industrial production to a growing array of cybersecurity threats. Experts have cited a rise in hacking attempts targeting robot controllers and cloud platforms, enabling unauthorized access and potential system manipulation.

As robots become more integrated into workplaces, concerns are mounting over the sensitive data they collect — including video, audio, and sensor streams, noted the IFR.

Deep learning models, which are often described as “black boxes,” can produce results that are difficult or impossible to explain, even to their own developers. The legal and ethical ambiguity surrounding liability has prompted calls for clear frameworks to govern AI deployment.

5. Robots become allies in tackling labor gaps, says IFR

Employers around the world are struggling to find people with the specialized skills required. These unfilled jobs leave existing staff covering extra shifts, with rising stress and fatigue across all sectors. The IFR said the adoption of robotics and automation is a key strategy for addressing this issue.

In this transformation process, employers can benefit from taking their human workforce on board. The close cooperation with employees in implementing robots plays a crucial role in ensuring acceptance, both in industrial manufacturing settings as well as in manifold service applications, the IFR said.

Robots can deliver benefits such as tackling labor shortages, taking away routine tasks, or opening up new career opportunities. If these benefits are properly communicated, they will be accepted as allies in the workplace.

At the same time, robots are a way to make a workplace much more attractive to young people, said the organization. Companies and governments are pushing skilling and upskilling programs to help workers keep up with changing skills demand and compete in an automation-driven economy.

Editor’s Note: This article was syndicated from the IFR’s blog.

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