Apr 22, 2026 — The debate on robots usually evolves around labour market outcomes. While economist have been occupied with the impact of robots on employment and wages for decades, there is another question which deserves just as much attention: can robots save lives and prevent workplace injuries?
One of 11 Women Shaping the Future of Robotics in 2026
Mar 18, 2026 — I believe that technology must be guided with awareness. Automation should strengthen human capability and encourage deeper understanding, not replace critical thinking or reduce intellectual breadth.
Feb 25, 2026 — Robotics is often described as a mature industry, with well-established actors, growing sales, and rather clear innovation directions and technological trajectories. In our recent work, we argue that vision–language–action models (VLAMs) may mark a turning point in robotics.
Jan 14, 2026 — Robots, capable of performing both manual and cognitive tasks autonomously, have been integrated in various industries. The increasing adoption of robots has generated concern about the loss of jobs and skills. Our paper addresses these concerns by studying the introduction of robots in US manufacturing plants during the period 2010-2022.
Events
Elmia Automation
May 19- May 22, 2026
Automation fair
ICRA 2026
June 01- June 05, 2026
IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation
Automate 2026
June 22- June 25, 2026
The latest in robotics, machine vision, AI, motion control, and more
World Robotics - Industrial Robots: Global Robot Demand in Factories Doubles Over 10 Years
The new World Robotics 2025 statistics on industrial robots showed 542,000 robots installed in 2024 - more than double the number 10 years ago. Annual installations topped 500,000 units for the fourth straight year. Asia accounted for 74% of new deployments in 2024, compared with 16% in Europe and 9% in the Americas.
World Robotics - Service Robots See Global Growth Boom
In 2024, worldwide sales of professional service robots grew by 9%, medical robots by 91%, and service robots for consumer use by 11%. More than 199,000 units for professional service robots and close to 16,700 units of medical robots sold were registered by the IFR Statistical Department.
The IFR Newsletter - published quarterly - informs about sector relevant news - press releases, in-depth blogs, positioning papers and case studies on robot use. In addition, we inform about upcoming events, and new IFR members. Each newsletter highlights a report by the current IFR president. Please register for an automatic supply.
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