The International Federation of Robotics has published a position paper examining how artificial intelligence is being integrated into robotics as systems move from research environments into commercial deployment. The paper focuses on technological trends, adoption challenges, and emerging applications as companies seek to give artificial intelligence a physical form through robotic platforms.
According to Takayuki Ito, the integration of artificial intelligence is changing the role of robotics across industries. “AI is transforming the field of robotics at a rapid pace,” Ito said, adding that the technology is expanding robot capabilities, efficiency, and adaptability, and is shifting AI from a supporting role to a central enabler of wider adoption.
The paper identifies logistics and warehousing as among the most active areas of deployment, reflecting high demand, available investment, and relatively controlled operating environments. Applications span intralogistics and supply chain operations, where companies are using AI-enabled robots to address scale, resilience, and operational continuity.
Manufacturing and industrial automation are also highlighted as major areas of investment. Companies across sectors such as automotive, electronics, and pharmaceuticals are incorporating AI-driven robotics into production, factory automation, and precision assembly, as part of efforts to improve output quality and streamline operations.
The service sector is described as another growing area of adoption, with AI supporting more natural human-robot interaction and greater usability. The paper links this trend to labor shortages and rising costs, particularly in markets where recruitment has lagged demand. Examples include food service operations experimenting with robotic assistants, alongside models that combine automated handling of repetitive tasks with human-led customer interaction.
A central theme of the paper is the development of so-called physical or embodied AI, in which robots are trained in simulated environments and learn through experience rather than fixed programming. Robot and semiconductor manufacturers are investing in dedicated hardware and software to support this approach, drawing attention from technology companies and public authorities.
In the United States, companies including Amazon, Tesla, and NVIDIA are cited as increasing investment in AI and robotics, alongside growing venture capital activity targeting specialized robotic applications. In Europe, ABB has stated that it signed an agreement to divest its robotics division to SoftBank Group, with the aim of combining industrial robotics with artificial intelligence capabilities. In China, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has outlined an action plan to accelerate embodied AI as part of the country’s industrial development strategy.
Looking ahead, the federation expects artificial intelligence to be adopted across a wide range of robotic applications over the next five to ten years. The paper notes that AI-based systems are often associated with efficiency gains, lower error rates, and reduced maintenance costs, which can shorten the return-on-investment period compared with traditional robotic solutions.
The position paper also addresses broader issues including labor impacts, safety and security, sustainability considerations, macroeconomic influences, and the role of government regulation in shaping the development and deployment of AI in robotics.
Free download at https://ifr.org/papers/downloas
