At Automatica 2025, the robotics industry is demonstrating a shift in focus—from standalone machines to intelligent systems that enhance both productivity and the human experience on the factory floor. In a conversation with Rocking Robots, Will Healy III, of Universal Roboty, shared his perspective on the most impactful developments, highlighting the rapid rise of AI, machine vision, and collaborative automation.
“AI and vision-based applications are everywhere right now,” Healy noted. With more than two decades in manufacturing, he described the last 18 months as uniquely transformative. The ability to combine image processing with physical AI is unlocking capabilities once thought out of reach—particularly in dynamic tasks like bin picking and mobile material handling.
This technological leap is matched by a growing emphasis on human-robot collaboration. Rather than replacing workers, today’s automation is designed to support them. Healy pointed to systems that adapt to real shop floor conditions, allowing workers and robots to operate side by side in ways that improve both efficiency and job satisfaction. “Automation is becoming a tool that makes people’s work better,” he said. “It helps companies invest in the people they already have.”
Among the highlights Healy mentioned were mobile collaborative robots equipped with advanced vision systems, capable of navigating and performing tasks across different areas of a factory. From logistics applications to artistic tasks like robotic painting, exhibitors are showing how AI can bring new levels of flexibility and finesse to automation. A painting solution, for example, demonstrated how a robot can replicate—and even refine—the subtle gestures of human craftsmanship.
Despite the advanced technology on display, Healy emphasized the importance of accessibility. Citing Universal Robots as an example, he explained that ease of use remains a key factor in adoption. “I taught my 7-year-old how to use a robot in 20 minutes,” he said. “If they can learn it, so can your operators.” Simplicity, in this case, translates directly into faster deployment and greater return on investment.
For many companies, labor remains the primary driver behind automation decisions—whether due to a shortage of qualified workers or the need to boost productivity with existing teams. Collaborative robotics, Healy argued, offers a way forward: not as a replacement, but as an extension of human capability.
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From Tools to Teammates: Robots at the Heart of Industry at Automatica
