Smarter robots enable simpler solutions
Aaron Blutstein 15 January 2026 
Users across a diverse range of industries are turning to robotic automation to unlock growth, says Julian Ware, UK & Ireland Sales Manager for ABB Robotics.
More manufacturers and distribution companies than ever are turning to robotic automation to help combat tight labour markets, meet productivity challenges and improve sustainability. This shift is in large part the result of newly emerging capabilities that pave the way for robotic deployments across a much bigger range of applications. Chief among these enabling technologies is artificial intelligence (AI) and machine vision.
The result is that the density of robots deployed in factories around the world has doubled in the past seven years, according to the latest World Robotics report from the International Federation of Robotics. The new global average robot density reached a record 162 units per 10,000 employees in 2023[1].
The European Union is ahead of the game with a robot density of 219 units per 10,000 employees, an increase of 5.2% year-on-year. That’s a higher rate than both North America (197 units) and Asia (182), although Asian deployments are growing faster (7.6%)[2].
New technologies, new possibilities
Today’s robotic solutions can be configured to deliver highly automated end-to-end manufacturing using everything from low-payload cobots and fast-picking Delta robots through to complete lines handling multiple operations. Meanwhile, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) can handle the seamless transfer of parts or sub-assemblies between different production stations, leading to an increasingly joined-up approach that is finding a home in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, electronics, logistics and construction. Developments in AI and vision are also enabling robots to operate increasingly autonomously in an expanding range of applications, particularly in logistics for picking and sorting.
A new level of simplicity
It helps that implementing robotic automation has never been easier or more scalable. Innovations such as cobots and simplified programming and user interfaces are helping to overcome many of the barriers that previously deterred manty potential users, especially SMEs, from investing.
While cobots provide the opportunity for inexperienced users to tackle the ‘low hanging fruit’ of simpler applications, developments such as block-based programming are making it much easier for first time users to get started without the need for specialist programming skills. For example, ABB’s use of Wizard easy programming software for its cobots and open-source Blockly visual programming make it quick and easy to build application programs.
Easier commissioning with software
In addition, sophisticated tools are eliminating many of the teething troubles previously associated with commissioning live deployments. Instead, companies can develop and test different configurations in a virtual environment before implementing new systems or making changes to existing facilities in the physical world.
Digital twins, Virtual and Augmented Reality viewers all offer offline programming and simulation. This is especially beneficial for industries subject to rapid changes in consumer demand, such as food and beverage or logistics, which must be ready to adapt fast to accommodate new products or packages.
Boosting productivity with robots
By taking on lower value, dirty or dangerous tasks, robots can free personnel to focus on value-added tasks and help to plug the skills gap. What’s more, developments such as vision, force control and path following increasingly enable robots to perform complex tasks that would previously only have been possible for people.
This ability to supplement existing workforces with automation is attracting new users in non-traditional sectors such as construction and healthcare, as well as manufacturing and logistics where finding people to carry out tasks is becoming increasingly difficult.
Preparing for a robotic future
More robots will inevitably require more robot operators, and the risk is that this could generate its own shortage of expertise. It is something that many potential users already express concerns about. For this reason, robot manufacturers such as ABB have devoted considerable effort to designing training programs aimed at all levels of ability, enabling operators to develop their skills from basic through to advanced levels.
See how you could grow with robots
As robots get smarter and more capable, it creates new opportunities for companies to address their challenges using automation. To find out more about how your business could grow with robots click here.
References:
[1]. International Federation of Robotics (IFR) – World Robotics 2024 Report
[2]. International Federation of Robotics (IFR) – World Robotics 2024 Report
