2026 robotics and automation predictions: Top trends transforming global industries

AI, AMR and humanoid advancements highlight industry leaders’ predictions

Larry D. Moore, used with permission via Wikimedia Commons

What are the predictions for robotics and automation in 2026?

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As we turn the calendar to 2026, it’s time to take out the crystal ball.

Technological innovation is happening at a faster pace than ever before, and we expect 2026 to be no exception.

Robotics 24/7 asked some of the robotics industry’s biggest names about what they expect to see in automation next year.

2026 robot predictions, questions and respondents

How did our 2025 predictions turn out?

We asked the robotics industry the following questions:

What robotic technology/technologies do you expect will make the most impact in 2026?
What is your boldest robotics prediction for 2026?
What industry/industries do you expect will invest more in robotics and automation in 2026 and why?

Click through the slideshow to see how humanoids, artificial intelligence, vision systems and more are predicted to impact robots in 2026, and what those innovations mean for the warehouse, manufacturing, supply chain and logistics industries.

Responses from:

Anders Billesø Beck: Vice President, AI Robotics Products, Universal Robots
Gina Chung: Vice President, Corporate Development, Locus Robotics
Pascal Doucet, VP of Sales, Doucet Machineries
Jeff Gee: Co-Founder and Chief Design Officer, Simbe Robotics
Akash Gupta: CEO, GreyOrange
Andy Ingram-Tedd: Vice President of Advanced Technology, Ocado Intelligent Automation
Dwight Klappich: Former Gartner Analyst, Principal at DK Advascent
Stefan Lampa: CEO, ProGlove
Henri Lee: Co-Founder and CEO, Xpanner
Chris Matthieu: VP, Developer Ecosystem, RealSense
Greg Meyne: VP of Automation, enVista
Owen Nicholson: CEO, Slamcore
Erik Nieves: Co-Founder and CEO, Plus One Robotics
Jorgen Pedersen: CEO, ARM Institute
Brenda Courim: Head of Sales; Mike Peek: Marketing Manager, Güdel
Aaron Prather: Director, Robotics & Autonomous Systems Programs, ASTM International
Samuel Reeves: Founder and CEO, FORT Robotics
Noah Salmonson: Product Manager - Robotics and Automation, Hyster
Knut Sandven: CEO, Sonair
Marc Segura: President, ABB Robotics
Kyle Smart: Sales Manager for Robotics and Automation, Yale Lift Truck Technologies
John Spinale: CSO and Chairman of the Board, Robust.AI
Bill Stenger; Senior Vice President of Sales, Swisslog Logistics
Adam Stienecker: Director of Innovation, Johnson Electric
Deepu Talla: Vice President of Robotics and Edge AI, NVIDIA
Asad Tirmizi: Founder & CEO, T-Robotics
Abdil Tunca: Senior Principal Analyst, Gartner Supply Chain Practice
Dale Walsh, VP of Strategy and Innovation, Roboworx
Felix Zhang: Founder & CEO, Pudu Robotics

About the Author

Tim Culverhouse

Editorial Director

Tim is the Editorial Director of Robotics247.com. His mission is to provide valuable information and insights to robotics professionals and decision-makers, and to help them solve business challenges. He is a creative, deadline-driven, and detail-oriented storyteller. In addition, he is a sports broadcaster and public address announcer.

2026 robotics and automation predictions: Top trends transforming global industries