What robotic technology/technologies do you expect will make the most impact in 2026?
It's most certainly AI-enabled robotics for manufacturing. Everyone is looking at how they can implement AI and manufacturers are no exception. One key inhibitor to enabling AI in a manufacturing setting is a lack of data. Not only can AI-enabled robotics improve productivity for data-rich applications, but it can be also leveraged to capture data for new applications. The ARM Institute has been making strides in this area, looking to capture and make available the data that will be the key catalyst to fully enabling AI in robotics for manufacturing. We expect to share more about this effort in 2026.
What is your boldest robotics prediction for 2026?
My boldest prediction is one that is integral to our national security but rarely highlighted: I believe that we will finally see more workers and students turning to robotics careers in manufacturing in 2026. The ARM Institute has seen increased interest in these roles through our national workforce resource, RoboticsCareer.org, with thousands of individuals creating accounts to connect to personalized jobs and training. We're finally seeing individuals connect the dots between robotics and manufacturing, recognizing that these roles are highly engaging and immensely valuable to the nation. In 2026, I expect that we'll see an even greater increase in individuals looking to change industries and understand how their skills translate into robotics roles for manufacturers. Additionally, I anticipate that we will see those who are already working in manufacturing look to upskill so that they can work with advanced technologies. I'd also be remiss if I didn't call out the bold work that one of our Members, Perforated AI, is doing in the AI space. This start-up level ARM Member is working to create synthetic data to accelerate the adoption of AI.
What industry/industries do you expect will invest more in robotics and automation in 2026 and why?
I am certain that the manufacturing industry will invest more in robotics and automation. Robotics has long held the key to unlocking greater efficiency, cost savings, productivity, and global competitiveness. More manufacturers are also turning to robotics to augment workforce gaps and automate the dull, dirty, and dangerous tasks that workers shouldn't be doing. With more students and workers gaining the skills needed to work alongside automation, it's easier for manufacturers to connect with the talent needed to work with these technologies; for example, employers can connect directly with qualified talent on the ARM Institute's RoboticsCareer.org. As the nation continues to increase its focus on re-shoring manufacturing, I expect that we'll see more manufacturers investing in robotics. Additionally, there are more resources than ever to help manufacturers uncover where they should be looking to robotics and AI. For example, the ARM Institute's Robotics Manufacturing Hub and Automation Assessment services help manufacturers of all sizes understand where robotics and AI can play a role in their operations. By leveraging the ARM Institute's Automation Assessment, manufacturers work with our team of neutral team of experts augmented by the expertise of the institute's 450+ member organization consortium to develop a customized plan for automation success, all without a commitment to purchasing or installing a system. I also believe (and have already seen) the defense sector investing more in robotics and AI to secure both the Defense and Organic Industrial Bases. For example, the Department of War is undertaking a massive effort to modernize the Organic Industrial Base (OIB) - the facilities that manufacture sensitive technologies for the DoD. Despite being critical to our nation's security and ability to support our warfighters, the average age of an OIB facility is around 80 years old with many of these facilities still leveraging processes and equipment from the time periods in which they were built. The DoD recognizes that robotics and AI, alongside workforce development, is the key to modernizing these facilities, which will directly lead to more investment.
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