What robotic technology/technologies do you expect will make the most impact in 2026?
Motion elements designed specifically for the humanoid application case will deliver unprecedented performance, including torque density, robustness, and battery life impact. These systems are largely still being designed as they have been for the majority of the more traditional applications, but the tasks under consideration for humanoids require a very different approach to truly be high-performance. In 2026, as the industry begins to recognize these shortcomings, design considerations will span from advanced materials development, non-standard electromagnetic configurations, and co-dependent joint control to the addition of advanced brake technology for safety and energy consumption, thermal management, and unique torque transmission strategies. It is this re-imagined approach to humanoid motion system design that Johnson Electric is committed to conquering.
What is your boldest robotics prediction for 2026?
2026 will be both a year of miserable failure and wild success. We’ll see some companies fail in spectacular fashion, but we’ll also see breakthroughs in the products being offered to the market. However, 2026 will also become the year that those successful in their product development will turn rapidly to tackle the scale-up and manufacturing challenges. Those that rely heavily on experts in manufacturing at scale will dominate the future.
What industry/industries do you expect will invest more in robotics and automation in 2026 and why?
We see these investments going in two directions. We anticipate the low-payload humanoid marketplace being dominated by investments from the hospitality, health care, and in-home industries. In parallel, the high-payload humanoid marketplace will gain significant traction in logistics and manufacturing. However, global labor shortages and the availability of other forms of automation are likely to tip the scales within each of these product spaces to health care and logistics.
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