Source: Danish Technological Institute
Odense Robotics and the Danish Technological Institute have identified key technological trends that they said will shape robotics and automation in 2025. In a time characterized by high uncertainty and rapid technological development, more companies will turn to automation as the path to greater resilience, the organizations said.
“Last year was a trailblazing year for innovation with the increasing dominance of artificial intelligence, in terms of machine learning, generative AI, and physical AI in robotics,” stated Søren Elmer Kristensen, CEO of Odense Robotics, Denmark’s national robotics and drone cluster.
“In 2025, intelligent and adaptive systems will continue to develop and create new opportunities for manufacturers and other sectors,” he added. “Interoperability and simplicity will also be key paradigms, as innovators seek to facilitate seamless connectivity and simple solutions. Lastly, security is high on everyone’s agenda with digital resilience becoming a must-win battle.”
Here are the four key trends cited in the report, “Strategic Trends in Denmark’s Robotics Industry in 2025 and Beyond.” The report is based on in-depth interviews with industry professionals from Danish robotics companies and industry experts from the Danish Technological Institute.
1. Intelligent and adaptive systems will enhance efficiency, adaptability
Advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning will continue to improve the capabilities of robotics to execute complex tasks and optimize processes, according to the report.
The organizations said they expect the integration of AI in manufacturing to grow, with new applications emerging in areas such as predictive maintenance, autonomous decision-making, and real-time process optimization. These innovations will enhance the efficiency and flexibility of production operations even further.
Enhanced sensor technology is a pivotal driving force behind the development of intelligent and adaptive systems in robotics, said the report. Cameras, radio frequency sensors, and acoustic sensors are becoming more advanced, cost-effective, and reliable, it added. These sensors enable robots to gain a detailed understanding of their surroundings, which is vital for navigating and performing tasks autonomously.
With better sensor technology combined with data-processing capabilities, robotic systems will become far more adept at maneuvering the world while autonomously learning about it, predicted the study.
2. Interoperability to be significant, says Odense Robotics
Interoperability has been a major trend in recent years and will also shape 2025, said the report. There is an increasing emphasis on integrating diverse systems to boost operational efficiency and scalability.
Modular designs allow robotics systems to be easily upgraded, serviced, or adapted by replacing individual components or adding new modules. This flexibility reduces downtime, supports scalability, and ensures systems can evolve with changing customer needs.
Cloud and edge computing could enhance robot performance by enabling real-time data processing and analytics. Edge computing improves response times, reduces energy consumption, and simplifies scaling, particularly for mobile or battery-powered robots, noted the report.
3. Cybersecurity is more important than ever
Companies are implementing robust measures to protect their operations, data, and the integrity of their customers’ systems, wrote Odense Robotics and the Danish Technological Institute.
The cybersecurity landscape in robotics is constantly evolving, with increasing risks from espionage and data exfiltration, and increasing requirements from customers to meet the latest cybersecurity standards.
Supplier management is also a critical aspect of cybersecurity in the robotics industry. To mitigate risks, the Danish robotics industry is increasingly adopting a “zero-trust” model. This approach requires companies to conduct thorough inspections of hardware and software components provided by suppliers.
Cryptography is a crucial component of cybersecurity in the robotics industry, ensuring secure communication and data protection. However, advancements in quantum computing may make existing cryptographic standards vulnerable.
To address this challenge, some companies are preparing for post-quantum cryptography standards, designed to withstand quantum computers’ computational power.
4. Strategic simplification will shape robotics
Robotics companies are focusing on standardization and specialization to reduce complexity and costs, making their technologies easier to implement and use.
This trend involves streamlining products and operations through standardization and easy-to-integrate solutions, reducing the need for extensive customization. By offering plug-and-play options, robotics companies can make technology more accessible to a wider audience, reduce entry barriers, and provide more cost-effective solutions.
The Danish Technological Institute compiled the report in collaboration with Odense Robotics, with financing from the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science.
ABB’s IRB-7720 modular industrial robot arm. | Credit: ABB
I think the write-up is interesting.