In 2025, we saw big changes in the robotics industry. The fates of some well-known players in the ecosystem are uncertain, while other prominent companies are charting their own paths for the first time. Between advances in humanoid robotics, exciting events, and large robot orders, there was no shortage of news to cover this past year.
Here are the top 10 most popular stories on The Robot Report in 2025. Subscribe to The Robot Report Newsletter or listen to The Robot Report Podcast to stay up to date on the robotics developments you need to know about.
10. Humanoid robots promise a multi-trillion-dollar market, but pose challenges
As an early investor in Agility Robotics, watched humanoids evolve from a fascinating concept to reality over the past five years. As a result, he wasn’t surprised when NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang said, “Robotics will be a multi-trillion-dollar market.” Read more.
9. Drone startup Guardian Agriculture shuts down
Guardian Agriculture which developed large drones for aerial spraying, shut down after failing to secure additional funding. The Woburn, Mass.-based startup said it had gotten FAA approval for the first commercially authorized electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) system in the U.S. Read more.
8. 100 robotics startups to watch in 2025
The inaugural Startup Radar is an in-depth report that shines a spotlight on the next generation of robotics. The Startup Radar profiled 100 robotics startups, each five years old or younger, that are working to shape the future of robotics. Read more.
7. Zebra Technologies winds down Fetch-based mobile robot group
Zebra Technologies is winding down the autonomous mobile robot division that it built around its $290 million acquisition of Fetch Robotics in 2021. The move marks a strategic retreat from the robotics push Zebra launched to expand its warehouse automation capabilities. Read more.
6. Teradyne robotics group lays off 10% of global staff
Economic uncertainty has taken a toll on the robotics industry, including leading vendors. Teradyne’s robotics group laid off 10% of its global workforce. Teradyne owns Universal Robots A/S and Mobile Industrial Robots ApS, leading developers of collaborative robot arms and autonomous mobile robots, respectively. Read more.
5. iRobot debt acquired by contract manufacturer as bankruptcy looms
The fortunes of one of the few household names in robotics continued to sink in 2025. In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, iRobot said that a Chinese company had acquired its debt and that it was still looking for alternatives to bankruptcy. Read more.
4. 10 robotics trends spotted at Automate 2025
At the height of trade show season, Automate 2025 provided opportunities to see the state of commercial and industrial automation. From robot arms and mobile platforms to grippers, sensors, and software, as well as educational and technical workshops, there was something for everyone at the event. Read more.
3. 50 most innovative robotics companies
We are passionate about the impact robotics can have on the world. That’s why for 14 years, the RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards have honored the most innovative robotics companies, technologies, and applications from around the world. Read more.
2. Intel spins out RealSense as a standalone company
We were a little surprised in mid-September 2024 with the launch of the entry-level Intel RealSense Depth Module D421. With the recent financial turmoil and changes at the company, there was uncertainty whether Intel would continue to invest in the product line. Read more.
1. Hyundai to buy ‘tens of thousands’ of Boston Dynamics robots
Boston Dynamics and Hyundai Motor Group announced plans to deepen their partnership, which includes Hyundai purchasing “tens of thousands” of robots in the coming years. The automaker will also help by integrating its manufacturing capabilities with Boston Dynamics technologies. Read more.
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