During an era marked by significant uncertainty and swift technological advancements, numerous businesses will rely on automation as a means to enhance their resilience.
A recent report by Odense Robotics and the Danish Technological Institute highlights the main technological trends expected to influence robotics and automation by 2025.
The report ‘Strategic Trends in Denmark’s Robotics Industry in 2025 and beyond’ outlines the main trends identified through comprehensive interviews with industry experts from Danish robotics firms and specialists from the Danish Technological Institute.
“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. In 2025, intelligent and adaptive systems will continue to develop and create new opportunities for manufacturers and other sectors. 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,” says Søren Elmer Kristensen, CEO of Odense Robotics, Denmark’s national robotics and drone cluster.
1) Intelligent and adaptive systems will enhance efficiency and adaptability.
Progress in AI and machine learning will keep enhancing the abilities of robotics to perform intricate tasks and streamline processes.
The incorporation of AI in manufacturing is projected to expand, with fresh applications arising in fields like predictive maintenance, self-directed decision-making, and real-time process enhancement. These advancements will improve the efficiency and adaptability of manufacturing processes even more.
2) Interoperability continues to be a dominant trend
Interoperability has emerged as a significant trend in recent years and will continue to influence 2025. There is a growing focus on uniting various systems to enhance operational efficiency and scalability.
Modular architectures enable robotic systems to be readily upgraded, maintained, or modified by swapping out specific parts or incorporating additional modules. This adaptability minimizes downtime, aids scalability, and guarantees that systems can progress alongside shifting customer requirements.
Cloud and edge computing will improve robot efficiency by facilitating real-time data analysis and processing. Edge computing enhances response times, lowers energy usage, and facilitates scaling, especially for mobile or battery-operated robots.
3) Security is more important than ever
Businesses are adopting strong strategies to safeguard their operations, data, and the integrity of their clients’ systems.
The robotics cybersecurity environment is continuously changing, facing rising threats from espionage and data theft, alongside growing customer demands to comply with the latest cybersecurity standards.
Managing suppliers is a crucial element of cybersecurity within the robotics sector. To reduce risks, the Danish robotics sector is progressively embracing a zero-trust approach. This method necessitates that companies perform comprehensive evaluations of both hardware and software elements supplied by vendors.
Cryptography plays an essential role in cybersecurity within the robotics sector, providing secure communication and safeguarding data. Nonetheless, progress in quantum computing could render current cryptographic standards susceptible. To tackle this issue, certain companies are getting ready for post-quantum cryptography standards that are intended to endure the computational strength of quantum computers.
4) Strategic simplification will shape robotics solutions
Robotics companies are focusing on standardisation and specialisation to reduce complexity and costs, making their technologies easier to implement and use.
This trend involves streamlining products and operations through standardisation and easy-to-integrate solutions, reducing the need for extensive customisation. 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 report is compiled by the Danish Technological Institute in collaboration with Odense Robotics and financed by the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science