Hexagon's 'Future of Robotics 2035' Report: AI-Driven Autonomy's Likely Path
A recent report, 'Future of robotics 2035', by Hexagon, explores the convergence of AI and robotics, and the potential future of autonomy. While no definitive ranking exists, tech giants like NVIDIA, AMD, ASML, Alphabet, Microsoft, Adobe, and ServiceNow are identified as key players in AI and cloud technology.
The report highlights the accelerating fusion of AI and robotics, with 82% of organisations increasing automation investments due to generative AI (genAI) capabilities, according to Forrester's 2024 Automation Survey. Over 25% of global automation leaders have accelerated robot investments across all categories due to genAI.
The report sketches three possible trajectories for autonomy by 2035. The 'managed mesh' scenario, where robots handle around half of routine industrial and service tasks, is deemed the most likely. However, integration remains a major obstacle, with 41% of companies citing difficulty embedding robots into existing systems. Costly integration with legacy systems and the need for upskilling human talent persist as challenges in automation.
Hexagon's report emphasises 'design for dignity', centralising empathy, inclusion, and transparency in robotics deployment. The workforce, while wary, welcomes human-centred deployments with enthusiasm.
The 'Future of robotics 2035' report underscores the growing influence of AI and robotics, driven by genAI. Despite challenges in integration and upskilling, the 'managed mesh' scenario is projected as the most likely future for autonomy. Tech giants are at the forefront of these developments, with human-centric design principles guiding deployment.
