Cobot Craze: Universal Robots Laser-Focused on FABTECH Reveal as FANUC Paints the Town

This is you Robotics Industry Insider: AI & Automation News podcast.

Thanks for joining Robotics Industry Insider as we take listeners inside the fast-moving world of robotics and automation, with a look ahead to tomorrow, September seventh, twenty twenty-five.

Listeners, industry insiders are buzzing as Universal Robots prepares to unveil its latest collaborative robot at FABTECH twenty twenty-five in Chicago. This new model is engineered specifically for demanding laser welding and finishing applications, boasting advanced reach, stability, and precision. Universal Robots President Jean-Pierre Hathout emphasized the transformative impact of cobots on fabrication workflows, highlighting the evolution from straight MIG-welds eight years ago to today’s sophisticated, adaptive task capabilities. For those in manufacturing, seeing this new cobot in action could be pivotal in optimizing high-mix, low-volume production, reducing downtime, and improving part quality.

Meanwhile, FANUC America is set to demonstrate its advanced robotic and CNC automation solutions at FABTECH. Their paint cobots and flexible robots now enable manufacturers to automate hazardous and variable production environments. Their focus remains on scalable, user-friendly systems that help even smaller manufacturers solve real-world challenges—driving productivity and long-term profitability. Consider attending FABTECH or following the event online to witness the latest applications and expert insights.

On the mobile robotics front, Ati Motors has just debuted the Sherpa 10K autonomous mobile robot, which features a towing capacity of up to ten thousand pounds and advanced navigation powered by cutting-edge sensor fusion. The Sherpa Mecha, a modular humanoid-style robot, further pushes the boundaries of autonomous actuation and artificial intelligence, inviting academic and industry collaboration for new research and applications in logistics and material handling.

Market data reveals robust momentum in industrial automation, even as twenty twenty-five experiences a brief slowdown from previous years. Straits Research projects the global industrial automation market to reach just under two hundred ten billion US dollars this year, with forecasts suggesting a jump past four hundred twenty billion by twenty thirty-three at an average growth rate of nine percent annually. Asia-Pacific leads in adoption, driven by expanding manufacturing activity and increasing labor costs, while North America remains strong in financial process automation. GlobeNewswire reports the AI robots market is valued at over twenty billion dollars for twenty twenty-five, with demand growing rapidly in healthcare, aerospace, and automotive sectors.

Technical deep dives show that integrating artificial intelligence is no longer optional. The landmark AtiVerse platform from Ati Motors now orchestrates entire fleets, tracking autonomous missions and optimizing decision-making in real time. Successful adoption of automation and robotics yields an average twenty-two percent reduction in operating costs, and robotic process automation can return thirty to two hundred percent ROI in the first year, according to Thunderbit. However, careful planning remains critical, as seventy percent of digital transformation projects still fall short of objectives.

Practical takeaways for listeners: First, assess your facility for collaborative robot integration, especially for tasks needing precision or flexibility. Second, focus on AI-enabled robotics platforms to maximize fleet-level efficiency and scalability. Finally, pursue partnerships with innovative vendors and academic collaborators for bespoke automation solutions and to stay ahead of the technical curve.

Looking to the future, as V-shaped recovery returns in the sector, expect renewed investment in digital transformation and targeted automation by twenty...