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Author: Joao Pereira, Director, General Embedded Market, EMEA, at QNX 

By 2033 the global market for robots with collaborative applications, also known as collaborative robots or cobots, is expected to reach around $23.5 billion. With industrial automation transitioning from coexistent environments towards more collaborative environments in which machines work alongside humans in shared workspaces. This transformation is seen to drive crucial advancements in robotic technology. Our recent research , delving into UK industry’s trust in and outlook on robotics adoption, confirms this, revealing that nearly two-thirds (64%) of British industrial companies not currently using robotics are planning to do so in the future.  

Industries like manufacturing are already looking to cobots to help optimise assembly lines, welding processes and material handling, yet widespread adoption is not without significant challenges. Lets explore how the UK can accelerate its adoption of robotics technologies.  

What’s Powering the Rise of Robotics? 

Collaborative robots are projected to make up to 34% of all industrial robots in the automotive sector by the end of 2025. There are many factors that drive UK industries towards robotics, with significant advancement in technology being cited at 90%. These innovations are making robots more capable, flexible, and easier to integrate into existing operations. The ability to gain valuable data-driven insights (78%) is also seen as a major advantage, enabling smarter decision-making and more agile operations. 

One example of this streamlined integration is seen with modern cobots being equipped with enhanced sensors, such as vision and proximity sensors, which allow them to perceive and react to their surroundings in real time. Force sensors are then able to process information relating to the amount of pressure needed to handle specific items, reducing the chance of damaged goods.   The figures show us that organisations are keen to benefit from more agile operations, and deployingfoundational software is key to achieving this. It enables improved stability, performance and security of any computing environment. With features like machine learning, sensor fusion, and AI-driven decision-making, it becomes possible for organisations to access the precision, reliability, and security required to enable for safe and efficient human-robot collaboration. 

By leveraging these technologies, manufacturers can unlock the full capabilities of collaborative robots, and therefore enhancing productivity, safety, and operational efficiency across the production floor.  

Challenges on the Path to Adoption 

Despite major advancements, robot deployment still faces many challenges.  

High initial costs (60%), ongoing maintenance and downtime (35%), and a lack of a skilled workforce (34%) are among the biggest barriers to adoption. 

The increasing complexity of cobots also introduces new risks. Functional safety has become essential for enabling humans and robots to coexist and collaborate productively. Robust safety protocols are critical for protecting workers, preventing accidents, and building trust in automation allowing industries to innovate and adopt new technologies.  

In this new era, functional safety isn’t just about protection; it’s a driver of innovation, enabling the safe exploration of new frontiers in automation while keeping human safety a top priority.  

Setting the Standard: The Role of Regulation and Industry Backing 

Regulation clarity is critical for robotics adoption, with a substantial two-thirds (64%) attributing a lack of clear guidelines around the ethical use of robotic technologies as a key reason for slowing down deployment, there is an urgent need for governing bodies and the public sector to align on introducing more robust regulatory frameworks.  

 As the UK government prepares to announce its wider industrial strategy in June, there is a pivotal opportunity to address these issues. Compliance and evolving safety standards, such as ISO 10218 and IEC 61508, will be critical. ISO 10218 outlines the safety requirements for industrial robots, while IEC 61508 provides a framework for ensuring functional safety of electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic systems. These frameworks help to mitigate the risks of system failures by ensuring that the software and hardware are designed to minimise safety hazards. By aligning with internationally recognised standards and investing in skills development, UK industry can overcome barriers and accelerate robotics adoption. 

Envisioning the Future of Automation 

 While robots are invaluable for optimising efficiency and accelerating production, the human element remains irreplaceable. The future lies in creating collaborative systems where humans and robots complement one another, maximising the strengths of both. By leveraging the precision and consistency of robots alongside workers, industries can not only enhance productivity but also foster a safer, more dynamic work environment. This harmonious collaboration will drive the next generation of manufacturing, ensuring both technological advancement and human ingenuity are fully realised.  

As cobots become more advanced and integrated into industrial environments, they are paving the way for the next leap forward: humanoid robotics. Humanoid robots, designed to mimic human form and movement, are set to take collaboration to an entirely new level. Their ability to perform more complex, dexterous tasks and interact naturally with human colleagues will open up new opportunities for automation in environments that have traditionally relied on human skills and adaptability. 

As humanoid robotics continue to evolve, their seamless integration alongside human teams will further expand the possibilities for automation, efficiency, and innovation across the sector. With the right regulatory framework, investment in skills, and a focus on safety, the UK is well positioned to unlock the full potential of robotics and continue to lead the way in industrial transformation. 

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