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July 2026 TECHWATCH


What Is the Future of Advanced Robotics in Manufacturing? By Buddharatn Ratawal, Senior Manager for Strategic Business Development, DELMIA


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anufacturing is being re- shaped by a new genera- tion of intelligent robot- ics. Automation is no longer lim- ited to high-volume, repetitive tasks performed in fixed se- quences. Today’s robotic systems combine artificial intelligence, machine learning, advanced sensing, and real-time data con- nectivity to support more flexi- ble, precise, and adaptive pro- duction environments.


Intelligent Automation


Traditional automation has long supported manufacturing by improving speed, repeatabili- ty, and consistency. The differ- ence today is intelligence. Mod- ern robotic systems can interpret their surroundings, adjust to changing conditions, and im- prove performance over time. Artificial intelligence and machine learning allow robots to move beyond rigid programming. Instead of simply repeating the same task, AI-enabled robots can identify parts, adjust motion paths, detect defects, and re- spond to production changes with limited human interven- tion. In quality control, advanced vision systems can inspect parts with high consistency, identify- ing flaws that may be difficult to detect manually or with older in- spection methods.


Bringing People and Robots Together


Collaborative robots, or cobots, are another major devel- opment in manufacturing au- tomation. Unlike traditional in- dustrial robots that often operate behind safety fencing, cobots are designed to work near human operators. Built-in sensors allow them to slow down or stop when people enter their workspace. This approach allows manu- facturers to combine human judgment with robotic precision. Cobots can take on repetitive, strenuous, or ergonomically diffi- cult work, such as lifting compo- nents, loading machines, or per- forming consistent assembly mo- tions. Human workers can then focus on tasks that require prob- lem-solving, inspection, decision- making, and adaptability. The result is not simply la- bor replacement. When imple- mented well, collaborative au- tomation can improve productiv- ity while also making jobs safer and less physically demanding.


Driving Robotic Capability


Several technologies are ac- celerating the use of robotics in manufacturing. AI and machine learning provide the foundation for smarter automation, helping robots optimize motion, predict


maintenance needs, and adapt to new production requirements. Advanced 2D and 3D vision systems give robots a more accu- rate understanding of their sur- roundings. These tools are espe- cially valuable in applications such as bin picking, where robots must locate and grasp specific parts from a mixed container. Force-torque sensors add another layer of capability by giving robots tactile feedback, allowing them to handle delicate components and perform assembly tasks requiring controlled pressure.


Industrial Internet of Things connectivity is also ex- panding the role of robotics. Con- nected robots can share produc- tion data with other equipment, sensors, and enterprise systems. This provides manufacturers with better visibility into opera- tions and supports predictive maintenance, resource optimiza- tion, and faster decision-making.


Robotics and Sustainability


Advanced robotics can also support sustainability goals. By improving process control, robots can help reduce material waste and energy consumption. In coat- ing and dispensing applications, for example, robotic systems can apply materials with greater pre- cision than manual methods, re- ducing overspray and limiting


unnecessary chemical use. Robotics also has value in re-


cycling and remanufacturing. Vi- sion-equipped robots can sort mixed material streams, helping recover usable materials that might otherwise be discarded. These applications support circu- lar manufacturing strategies and more responsible use of resources.


Industries Leading Adoption Several industries are al-


ready showing the impact of ad- vanced robotics. Automotive manufacturing remains one of the strongest adopters, using ro- bots for welding, painting, as- sembly, and material handling. Cobots are increasingly used to assist workers on assembly lines and improve ergonomics. Electronics manufacturing is


also well suited to robotics be- cause of its need for precision, con- sistency, and high throughput. Robots are used for component placement, inspection, packaging, and cleanroom operations.


Successful Integration For manufacturers, success-


ful robotics adoption requires more than purchasing equip- ment. Companies should begin by identifying tasks that are repetitive, physically demand- ing, inconsistent, or prone to er- ror. A strong return-on-invest- ment analysis should consider not only productivity, but also quality gains, safety improve- ments, and long-term flexibility. Workforce development is


equally important. Robotics changes job roles, creating de- mand for skills in programming, maintenance, system supervi- sion, and data analysis. Training and upskilling programs help employees move into these high- er-value roles and reduce resist- ance to automation. Manufacturers should also


work with experienced technology partners and consider phased im- plementation. Pilot projects can help validate performance, reduce risk, and build internal confi- dence.


The future of manufacturing


will be closely tied to robotics. Companies that adopt these technologies strategically will be better positioned to build effi- cient, flexible, and competitive operations for the next era of in- dustrial production. Contact: Dassault Systèmes,


175 Wyman Street, Waltham, MA 02451 781-810-3000 Web: www.3ds.com 


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