Latest Blog Posts

Jul 17, 2020 — A new paper, ‘World Robotics R&D Programs’ from the IFR Research Committee sets out for the first time an overview of public-sector research and development programs, policies and investment in robotics in the major robot-producing countries.

May 28, 2020 — A new communications technology model developed by OPC Foundation members together with the mechanical engineering industry association in Germany and Europe (VDMA) paves the way for seamless communication between robots and other automation equipment.

Apr 27, 2020 — UK manufacturing faces multiple headwinds. A long-term stagnation in productivity growth has been compounded by Brexit. The coronavirus brings new investment uncertainty and strain on labour productivity. The UK’s manufacturing sector must follow the example of its global competitors and turn to automation to regain its footing.

Apr 01, 2020 — Robots are playing an important role in combatting the coronavirus. We look at some of the ways in which robots are keeping people safe, fed, and able to access the care they need through the pandemic.

Feb 05, 2020 — The IFR Secretariat spoke with Melonee Wise, CEO of Fetch Robotics and Chair of the IFR Service Robot Group, about future trends in service robotics.

Dec 11, 2019 — Training programmes and other incentives are vital to enable the workforce to successfully adjust to the impact of automation. We look at some of the initiatives underway in different countries to adapt and profit from the growth in automation, including robot adoption.

Oct 30, 2019 — The market value for professional service robots increased by 32% to US$ 9.2 billion in 2018 (over 2017), driven by a 60% increase in unit sales of logistics systems. A 59% increase in the number of personal / domestic service robots sold was dominated by sales of robot vacuum cleaners. The market for personal / domestic service robots reached US$ 3.66 billion in 2018.

Oct 29, 2019 — Global sales of industrial robots reached a peak of US $16.5 billion in 2018, an increase of 1% over 2017. The number of robots sold increased by 6% to a record 422,000. China continues to be the leading market for industrial robots, despite declining sales in 2018. Germany and Italy led strong growth in Europe, while the United States leapfrogged Korea to become the third largest industrial robot market globally.