President’s Report by Takayuki Ito
Conclusion of my term as IFR President
Jun 18, 2026 — As we prepare to meet at the Automate Show in Chicago, this newsletter also marks the conclusion of my term as President of the IFR. It is a good opportunity to reflect on the past two years and the experiences that came with serving our global robotics community.
Dear Reader,
As we prepare to meet at the Automate Show in Chicago, this newsletter also marks the conclusion of my term as President of the IFR. It is a good opportunity to reflect on the past two years and the experiences that came with serving our global robotics community.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the presidency has been the opportunity to visit places and meet people that I would not have encountered through my regular business activities. Every visit offered a different perspective on how robotics is developing around the world and reinforced the importance of international cooperation within our industry.
I was particularly pleased to have the opportunity to speak at conferences and member events during these visits. The open exchange with researchers, manufacturers, users and policymakers demonstrated the strength and diversity of our community. It also became clear that an IFR presence is highly appreciated and provides an important platform for connecting the global robotics ecosystem.
Looking ahead, I believe there is still room to raise awareness of IFR and its activities among an even broader audience. Initiatives such as IFR's Women Shaping the Future of Robotics have shown how the federation can highlight outstanding contributions while engaging new groups within the robotics community. Building on such efforts with initiatives like the new IFR Global Robotics Award will help strengthen the visibility and impact of IFR in the years to come.
The continued success of robotics depends on collaboration across countries, industries and disciplines. I am confident that IFR will continue to play an important role in bringing people together and supporting the exchange of knowledge that drives innovation.
I look forward to seeing many of you in Chicago - at one of the IFR meetings, at the IFR Executive Roundtable or during one of the networking opportunities - and wish the federation continued success in the years ahead.
Best regards,
Takayuki Ito
