As this year draws to a close and we consider what the year ahead will bring we see that there are many uncertainties in the world, and the robotics industry is looking towards an economic outlook that is more challenging than when we compiled our global IFR forecast.

Dear Reader,

As this year draws to a close and we consider what the year ahead will bring we see that there are many uncertainties in the world, and the robotics industry is looking towards an economic outlook that is more challenging than when we compiled our global IFR forecast.

At the same time, our memories are also still full of positive impressions gained at the iREX exhibition in Tokyo end of November. The international robot exhibition opened its doors to a record number of 148 thousand visitors (excluding junior high school students and kids), 5% more than in the last pre-pandemic show in 2019. The booths of the robot suppliers in particular showcased many cobot solutions, strongly focusing on the ease of use. We also saw many mobile manipulators (although some only in the prototype stage). In our latest press release we focused on Japan's key challenge for 2024 when the country will face a shortage of workers (or working hours) in logistics, and we showed how many companies are already using robotic solutions to load and unload trucks. Ongoing labor shortages mean we are likely to see a growing number of service robotics applications, from surgical robots through helpers in agriculture to humanoid robots.

Our own IFR meetings, in particular the (Industrial) Robot Suppliers Committee as well as the Service Robots Working Group, gathered a new record of participants, both on-site as well as joining us virtually. Next to the latest results in our global statistics, the discussions focused on the roles of digital platforms for future business models, and the impact of AI on the public perception of robots as well as on the regulatory side of AI especially within Europe.

We also came together for the International Forum, joined by representatives of A3, CRIA, KAR, VDMA and our own IFR experts to present the current market situation as well as technology and market trends for the near future.

We enjoyed reconnecting with many of you in Tokyo and hope to meet even more during our events during 2024.

I wish you a peaceful holiday season and a happy and successful New Year.

Marina Bill
IFR President