Hexagon’s 2025 Flagship Report: A Glimpse into the Future of Robotics
Hexagon, a leader in measurement technologies, has once again positioned itself at the forefront of innovation with the release of its 2025 flagship report, Future of Robotics 2035: Insights from industry experts. This comprehensive analysis provides a thought-provoking look into the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, emphasizing the need for a transformative approach for workforces, businesses, and societies.
The Current State of Robotics and AI
As the report illustrates, we are witnessing an unprecedented acceleration in the fusion of AI and robotics. According to Forrester’s Automation Survey, 2024, a staggering 82% of organizations have significantly increased their automation investments over the past year, largely due to advancements in generative AI. This shift is paving the way for a new era in automation that is both innovative and essential.
Interestingly, the Top 10 Emerging Technologies in 2025 report indicates that by 2024, over 25% of global automation leaders have ramped up their investments in robotics across all categories, further corroborating the trend fueled by AI.
Challenges in Integration and Workforce Adaptation
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding these advancements, the Hexagon report highlights several persistent challenges. Many organizations are grappling with the complexities of integrating new robotic systems with existing legacy infrastructures. A notable 41% of companies report difficulties in embedding robots into their operational frameworks.
Moreover, the necessity for upskilling human talent cannot be overstated. Burkhard Boeckem, CTO of Hexagon, sheds light on the collaborative future between humans and robots. He asserts, “The future isn’t going to be a clash of robot vs human. It’s going to be about robots working with humans.” His perspective emphasizes that organizations that view autonomy as a means to enhance human potential will emerge as the most resilient and competitive players in the market.
Looking Ahead: Three Trajectories for Autonomy
The report forecasts three possible trajectories for autonomy by 2035. Among these, the “Robot Renaissance” envisions a world where robots transform every aspect of industry and services. However, most experts agree on a more probable scenario: a “managed mesh” economy. In this framework, interoperable robots are expected to handle approximately half of routine industrial and service tasks. Such integration would allow workforces to evolve steadily, avoiding disruptive transformations.
Key Themes Emerging from the Report
The report presents several crucial themes that merit attention:
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Design for Dignity: A fundamental approach where empathy, inclusion, and transparency must be intricately woven into every phase of robotic deployment.
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Workforce Perception: While there remains a cautious skepticism toward collaboration with robots, many employees are curious about their roles. Companies that adopt a human-centered deployment strategy will likely gain greater acceptance and enthusiasm, as seen in instances of human-robot interaction moving from mere functionality to engagement.
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The Need for Integration: The ongoing challenge of integration remains a dominant theme, necessitating a collaborative evolution between the robotics industry and its users aimed at cultivating trust and building fruitful partnerships.
- Autonomy as a Necessity: In regions facing demographic declines and operational challenges, robotics investment is becoming increasingly crucial rather than merely optional.
Human Strengths in a Robotic World
Dr. Juliet Aiken, an organizational psychologist, emphasizes that humans are inherently adaptive, creative, and irreplaceable in many aspects of work. She argues that the future landscape should celebrate human strengths while integrating robotic capabilities. “This report reflects on where human strengths surpass automation and outlines the workforce implications from multiple angles,” she notes, envisioning a supportive AI framework that augments human roles without replacing them.
Insights from Industry Leaders
The report features contributions from various industry leaders who provide diverse perspectives on what it will take—technically, economically, and socially—to forge a transformative future. The list of contributors includes:
- Dr. Juliet Aiken, Organizational Psychologist, Conducere + Volta
- Burkhard Boeckem, Chief Technology Officer, Hexagon
- Amit Goel, Director of Product Management, Autonomous Machines, Nvidia
- Anthony Hartke, VDC Project Manager, Turner Construction
- Spencer Huang, Product Line Manager, Robotics, Nvidia
- Mario Mauerer, Global Business Development Manager, Robotics, maxon Group
- Arnaud Robert, President, Hexagon’s Robotics division
- Kristofer Wahl, Innovation Manager, Turner Construction
- Chase Williams, Senior Consultant, TechInsights
- Lukas Ziegler, Robotics Evangelist
This coalition of insights from top experts encapsulates the multifaceted challenges and possibilities that will shape the robotics industry in the years to come.
By embracing a collaborative trajectory, where technology complements human potential, the landscape of work is poised for a transformative journey. The roadmap outlined by Hexagon brings valuable clarity to the ongoing conversation about the future of robotics, encouraging an optimistic outlook for a synergistic coexistence of humans and robots.