Robotics

The world of robotics is home to not only the stereotypical personified robot with humanistic qualities, but increasingly independent autonomous vehicles utilizing radar and other sensing capabilities to think for themselves. This article covers robotics from humanoids and drones to autonomous car technologies.

Join IDTechEx Principal Technology Analyst Yu-Han Chang on Thursday 26th March for the expert-led webinar, "AI Chips at the Edge of Success". Choose your preferred time zone - the webinar runs three times in one day.

A complimentary collection of insights written by IDTechEx industry experts, covering key technology innovation trends shaping the next decade.

According to the new IDTechEx report "Humanoid Robots 2026-2036: Technologies, Markets and Opportunities", the humanoid robot industry is entering an early commercialization phase, with adoption expected to scale first in industrial environments before expanding into broader commercial and consumer markets.

Join IDTechEx Technology Analyst Shihao Fu on Thursday 19th February for this expert webinar where we will explore how regulatory clarity, automation, sensor integration, and evolving business models are enabling certain drone applications to scale, while others continue to face structural barriers. Choose your preferred time zone - the webinar runs three times in one day.

Hand delivering parcels to the front door, providing companionship for people living alone, or working in warehouse manufacturing lines are some of the potential applications for robots. This article explores service robots, mobile robots, and collaborative robots.

The service robotics industry has grown quickly in recent years, spurred on by advances in robotics technology and artificial intelligence (AI), and is set to alleviate labor shortage issues across multiple industries. This IDTechEx article examines the winners in the short and long term in the service robots market.

Drones have transitioned from experimental tools into essential infrastructure across agriculture, logistics, energy, security, and public-sector operations. According to the newly released IDTechEx report "Drones Market 2026-2036: Technologies, Markets, and Opportunities", the global drone market, including consumer, commercial, and defense platforms, is projected to grow from approximately US$69 billion in 2026 to US$147.8 billion by 2036, corresponding to a 7.9% CAGR.

IDTechEx forecasts that the global sensor market will reach $250B in annual revenue by 2036, as global mega-trends in AI, future mobility, wearables, edge computing, and automation drive renewed growth opportunities. Next generation sensor technology innovations in quantum sensors, ADAS sensors, image sensors, MEMS, photonic integrated circuits, and printed sensor markets will be key to realizing the highest growth opportunities over the next decade.

Despite a year of critical material supply disruptions, technology mega-trends in decarbonization, electrification, automation and AI continue to fuel demand for high-performance rare earth magnets. IDTechEx forecasts that rare earth magnet demand will reach 332 ktpa by 2036 and breaks down usage and adoption trends in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and robotics growth markets.