In a time characterised by high uncertainty and rapid technological development, many companies will turn to automation as the path to greater resilience. In a new report, Odense Robotics and the Danish Technological Institute present the key technological trends set to shape robotics and automation in 2025.
“Last year was a trailblazing year for innovation with the increasing dominance of artificial intelligence, in terms of machine learning, generative AI and physical AI in robotics. In 2025, intelligent and adaptive systems will continue to develop and create new opportunities for manufacturers and other sectors. Interoperability and simplicity will also be key paradigms, as innovators seek to facilitate seamless connectivity and simple solutions. Lastly, security is high on everyone’s agenda with digital resilience becoming a must-win battle,” says Søren Elmer Kristensen, CEO of Odense Robotics, Denmark’s national robotics and drone cluster.
Here are the key trends cited in the report ‘Strategic Trends in Denmark’s Robotics Industry in 2025 and beyond’, based on in-depth interviews with industry professionals from Danish robotics companies and industry experts from Danish Technological Institute.
1) Intelligent and adaptive systems will enhance efficiency and adaptability.
Advancements in AI and machine learning will continue to improve the capabilities of robotics to execute complex tasks and optimise processes.
The integration of AI in manufacturing is expected to grow, with new applications emerging in areas such as predictive maintenance, autonomous decision-making, and real-time process optimisation. These innovations will enhance the efficiency and flexibility of manufacturing operations even further.
Enhanced sensor technology is a pivotal driving force behind the development of intelligent and adaptive systems in robotics. As technology advances, camera sensors, radio frequency sensors and acoustic sensors are becoming more advanced, cost-effective and reliable. These sensors enable robots to gain a detailed understanding of their surroundings, which is vital for navigating and performing tasks autonomously.
With better sensor technology combined with data processing capabilities, robotic systems will become far more adept at manoeuvring the world while autonomously learning about it.
2) Interoperability continues to be a dominant trend
Interoperability has been a major trend in recent years and will also shape 2025. There is an increasing emphasis on integrating diverse systems to boost operational efficiency and scalability.
Modular designs allow robotics systems to be easily upgraded, serviced or adapted by replacing individual components or adding new modules. This flexibility reduces downtime, supports scalability, and ensures systems can evolve with changing customer needs.
Cloud and edge computing will enhance robot performance by enabling real-time data processing and analytics. Edge computing improves response times, reduces energy consumption, and simplifies scaling, particularly for mobile or battery-powered robots.
3) Security is more important than ever
Companies are implementing robust measures to protect their operations, data and the integrity of their customers’ systems.
The cybersecurity landscape in robotics is constantly evolving, with increasing risks from espionage and data exfiltration, and increasing requirements from customers to meet latest cybersecurity standards.
Supplier management is also a critical aspect of cybersecurity in the robotics industry. To mitigate risks, the Danish robotics industry is increasingly adopting a zero-trust model. This approach requires companies to conduct thorough inspections of hardware and software components provided by suppliers.
Cryptography is a crucial component of cybersecurity in the robotics industry, ensuring secure communication and data protection. However, advancements in quantum computing may make existing cryptographic standards vulnerable. To address this challenge, some companies are preparing for post-quantum cryptography standards, designed to withstand quantum computers’ computational power.
4) Strategic simplification will shape robotics solutions
Robotics companies are focusing on standardisation and specialisation to reduce complexity and costs, making their technologies easier to implement and use.
This trend involves streamlining products and operations through standardisation and easy-to-integrate solutions, reducing the need for extensive customisation. By offering plug-and-play options, robotics companies can make technology more accessible to a wider audience, reduce entry barriers and provide more cost-effective solutions.
The report is compiled by the Danish Technological Institute in collaboration with Odense Robotics and financed by the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science. The report is available on Odense Robotics’ website.
Photo: Danish Technological Institute
