Industrial Automation & Robotics Are on the Rise

Industrial Robotics Growth

Industrial automation and robotics is trending across several Key US industries.

Industrial Automation & Robotics Are on the Rise

New research shows that companies are expanding their use of industrial robots. The results of RobCo’s 2025 US Automation Index show a transformation into a new frontier for robotics and automation. They surveyed 400 senior business leaders across many sectors including manufacturing, construction, engineering, and healthcare. A striking 95% of U.S. industrial firms plan to introduce new automation over the next three years, with more than half currently testing or planning to use robots in production and back-office processes.  

A Glance at RobCo's Survey Findings

• 95% of U.S. industrial companies plan to introduce new automation within the next three years.  

• About one-third of surveyed companies currently use robots.  

• More than 50% are testing or planning robotic deployments.  

• 73% cite federal incentives as a driver of automation investment.  

• 61% say re-shoring initiatives are accelerating automation adoption.  

• Nearly all respondents report integrating physical machines with software platforms.  

• High upfront costs and skills shortages remain key barriers, though leasing and robots-as-a-service (RaaS) models are gaining traction.  

  
  

Key Drivers Behind the Shift

Recent supply-chain pressures and re-shoring initiatives, along with federal incentives, are the main catalysts pushing companies to adapt:  

• Federal Support: 73% of respondents highlighted federal incentives as a core driver of their technology adoption.  

• Domestic Production: 61% noted that active re-shoring initiatives are accelerating their long-term automation plans.  

  
  

Opportunities are Opening up for AI and Robotics Careers

Skills shortages are making it difficult for some companies as they try to automate. Because the current talent pool for specialized robotics positions is small, demand will continue to rise rapidly in the near future for highly skilled experts.  

The Texas Workforce Commission anticipates close to a 20% increase in career opportunities over the next ten years, positioning the region as a primary hub for next-generation automation talent.