The State of Industrial Robotics: Emerging Technologies, Challenges, and Key Research Directions

The field of industrial robotics encompasses the study, design, and use of robot systems for manufacturing and how to integrate them into production lines. The field has been undergoing steady advancements in the past few decades. However, in recent years, Industry 4.0—a megatrend aimed
at transforming automation—has promised to catalyze significant changes in the capabilities and design of industrial robotics. This paper examines trends and forces shaping the industry.