IFR: "Sales of autonomous mobile robots are increasing rapidly".
In the white paper "A Mobile Revolution", the International Federation of Robotics examines how mobility is impacting robotics and why this is a groundbreaking development. The use of autonomous mobile robots is increasing not only in industry and logistics, but also in public spaces.
"Mobile robots have traditionally operated in industrial settings to transport parts throughout the factory or feed machines," says Milton Guerry, president of the International Federation of Robotics. "Today, AMRs also work in applications where contact with the general public is intended. They provide information to shoppers, deliver room service orders in hotels or support police officers by patrolling city areas. IFR´s mobile revolution paper gives an overview of the main use cases for mobile robots and their most significant impacts."
History of autonomous mobility
While researchers have been working on autonomous mobility technologies since the 1940s, autonomous mobile robots have only become commercially viable in the past decade. This is primarily because far more powerful and cheaper computers have become available since then. This has led to the rapid development of sensing, image processing and analysis technologies that enable robots to network with their environment in real time. Today, AMRs are experiencing double-digit growth. They now navigate autonomously and perform tasks in industrial and service sectors autonomously.
The future of autonomous mobile robotics
"Mobile robotics is a dynamic field of development and we expect exciting advances over the next decade," says Guerry. These advances are expected in hardware and software alike. Mobile robots are becoming lighter and more flexible. AMR and service robots will be able to navigate in more and more indoor and outdoor environments. Advances in sensors and algorithms mean that navigation and visual capabilities are becoming more accurate.
The whitepaper "A Mobile Revolution - How mobility is reshaping robotics" can be downloaded here:https://ifr.org/papers
Company
IFR International Federation of RoboticsLyoner Straße 18
60528 Frankfurt
Germany
most read
Siemens Consolidates Its Automation Business into a New Unit Called Automation
Rainer Brehm, who previously served as COO of the automation business and CTO of Digital Industries, was appointed president of the new unit.
Baumer Opens New Innovation Lab for Sensor Testing
Baumer, a sensor specialist, has opened a new innovation lab in Frauenfeld. Across 1,300 square meters, new products undergo leak, shock, vibration, and temperature tests before going into mass production.
Global robot density: Western Europe leads ahead of North America and Asia
In the EU-27, the robot density is 231, which is above the global average of 132.
Digikey Expands Its Product Line
In the second quarter of 2026, the company expanded its portfolio by adding 104 new suppliers and over 27,000 items available for immediate delivery.
Mks Opens European Laser Applications Lab for Pulsed Lasers
Lasers of various power classes are available in separate laboratory rooms, supplemented by Ophir measurement equipment as well as optical benches, optomechanical components, and motion systems from Newport.