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What’s Next in Automation? Trends You Can’t Miss at Automate 2025

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The automation landscape is transforming faster than ever, and staying competitive means staying informed. We pulled together a list of the most impactful trends defining 2025 to keep on your radar. And guess what? You can see them all in action at the Automate Show, the largest and most influential automation showcase in the Americas.

Quick note: You can learn more about what to expect in 2025 from automation experts with the 2025 Industrial Automation Trends webinar, brought to you by the Association of Advancing Automation (A3), the producers of Automate.

1. FLEXIBLE AND COMPLEX AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS

Right now, there's a huge push for flexible and adaptable systems across industries, all thanks to shifting consumer demands and the rapid pace of technological change. Companies are looking into modular robotic systems and AI-powered integration to stay agile and respond quickly. 

Why? Because they see benefits such as increased productivity, reduced setup and labor costs, enhanced production flexibility, and better quality control. 

The real challenge is in high-mix, low-volume production settings, where companies need automation solutions that can easily handle frequent changes without causing major downtime. That’s where Automate exhibitors like ??KUKA Robotics come in. Their modular robotic cells, like machine tending cells, are designed for quick adaptation to changing production needs.

Industry insight: Because of the flexibility and scalability, the modular automation market is expected to grow by 7.9% over the next few years (MarketsandMarkets).

2. AI-POWERED TOOLS TO ADDRESS WORKFORCE CHALLENGES

Let's face it: finding skilled workers isn't getting easier. With over 2 million manufacturing jobs potentially unfilled by 2030, we anticipate more and more companies exploring how to leverage industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced automation technologies.

See how OTTO Motors' AI-powered autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are revolutionizing logistics in the AMR Demo area on the Automate show floor. These intelligent robots don't just move materials; they optimize routes, avoid obstacles, and work safely alongside your team. 

Industry insight: Over 40% of manufacturers plan to increase investment in AI and machine learning over the next three years, according to a 2024 Deloitte survey.

3. REAL-TIME DIGITAL TWINS AND FEEDBACK LOOPS

Digital twins are no longer just a simulation tool these days. They are now integral to digital transformation efforts, training, and scenario or risk management, especially for aerospace, energy, and manufacturing industries. Paired with real-time feedback loops, they enable predictive maintenance, process optimization, and proactive management. With anticipated advances in virtual and augmented reality, AI, cloud computing, and other technologies, digital twins will only continue to evolve and improve.

One of the leaders in this technology is Siemens. They’ll be at Automate, sharing how they integrate digital twins with IoT devices for seamless real-time feedback to gain insights and optimize. 

Industry insight: Manufacturing holds the largest revenue in the digital twin market. However, agriculture could see noticeable growth between 2024 and 2030 (Grand View Research).

4. ACCELERATED AUTOMATION IMPLEMENTATION

Some companies followed a wait-and-see approach between political and economic uncertainty in 2024. But in 2025, it is all about speed and implementation to remain competitive. Pre-engineered systems and plug-and-play solutions can help manufacturers implement automation faster than ever.

For example, Universal Robots provides versatile, user-friendly collaborative robots (cobots) designed for rapid deployment. These are perfect for manufacturers who need results now, not next year.

It’s also important to note that collaboration and partnership play a major role in automation success. As solutions and business requirements become more complex, building relationships and trust with manufacturers and integrators today is key to a smooth implementation and integration.

Industry insight: Over 80% of business executives are speeding up their efforts to digitize work processes and embrace new technologies (World Economic Forum).

5. SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY-EFFICIENT AUTOMATION

Sustainability has become a key focus for businesses worldwide. Companies recognize that it's not just a nice-to-have but a must-have to thrive. This need also impacts automation solutions, where we see energy-efficient components in automation systems used to lessen environmental footprints and operating costs. 

Take Beckhoff Automation’s energy-efficient motors, like the AA3000 electric cylinders. They deliver great force and speed while cutting energy use and space. Plus, they’re up to 80% more efficient than traditional systems. This leads to faster ROI, lower maintenance, and a more sustainable operation.
 
Industry insight: Continuous energy efficiency initiatives can potentially reduce 70% of industrial sector carbon emissions (International Energy Agency). 

6. ADVANCED 3D PRINTING SOLUTIONS

Integrating 3D printing into automated production lines offers exciting opportunities for rapid prototyping, on-demand production, and multi-material applications. This innovative approach enhances efficiency and empowers industries to explore cost-effective solutions that reduce supply chain dependencies while upholding high production quality. 

Automate exhibitor Renishaw isn’t new to 3D printing. In fact, the company has been paving the way in additive manufacturing (AM) for some time. As new industries look to embrace 3D printing, Renishaw has expanded its portfolio of processable materials to meet the needs of complex parts and innovative applications.

Industry insight: Presence-sensing safety sensors could dominate the industrial safety market by 2030 (MarketsandMarkets).

7. ENHANCED SAFETY AND ANOMALY DETECTION

Smart safety isn't about putting up barriers anymore; it's about breaking them down (with the right solutions). Modern sensors and AI are creating workspaces where humans and robots can collaborate more effectively than ever.

SICK, Inc. provides thousands of sensor and software solutions for manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing. Their AI-enabled sensors and vision systems combine vision and deep learning to help optimize workflows and detect anomalies before they become incidents.

Industry insight: Over half of U.S. manufacturers surveyed use 3D printing for prototyping and final products versus experimenting (PwC).

SEE 2025 AUTOMATION TRENDS AT AUTOMATE

Reading about trends is one thing, but experiencing them is another. At Automate, you'll do more than see the future of automation — you'll be able to embrace it.

Ready to transform your operations? Register for FREE and join the others who are turning these trends into competitive advantages.


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