These Robots Work in the Factory of the Future

Robotics These Robots Work in the Factory of the Future

2026-05-04 From Margit Kuther | Translated by AI 4 min Reading Time

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A new survey by Reichelt Elektronik shows which robots are particularly popular in the industry and how they are used.

Robotics: companies' interest in robots and cobots is high.(Image: freely licensed / AI-generated / Pixabay) — Robotics: companies' interest in robots and cobots is high.
(Image: freely licensed / AI-generated / Pixabay)

Cobots, mobile robots, humanoid robots - robotics is developing at breakneck speed thanks to new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). Will production with complete automation (dark factory) soon even be realistic?

The latest robotics study by Reichelt Elektronik, conducted by the independent institute OnePoll, takes a look at the production facilities of German industry: What types of robots are most frequently used there and will cobots replace classic stationary robots in the future?

Robotics in German Factories—The Status Quo

As one of the countries with the highest robot density in the world, it is not surprising that 85% of the companies surveyed use robots. More than half (55 percent) use stationary robots, which are typically permanently installed and work automatically in enclosed or demarcated areas and without direct contact with humans. In addition, 41 percent already use smaller, lighter models such as cobots or other robotic arms. These can be used flexibly and are often explicitly designed to work side by side with humans.

Almost as many (39%) used mobile robots, such as self-propelled platforms or mobile manipulators. These are rolling or walking robots that are equipped with an additional gripper arm. Seven percent have even invested in a humanoid robot - i.e. a robot that is modeled on a human in terms of body shape and movement.

The plans for investment in robotics also show the high level of interest among companies. Most (41%) are planning to purchase cobots within the next two years, while more than a third (36%) are thinking about buying a mobile robot. In contrast, only 32% are planning to invest in stationary robots. One in five companies (20%) would like to purchase a humanoid robot within the next two years.

Will Cobots Replace Stationary Robots?

So are cobots taking over from stationary robots? Almost two thirds (63%) of respondents said they would prefer robotic arms to stationary robots in the future. This decision is not only due to the lower price. Although 57% say that their decision to choose a cobot was primarily driven by price, even more (74%) believe that cobots offer capabilities that traditional robots do not have.

"There is no doubt that smaller, flexible robot arms are currently experiencing great interest," comments Malte Janßen, Product Management, Robotics & Electromechanical Components at Reichelt Elektronik. "With the rapidly advancing technical innovations of recent years, they have gained a firm place in factories. Cobots open up new opportunities, especially for small and medium-sized companies. The survey shows that 57 percent had not used robots before investing in cobots. Although stationary robots will always be needed, especially for heavy loads or high performance requirements, the survey clearly shows (88 percent in favor): Cobots have established themselves as an important addition to classic stationary robots."

New Technologies Expand Areas of Application

Most companies rely on robots when work steps are particularly physically demanding (53%) or repetitive (45%). Most frequently, they perform pick-and-place work steps (46 percent) or transport objects (44 percent). However, there are also a large number of more specialized work steps for which they are regularly used - including cutting, soldering, palletizing, packaging or assembling. Humanoid robots, which are currently only rarely used, are intended to assist humans with physically strenuous tasks (54%) or perform repetitive tasks. Individual companies also stated that they use humanoid robots in AI-controlled test environments to automate further work steps.

Two technologies have helped companies the most in recent years to make their use of robots even more efficient: The use of AI, which allows robots to perform even more complex tasks (42 percent) and better sensor technology, which allows robots to recognize the environment even better (also 42 percent). Other useful technologies include sensors that give robots an even more precise sense of touch (32%) and more powerful software that enables robots to perform more complex tasks (31%). This includes, for example, the control of robot arms with multiple joints and in different directions.

On the Way to the Dark Factory—Soon to be 100 Percent Automatic?

Today, robots perform up to 40 percent of tasks in most companies (69 percent). Just under ten percent have more than 60 percent of the manufacturing process carried out by robots. In the opinion of most companies, this is set to change. According to 59% of respondents, the manufacturing process will be fully automated in just five years' time. Almost as many (56%) also agree that robotics is the key to combating the shortage of skilled workers now and in the future.

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In recent years, the budget for robotics investments has already increased in almost one in three companies (62%) and even significantly for 16%. In order to be able to invest in robotics even more easily, companies would particularly like to see cheaper models (38%), simpler programming (28%), more options for personalizing robots for individual applications (27%) and easier access to funding (also 27%).

The survey was conducted in March 2026 by the survey institute OnePoll on behalf of Reichelt Elektronik. 500 decision-makers from the fields of technology and manufacturing in German industry were surveyed. (mk)