Spotlight continues to be cast on the evolving landscape of supply chain robotics, as industry professionals analyze ongoing technology adoption, operational hurdles, and future strategies. Robotics executives from Infios, Novanta, and Revimo are voicing their perspectives on automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and market readiness for emerging solutions—including humanoid robots. Their insights offer context for businesses navigating fluctuation within robotics investment and deployment, especially as external events and policy decisions continue to affect the sector. While recent developments underscore challenges facing some robotics ventures, sector leaders remain focused on practical, scalable innovation to address customer needs.
Market forecasts for supply chain robotics have shifted downward after a period of strong optimism. Earlier analyses projected consistent and rapid revenue growth across global sectors, but updated research reports from organizations like Interact Analysis have noted slower-than-anticipated adoption and investment—primarily due to macroeconomic variables and shifting regulatory landscapes. Recent bankruptcy filings, such as Attabotics’ retrenchment, contrast with the steady strategic realignment seen within brands like Infios and revitalized technology partnerships involving Novanta and Revimo. Industry experts maintain that while adoption is progressing, acceleration is currently tempered by real-world operational constraints and capital expenditure caution.
How Are Supply Chain Robotics Firms Navigating Current Industry Instability?
Industry firms are responding to instability by re-examining their approaches, diversifying product portfolios, and forming key alliances. John Santagate, senior vice president of global robotics at Infios, shared details on the company’s transition from its previous identity as Korber Supply Chain Software, aiming to address dynamic market requirements. At the same time, Attabotics’ recent filing for bankruptcy and workforce reductions have highlighted the financial risk associated with high-growth technology startups in automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS). Amid these contrasts, established organizations are looking beyond core warehouse robotics to broader applications in logistics and manufacturing in an effort to stabilize revenue streams and adapt to customer needs.
How Have Tariffs and Economic Pressures Altered Robotics Forecasts?
Tariffs and uncertainty over future economic policies have created additional challenges for the robotics industry. Interact Analysis reduced its 2025 mobile robot market projection by $800 million, citing delays in purchasing decisions and hesitancy in capital investments directly linked to U.S. tariff implementation. Weaker growth now extends across major markets, leading to a revised sector forecast of $15.6 billion in revenue by 2030. These adjustments point to cautious optimism and suggest that fiscal and policy stability could restore confidence among buyers and developers of automation technologies.
What Role Do Humanoid and Advanced Robots Play in Supply Chain Automation?
Discussion about humanoid robots in warehouse logistics persisted throughout industry events and expert interviews, but their adoption remains uncertain. John Santagate stated,
“the market is not ready for humanoids yet,”
noting that the technology must still prove its operational usefulness. Previous progress in robotics highlighted AI-powered innovations, including the Autonomous Surgical Robot Transformer-Hierarchy (SRT-H) from Johns Hopkins, capable of performing surgical procedures with minimal intervention. While such advanced systems demonstrate technical feasibility, supply chain executives continue to prioritize purpose-driven automation over experimental deployments.
When considering advancements in robotics, it is vital to distinguish between experimental achievements and solutions that yield operational ROI for supply chain stakeholders. Recent financial challenges, as seen with Attabotics, underscore that robust funding alone does not guarantee viability unless matched with scalable, practical adoption. Conversely, companies like Infios and strategic partnerships—such as Novanta’s collaboration with Revimo—prioritize iterative product advances and close alignment with industry feedback. For organizations weighing investment, focusing on proven interoperability, modular expansion, and adaptability to evolving tariffs or regulations may reduce business risk while ensuring technology investments remain future-ready. Stakeholders evaluating robotics deployments should scrutinize vendor resilience, their ability to navigate macroeconomic headwinds, and customer-centric design as critical success criteria.
