Hexagon’s 2025 Report: Shaping the Next Decade of Robotics and AI
Future Insights: Bridging AI and Robotics
LONDON – July 15, 2025 – Hexagon, a trailblazer in measurement technologies, has released its much-anticipated flagship report entitled "Future of Robotics 2035: Insights from Industry Experts." This pivotal document highlights the crucial interplay between artificial intelligence and robotics, shining a light on the essential adaptations required for workforces, businesses, and societies to flourish amidst this transformative change.
The Call for Automation
The report underscores a landmark shift in the business landscape. Recent findings from Forrester’s Automation Survey 2024 reveal that 82% of organizations have ramped up their automation investments in the past year, primarily driven by advancements in generative AI capabilities. In addition, over 25% of global automation leaders have enhanced their robotic investments across all categories due to these new AI technologies. Yet despite these promising trends, Hexagon’s experts point out that various hurdles linger, particularly the costly integration of new technologies with legacy systems and the pressing need for upskilling the workforce.
A Collaborative Future
Burkhard Boeckem, Chief Technology Officer of Hexagon, emphasizes a crucial paradigm shift: “The future will not revolve around a conflict between robots and humans, but rather around their collaboration.” He advocates for a future where autonomous systems serve as enhancers of human potential, rather than replacements.
Charting the Course to 2035
Looking ahead to 2035, the report presents three potential outcomes for the evolution of autonomy. One particularly ambitious vision, dubbed the "Robot Renaissance," envisions robots fundamentally transforming every sector. However, a more universally agreed forecast is the emergence of a "managed mesh" economy, where interoperable robots will perform nearly 50% of routine industrial and service tasks seamlessly by 2035. This integration intends to allow workforces to adapt gracefully, without significant disruption.
Key Insights and Themes
The report elucidates several critical themes and insights, including:
Design for Dignity: The roadmap emphasizes embedding empathy, inclusion, and transparency throughout all phases of development, from pilot programs to post-deployment support.
Workforce Sentiment: While there remains a level of skepticism, workers exhibit a growing curiosity regarding AI and robotics. Companies that deploy technology in a human-centered and transparent manner are likely to be met with enthusiasm, as evidenced by employees embracing new roles in a collaborative environment with robots.
Integration Challenges: A startling 41% of companies report difficulties in embedding robotic systems into their existing frameworks. The industry must evolve in a manner that cultivates trust between human workers and robotic systems, fostering relationships akin to a living organism.
- Economic Imperatives: As demographic shifts and operational challenges mount, the notion of autonomy is transitioning from a luxury to a critical necessity, prompting heightened investment in robotics across various regions.
Human Strengths in the AI Era
Dr. Juliet Aiken, an organizational psychologist at Conducere + Volta, asserts, “Humans are adaptive, creative, and inherently unique—not mere components in a productivity machine.” She reflects on how human strengths intersect with automation, advocating for a future enriched by partnerships between humans and robotics, where technology complements rather than subsumes human abilities.
The Role of Contributions
The comprehensive report features valuable insights from a diverse array of industry leaders, shedding light on the technical, economic, and social dimensions essential for achieving a transformative future. Notable contributors include:
- Dr. Juliet Aiken, Organizational Psychologist, Conducere + Volta
- Burkhard Boeckem, CTO, Hexagon
- Amit Goel, Director of Product Management, Autonomous Machines, NVIDIA
- Anthony Hartke, VDC Project Manager, Turner Construction
- Spencer Huang, Product Line Manager, Robotics, NVIDIA
- Mario Mauerer, Global Business Development Manager, Robotics, maxon Group
- Arnaud Robert, President, Hexagon’s Robotics Division
- Kristofer Wahl, Innovation Manager, Turner Construction
- Chase Williams, Senior Consultant, TechInsights
- Lukas Ziegler, Robotics Evangelist
About Hexagon
Hexagon stands as a global leader in measurement technologies, delivering vital solutions that empower various essential industries—from construction and manufacturing to mining and autonomous systems. Employing around 24,800 individuals across 50 countries, Hexagon generated net sales of approximately 5.4 billion EUR, demonstrating robust global operations and influence.
Conclusion: A Future of Collaboration
As we peer into the horizon shaped by Hexagon’s latest report, what stands out is the united potential of humans and robots. With the integration of generative AI and autonomous systems, the landscape of work is poised for revolutionary changes. By focusing on empathy, collaboration, and a collective vision for the future, Hexagon has laid down a guide that could lead to mutually beneficial outcomes. The report acts not just as a forecast, but as a call to action for industries worldwide to embrace the age of autonomy, ensuring that robots and humans thrive side by side.
For a more detailed exploration of these insights and to delve deeper into the report, feel free to get the full report here.
