robotisation

Robotisation, or robotization, is the process by which tasks are increasingly performed by robots and automated systems rather than by human labor. It encompasses industrial robots used in manufacturing as well as service robots and software-based automation. The aim is to raise productivity, improve quality, and enhance safety and consistency by handling repetitive, dangerous, or precise work at scale.

In manufacturing, robotisation covers industrial robots, collaborative robots (cobots) that work alongside humans, machine vision, end-effectors, and integrated control software. In the service sector, it includes service robots for customers or professionals and robotic process automation (RPA) that automates administrative tasks in software systems. Together, these technologies span physical and digital automation.

Drivers include cost reductions, rising demand, aging workforces, safety concerns, and global competition. Benefits typically cited are higher productivity, improved accuracy and consistency, shorter cycle times, and safer operations. Drawbacks include high upfront investment, integration challenges, ongoing maintenance, and cybersecurity and data privacy risks. Policy and workforce training are important to manage transitions.

Measurement commonly uses robot density, the number of industrial robots per 1000 workers, though other metrics track automation investment and task-level automation. Trends point to Industry 4.0, digitalization, and AI-enhanced control, with rapid growth in logistics, automotive, electronics, healthcare, and agriculture. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated automation planning in many sectors.

Robotisation impacts labor markets and skill requirements, prompting retraining and new work arrangements. It interacts with broader economic, regulatory, and social factors and varies by country and industry. Ongoing innovation focuses on safer, more adaptable cobots, energy efficiency, and easier integration with existing systems.