News and Events

Robots used to stay behind fences. They ran fixed programs, did the same task on loop, and worked in isolation. That’s not the case anymore. Today’s systems are mobile, adaptable, and built to work alongside people instead of apart from them.

Technologies like AI-based navigation, force feedback, and machine vision are turning robots into collaborators. They adjust in real time, respond to change, and take on tasks that don’t follow a strict script.

This shift creates new opportunities. More roles now involve working directly with smart machines, configuring them, troubleshooting issues, and keeping production on track. The need for trained workers is growing fast, and the work is moving closer to the floor.

AI-Driven Robotics: Smarter Machines, Faster Decisions

With built-in AI, machines now make real-time choices based on what’s happening around them. Universal Robots, for example, doesn’t rely on physical barriers. It uses sensors and AI-driven navigation to move safely around people, adjusting its path on the fly.

This kind of intelligence makes robots useful in settings where things change fast. High-mix, low-volume operations used to be tough for automation. AI lets robots adapt to shifting parts, different layouts, and unplanned events without halting production.

To work with these systems, you’ll need a grip on AI integration, machine learning basics, and adaptive control strategies. These skills help you troubleshoot, optimize, and communicate with smarter machines that don’t always follow the same routine.

Mobile and Collaborative Robots (Cobots): Flexibility on the Factory Floor

Some production floors don’t run the same job twice in a week. That kind of variability used to slow things down, but collaborative robots (cobots) and mobile robots are changing that. 

Built to work safely next to people with no fencing and no locked cages, these machines can be moved, reprogrammed, and integrated into new workflows without overhauling the whole line. Companies like Universal Robots and Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) are pushing this even further with systems that use AI to navigate spaces and adapt to changes in real time.

Cobots work especially well in high-mix, low-volume settings where flexibility is more valuable than speed. They can be assigned to repetitive or awkward tasks, freeing up human workers to handle inspections or make decisions the robot isn’t trained for. 

But to make all that function, you need people who know what they’re doing. Programming cobots, maintaining safety compliance in shared workspaces, and setting up proper system integration with sensors, conveyors , and PLCs are key skills.

The job is about making the machines fit the work. That takes both technical know-how and the ability to adjust as the work shifts.

Specialized Robotics: Targeted Solutions for Specific Tasks

Not every robot needs to do everything. Some are built to do one task, and do it well. That’s the thinking behind a wave of specialized robots now showing up in hospitals, warehouses, and industrial plants. Healthcare robots help transport supplies and support hospital staff. There are also autonomous vehicles built specifically for indoor material movement in factories and fulfillment centers.

These robots are focused on filling very specific gaps where labor is tight or repetition slows things down. They often cost less than traditional automation setups and are easier to deploy for small teams. But they still require people to keep them running smoothly.

To work with this type of automation, robotics technicians need to understand how to program the robot around its environment and task. That includes handling updates to its software, troubleshooting issues, and keeping a close eye on how it fits into the broader workflow. Application-specific programming, hands-on maintenance , and daily operational oversight are all part of the job. The robots are specialized, but so are the roles around them.

Emerging Technologies: Soft Robotics, Exoskeletons, and Swarm Robotics

Some of the most interesting developments in robotics don’t look robotic in the traditional sense. Soft robotics, for example, use flexible materials that move more like muscles than motors. These are showing up in food processing lines and electronics assembly, places where rigid grippers could crush parts or bruise produce. Their gentle touch makes them ideal for repetitive, detail-sensitive work.

Exoskeletons take a different angle. Rather than replacing tasks, they support human movement, helping workers lift heavy parts or maintain awkward positions with less physical strain. They’re already reducing fatigue and injury risk on production lines, and companies are beginning to treat them as standard PPE in some facilities.

Then there’s swarm robotics. Picture dozens of small units working together without a central command. That’s the idea. Each robot follows simple instructions, but together they accomplish complex goals, like coordinating part delivery across an assembly floor or conducting detailed inspections in hard-to-reach areas.

Working with this type of tech means knowing how systems behave in groups, how to control distributed networks, and how biomechanics plays into design, and support. You’ll need a handle on collaborative control logic, system monitoring, and how to keep the human-machine interface smooth and safe.

Training and Career Pathways in Emerging Robotics

As more companies bring in advanced systems, they’re not just adding machines. They’re reshaping job roles, changing how teams operate & raising the bar on what skills matter.

For anyone stepping into the field, training makes the difference. The technology moves fast. So do expectations. Knowing how to work with these systems puts you in a stronger spot, regardless of where you begin.

Training options are growing quickly, and not every path looks the same. Some people head to schools offering hands-on training in robotics and automation. Their courses focus on the tools and tasks needed in the field, so graduates walk in ready to contribute.

Others choose online programs that offer coursework ranging from basic programming to machine learning for robotic systems. These classes are more academic, but they’re useful for building a base or testing the waters before committing to a longer program.

To make it all easier to sort through, RoboticsCareer.org brings everything together. The site lists over 16,500+ training programs, filtered by location, skill level & topic. Each listing is reviewed to confirm it’s relevant to real manufacturing careers. You’ll also see job postings tied to the training you’re looking at, so you can plan with a clear view of what comes next.

One important thing to watch for: ARM Institute Endorsed programs. These have been reviewed by both educators and employers and confirmed to teach the skills actually used on the floor. That badge of endorsement helps cut through the noise and adds weight to your training when it’s time to apply.

Create a profile to get matched with programs based on your background and goals. It takes a few minutes—and it sets you up to move forward with purpose.

About the Author

John Zappa

John Zappa is the Director of Product Management at the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute. In this role, he is responsible for developing and promoting services that help the organization fulfill its mission to train and empower the manufacturing workforce for careers in robotics. 

An industry expert on lifelong learning, John has spoken at numerous industry conferences including Chief Learning Officer Symposium, Society of Human Resource Management, and The Conference Board, and has co-authored articles on corporate tuition assistance programs and talent management.  

During his career, he helped to found and serve as CEO of EdLink, LLC a leading provider of tuition assistance management services.  Under John’s leadership, EdLink grew to manage over $220 million in education funding. The firm was acquired by the Fortune 500 firm Bright Horizons Family Solutions (BFAM).  A pioneer in the field, he created the industry’s first education network to address the rising cost of education for adult learners. It is now considered the industry standard. 

With thirty years’ experience, John has built and led marketing, operations, and product management teams in software-based companies across multiple industries.  John began his career at IBM implementing robotics as a manufacturing engineer.  He received his Bachelor of Science Degree with University Honors in Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University and his MBA from Dartmouth College.