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In 2019 we saw the world of robotics continue to expand and revolutionize new markets beyond the world of manufacturing and supply chain/logistics, as robots proved their worth in helping to address labor shortages and take on dangerous tasks. But even within traditional fields, advances in artificial intelligence and software have helped robots perform new tasks, working alongside human workers more collaboratively than before. Now that the calendar has turned to a new year, we look at what's in store for robotics across several different industries. We've already heard from industry experts (click here and here if you want to catch up on those predictions); Now it's our turn to forecast what 2020 will bring for the industry, based on our knowledge and intuition, with a little guesswork too. We're feeling a little confident this year, as we did very well with our predictions for 2019. So let's jump right into the predictions for 2020: Prediction #1: More teams from robot companies In mature robot markets, we expect to see partnerships and “the next phase” as end customers take their automation projects to new levels. This means things like mobile robot companies partnering with parts picking systems, or gripper companies teaming up to create new robot applications in manufacturing. End-user companies that have had success automating a process in their business, whether in supply chain, logistics or manufacturing, will want to take the next step. For example, once one robot is able to successfully retrieve and move an item from the warehouse to a packing station, another robot takes control and takes the item to pack it or assist workers with the next step. Success will come from robot companies that partner with each other in this regard, rather than trying to build it themselves. In other emerging markets where robots have not yet made a disruptive impact, robot companies can still get by with a unique solution that solves a particular automation problem or task. Prediction #2: More acquisitions by larger companies More acquisitions are happening in the space where mobile robots help warehouses, third-party logistics providers or e-commerce and omnichannel retailers. Since mobile robot companies have proven that the technology is mature enough to make a difference, these large companies will probably find it easier to acquire the technology themselves and run things in-house (like what Amazon did with Kiva Systems, and somewhat similar to what Shopify did with 6 River Systems, although slightly different). Even warehouse management software maker HighJump is “jumping” into robotics by offering itself as an integrator for mobile robot system implementations. We hope others take similar steps, or simply buy one of these companies outright, in 2020. Prediction #3: Cobots vs. industrial robots disappear Debates over cobots versus industrial robots will begin to fade in 2020, as technologies emerge that deliver the benefits of one type over the other. We've already seen cobots get bigger and faster, as well as industrial robots that can slow down or stop close to humans. End-user companies' purchasing decisions will focus less on the type of robot they want and more on the process or application being automated, whether a human worker is needed within that process, and how quickly the process needs to be completed. Even if cobots disappear in traditional industrial settings due to new sensors that can be applied to faster industrial robots, they will continue to find a place in small and medium-sized manufacturing environments, due to the continued shortage of skilled labor in roles such as painting, welding, polishing and caring for CNC machines. Prediction #4: Commercial

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