Experts reported an increase in demand for robotics in companies

In 2024, 4.6% of companies invested in deep robotics and automation, but in 2025 this figure may almost double to 8.4%. Such data is provided by the ReIndustry study conducted by the consulting company KSL. The data was reviewed by Izvestia on May 6.

Previously, companies relied on extensive development, such as the construction of new warehouses, but now they prefer an intensive approach — the introduction of technologies that allow them to quickly increase capacity.

The growing interest in automation is also linked to a shortage of staff: 15.2% of companies cited a shortage of line staff as the main obstacle to development. At the same time, only 36% of organizations plan to increase their staff in 2025, and 25% are preparing for layoffs.

"For the first time, we see that the business intends to increase the flow of goods, but not through hiring, but through optimization and technology," the experts emphasize.

However, there are barriers to robotics. 25% of companies are stopped by high investments, 15% by unavailability of business processes, and 13% by a long payback period. Similar difficulties also hinder digitalization, which is supported by 23-24% of enterprises.

Large companies are less likely to encounter technical constraints, while financial costs remain the main obstacle for small and medium-sized businesses.

"Companies are focusing on technologies that can provide flexible process configuration, whether it's assortment, order urgency, production volumes, or logistics parameters. The priority is digital solutions that cover the entire cycle: from planning to execution," summed up Vasily Demin, PhD, Executive Director of KSL and President of the ReIndustry Expo Organizing Committee.

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Earlier, on May 4, Valentina Kurenkova, Director of Interaction with government agencies at Netologiya and head of the GR department of the Association for Innovations in Education of the Russian Academy of Sciences, gave advice to Izvestia on how to save a workplace in the era of neural networks. According to her, in an environment where AI takes over template operations, creativity, emotional intelligence and the ability to think outside the box are especially valued.