Companies are auditing hard-to-fill roles to see where robots can step in and cut overtime costs. Some are deciding whether to pilot remote-operated robots next year or wait for full autonomy by 2028.
Digital transformation plans are expanding, from software and cloud to include physical automation and edge computing. What was once niche is now within reach for most businesses.
As host Magnus Oxenwaldt puts it;
“It’s worth asking. Do we have roles that are hard to fill, 24/7 operations facing staffing challenges, or repetitive physical tasks in structured environments? If so, robotics should be part of the 2027 budget conversation. Not just a future technology topic.”
Top stories this week:
- 1X Technologies opens pre-orders for NEO, a $20,000 humanoid robot. A price that makes robotics accessible beyond manufacturing.
- SAP integrates humanoid robots directly into its warehouse management system.
- Figure AI robots now run full shifts at BMW plants, while Amazon hits one million deployed robots across 300 sites.
- Microsoft warns of GPU power shortages as physical AI multiplies cloud demand, and Google plans orbital AI data centres by 2027.
- Digital transformation now has two tracks, software automation and physical automation. It’s time to plan for both.
Got questions or want to share your thougths?
Future Bytes is your go-to podcast for insights on AI in business. Hosted by digital transformation and AI expert, Magnus Oxenwaldt, each episode offers perspectives through guest interviews or focused solo sessions.
We appreciate your input. If you have questions, topic suggestions, or know someone who could be a great guest, feel free to reach out to Magnus at magnus.oxenwaldt@columbus.com. ✉️