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The Evolution of AI for Robotics, Automotive, and Manufacturing

Publisher IDC
Published Feb 18, 2026
Length 11 Pages
SKU # IDC20900790

Description

This IDC Perspective provides industry insights on how AI is transforming industrial operations, as highlighted at the Consumer Electronics Show 2026. AI is reshaping robotics, automotive, and manufacturing by transferring intelligence from digital to physical environments, enabling adaptive automation, real-time decision-making, and human-machine collaboration. While humanoid robots generate excitement, practical value today lies in edge intelligence, simulation-first validation, and ecosystem-driven innovation. The future of operations depends on strong data management, cross-industry partnerships, and workforce training, with operational efficiency and safety as key outcomes. For industrial operators to succeed, organizations will need to integrate AI, automation, and human expertise to drive scalable, resilient industrial transformation."As AI steps into the physical world, organizations should focus their industrial strategies to facilitate data management, especially within physical industrial operational environments." — Carlos Gonzalez, research manager, Industrial Internet of Things and Intelligence Strategies"The future of manufacturing and robotics hinges not on distant dreams but on how we integrate edge intelligence, simulation, and human expertise today." — Jeffrey Hojlo, research vice president, Manufacturing Insights, Industry Ecosystems, and Business Networks"Humanoid robots may capture our imagination, but the real revolution is in the seamless partnership between AI, automation, and the human workforce." — Sarah Lee, research director, Manufacturing IT Strategies

Table of Contents

11 Pages

Executive Snapshot

Key takeaways

Recommended actions

Situation Overview

The physical AI evolution

Humanoids take center stage

Ecosystem-driven innovation: Focus on automotive and construction

Construction tech continues to boom

Manufacturing's next phase: From edge intelligence to physical AI

Advice for the Technology Buyer

Learn More

Related research

Synopsis

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