With a growing labor shortage and the need to strengthen domestic manufacturing, US workers are showing overwhelming support for the adoption of robotics and automation technologies in factories. According to the automatica Trend Index 2025, nearly 70% of US employees believe robots help manufacturers tackle workforce shortages and stay competitive, while two-thirds see robotics as a critical factor in reshoring industrial production.
Commissioned by automatica, the world’s leading trade fair for robotics and automation (24–27 June 2025 in Munich, Germany), the study surveyed 1,000 US workers to better understand their views on automation and its impact on the manufacturing sector.
Robots as a Strategic Solution for Labor Gaps
The US manufacturing sector faces a pressing challenge: 2.1 million manufacturing jobs are projected to go unfilled by 2030, according to the Manufacturing Institute, due to a persistent skills gap. Workers, however, are welcoming the rise of robotics as a means to bridge this shortfall.
- 75% of respondents agree that robots can help reduce workplace injuries by taking over physically demanding or dangerous tasks.
- 73% say robots are valuable for handling hazardous materials safely.
- 65% believe robotic assistance can enable older workers to remain in the workforce longer.
These findings underscore a shift in public perception, where robots are not seen as a threat, but rather as a collaborative tool to augment human labor.
“Robots reduce the burden of repetitive and hazardous tasks, enabling human workers to focus on higher-value, creative, or supervisory roles,” says Patrick Schwarzkopf, advisory board member of automatica at Messe München. “This not only improves safety but also adds long-term value to industrial careers.”
Global Momentum in Robot Adoption
While the US ranks 10th globally in robot density—with 295 robots per 10,000 workers—China has surged ahead, more than doubling its robot density between 2018 and 2022. As of 2023, China has reached 470 robots per 10,000 workers, placing it third worldwide, according to the International Federation of Robotics.
This momentum highlights how strategic investment in robotics can transform national manufacturing capacity. The US, by comparison, still has room to grow, especially as public and policy support increases for reshoring initiatives.
Technological Advances Make Robots More Accessible
The convergence of technologies like artificial intelligence, low-code programming, and cost-effective robotics platforms is making automation increasingly viable for companies of all sizes. These innovations will be showcased at automatica 2025, where the latest in intelligent automation and collaborative robotics will be demonstrated across real-world factory use cases.
“We are entering an era where robots are more adaptable, intelligent, and user-friendly than ever before,” Schwarzkopf adds. “This transformation opens the door for small and medium-sized enterprises to benefit from automation—ensuring global competitiveness and sustainability.”
Looking Ahead
As the US intensifies its efforts to reshore manufacturing, workers’ favorable view of robotics represents a vital cultural shift. Rather than replacing humans, robots are increasingly seen as essential partners in modernizing industry, improving safety, and ensuring economic resilience.
The upcoming automatica 2025 will serve as a global hub for exploring these advancements, demonstrating how humans and machines can collaborate in the factory of the future.
