Conclusion: Time for action The robotics revolution is no longer on the horizon – it is already under way, transforming industrial operations. For leading manufacturers, intelligent robotics has moved beyond experimentation to become a cornerstone of operational excellence, adaptability and long-term resilience. The impossible is now viable. What once seemed out of reach – due to technological complexity or economic constraints – is now feasible, thanks to rapid advances in physical AI, simulation environments and robotic systems design. The target state includes a layered automation strategy in which rule-based, training-based and context- based robotics coexist, enabling system-level intelligence and providing a foundation for future growth. As integration becomes faster and more scalable, robotics is shifting from a niche capability to a competitive imperative. Technology must be integrated, not isolated. Realizing the full potential of intelligent robotics demands a robust technological infrastructure that unifies and supports individual robotic solutions. A new AI technology stack is emerging that must be seamlessly integrated into the industrial software toolchain already in place to enable end-to-end system-level intelligence. Achieving this degree of integration is not a solo effort. Success will hinge on building strong, collaborative ecosystems that will distinguish those who can scale intelligent robotics from those who stall in isolated deployments. People must lead the transformation. Strategic foresight is essential to align robotics adoption with operational variability, production models and long-term workforce development. Manufacturers must move beyond viewing single automation use cases only as tools for short-term cost reduction and instead embrace them as catalysts for long- term sustained value creation. As job roles evolve, upskilling and reskilling efforts will be critical to ensure that workers are prepared to oversee, optimize and extend intelligent systems. Only through a people-first approach can companies embed robotics into their DNA in a way that is both sustainable and inclusive. Manufacturers must lead, not follow. The moment for leadership is now. Manufacturers who delay risk missing the momentum of rapidly converging technology and economic tipping points. Those who act boldly will not only unlock productivity and resilience but also shape the future of industrial operations – a future that is intelligent, adaptive and deeply collaborative. The time to build it is today. The Forum is committed to collaboration. Going forward, the World Economic Forum will continue to serve as a vital platform for shaping the future of intelligent robotics. By convening leading innovators, policy-makers and industry pioneers, the Forum will encourage cross-sector collaboration, share cutting-edge insights and help scale its responsible adoption. The goals are to illuminate the path forward and enable stakeholders to navigate this new era with confidence, agility and purpose. Physical AI: Powering the New Age of Industrial Operations 21

Physical AI Powering the New Age of Industrial Operations 2025