A new survey by reichelt elektronik reveals the most popular robot types and their current industrial applications.
Sande, 30. April 2026 – Cobots, mobile robots, humanoid robots — the field of robotics is evolving at breakneck speed, propelled by technological breakthroughs such as AI. But is the “Dark Factory”—a fully automated production facility—a realistic prospect for the near future? The latest robotics study by reichelt elektronik, conducted by the independent institute OnePoll, offers an in-depth look at German industrial production: which robot types are currently in use, and will cobots eventually replace traditional stationary models?
Robotics in German Factories: The Status Quo
Given that Europe is home to some of the highest robot density worldwide, it is not surprising that 82 percent of the companies surveyed use robots. Nearly half (48%) rely on stationary robots, which are typically permanently installed and operate autonomously in enclosed or demarcated areas without direct human contact. Additionally, 38 percent of companies have already integrated smaller, lighter models such as cobots or other robotic arms. These are designed for flexible deployment and are often specifically engineered to work side-by-side with humans.
An equally high percentage (39%) utilize mobile robots, such as self-driving platforms or mobile manipulators—rolling or walking robots equipped with additional gripper arms. Seven percent of respondents have even invested in humanoid robots, which are modelled after the human body in both shape and movement.
Investment plans further underscore the high level of industry interest. Many companies (35%) plan to purchase cobots within the next two years, while over a third (34%) are considering mobile robots. Stationary robots follow closely behind, with 30 percent of companies planning to invest in them. Notably, one in five companies (19%) aims to acquire a humanoid robot within the next two years.
Are Cobots Replacing Stationary Robots?
Are cobots poised to overtake their stationary counterparts? More than two-thirds (64%) of respondents state they will prefer robotic arms over stationary robots in the future. This shift is not driven by cost alone: while 53 percent state that their decision to choose a cobot was primarily price-driven, an even larger share (74%) believe that cobots offer capabilities that traditional robots offer unique capabilities that traditional robots simply lack.
“There is no doubt that small, flexible robotic arms are currently generating a massive amount of interest,” comments Malte Janßen, Product Management for Robotics & Electromechanical Components at reichelt elektronik. “With the rapid technical innovations of recent years, they have secured a permanent place on the factory floor. Cobots open up new possibilities, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. The survey shows that 53 percent had no robots in use before investing in cobots. While stationary robots will always be needed, especially for heavy loads or high-performance requirements, the survey clearly indicates (86% agreement): Cobots have established themselves as an important complement to traditional stationary robots.”
New Technologies Expanding Application Areas
Most companies rely on robots when work steps are particularly physically demanding (46%) or repetitive (46%). Most frequently, they perform pick-and-place tasks (35%) or transport objects (33%). However, there are also a variety of more specialized tasks for which they are regularly used—including cutting, soldering, palletizing, packaging, or assembly. Humanoid robots, which are currently used only rarely, are intended to assist humans with physically demanding tasks (46%) or take over repetitive tasks. Some companies also reported using humanoid robots in AI-controlled test environments to automate additional tasks.
Two technologies have been instrumental in increasing efficiency over recent years: Artificial Intelligence, which allows robots to perform more complex tasks (37%), and improved sensor technology, which allows robots to perceive their surroundings even better (35%). Other useful technologies include sensors that give robots an even more precise sense of touch (32%) and more powerful software that enables robots to perform more complex tasks (31%), such as controlling robotic arms with more joints and in different directions.
The Path to the Dark Factory: 100% Automation?
Today, robots perform up to 40 percent of tasks in most companies (66%). Around 7 percent have robots perform more than 60 percent of the manufacturing process. Most companies believe this will change. 59 percent of respondents expect their manufacturing process to be fully automated in just five years. Nearly as many (58%) also agree that robotics is the key to addressing the skills shortage now and in the future.
Reflecting this trend, budgets for robotics investments have increased in two out of three companies (60%), with 16 percent reporting a significant increase. To further lower the barrier to entry, companies are looking for more affordable models (37%), more customization options for specific applications (26%), and easier access to government or external funding (25%).
Explore more: Robotics topics in reichelt Magazine
Read more about trends, technical articles and practical examples relating to cobots, humanoid robotics and industrial automation in the ‘Robotics’ special feature in reichelt Magazine:
Discover the Topic Explorer: Robotics ►
Images: Adobe Stock, ©Infographic: reichelt elektronik
