A survey commissioned by Intel of 800 business, technology and government leaders found that 70% of senior manufacturing leaders expect their organisation to run a fleet of robots within five years, while only around four in ten have a formal plan for managing a workforce that mixes people and machines. Intel describes the resulting 26% readiness gap in manufacturing as stemming partly from unclear ownership of robotics strategy. The gap was wider in defence and smart cities, at 48%.

• 70% expect a robot fleet by 2030
• ~40% have a formal strategy
• 26% preparedness gap in manufacturing
• 800 leaders surveyed

• manufacturingdive.com2026-08-25