The Strategic Application of Robotics: A CTO’s Guide to What’s Next

For today’s CTOs, the application of robotics isn’t just about automation—it’s about competitive advantage.

As AI, hardware, and edge computing converge, robotics is emerging as a strategic force across sectors, capable of transforming operational models, reducing risk, and opening new business frontiers.

From intelligent manufacturing systems to autonomous medical platforms and smart home integrations, robotics is now core to modern digital infrastructure.

In this guide, we explore the most impactful real-world applications of robotics.

Industrial robotics: Building scalable, always-on operations

Manufacturers use industrial robots to automate tasks such as material handling, assembly, welding, painting, and packaging.

These robots offer increased efficiency and speed in manufacturing processes, leading to higher productivity and reduced costs. 

Their main advantage over humans is their precision; they do not tire and can even work in hazardous conditions. High-risk industries such as mining or fertilizer production turn to robots to avoid adverse events and ensure the safety of their workers.

The use of industrial robots has skyrocketed in recent years.

According to reports, the global Industrial Robotics Market is projected to grow from $16.89 billion in 2024 to $29.43 billion by 2029, registering a CAGR of 11.7 percent during the forecast.

China remains the world’s largest market for industrial robots, accounting for around 52% of global robot installations, but robot adoption is also surging in other major economies, including the United States, Germany, Japan and South Korea.

Robotics in healthcare: Precision and operational efficiency

Medical robots are designed to make healthcare procedures easier, faster, and more accurate.

They can perform a variety of surgical tasks, including tumor removal, needle biopsies, and endoscopic operations. These robots can also perform routine tests that human doctors find repetitive or difficult to complete. Examples include blood cell analysis, eye exams, and mammograms.

One of the most widely used medical robots is the da Vinci Surgical System. Developed by Intuitive Surgical, this robotic surgical platform enhances minimally invasive surgery. It uses advanced technology to give surgeons greater precision, dexterity, and control compared to traditional methods. 

Likewise, other surgical robots are being developed for even more complex procedures, including those involving the brain and heart. 

According to SNS Insider, the Medical Robots Market Size was valued at USD 14.9 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 57.0 billion by 2032. It is growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16.06 percent from 2024 to 2032.

Technological advancements, an aging population, and an increasing demand for minimally invasive procedures is driving this tremendous growth.

Smart agriculture: Robotics at the edge of food security

The agricultural sector uses robotics to automate various tasks, improve efficiency, and increase productivity. 

These robots, often equipped with sensors, cameras, and AI, can perform jobs like planting, harvesting, weeding, and applying pesticides with greater precision and speed than traditional methods. 

According to UN predictions, there will be 9.7 billion people on Earth by 2050, leading to a significant increase in global food demand.

As a result, the use of modern technology, including robotics, will see a huge demand in the agricultural sector in the coming years.

Robotics in space: Prototyping for autonomy

Various types of robotic systems play an important role in space exploration. These robots facilitate humanity’s quest to explore beyond Earth and gain deeper insights into our solar system and beyond. Their unparalleled resilience, unmatchable precision, and evolving autonomy make them indispensable tools in space exploration.

Notable examples include NASA’s rovers, such as Curiosity and Perseverance, which have been integral in studying Mars’s environment and potential for life.

Likewise, humanoid robots like NASA’s Robonaut are designed to assist astronauts by performing various maintenance and operational tasks on the International Space Station (ISS).  However, the development and testing of these robotic systems remain ongoing and need special attention.

As per reports, the global space robotics market size was estimated at USD 4.40 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 8.8% from 2023 to 2030. 

The need for efficient repair, service, and maintenance of geostationary satellites bolsters the demand for space robots. As human presence in space expands, reliance on intelligent and versatile robots for mundane tasks will only increase, allowing human and ground control teams to focus on more complex activities requiring human cognition and judgment.

Robotics for domestic help

Home or domestic robots are devices designed to perform tasks like cleaning, lawn care, security monitoring etc. Equipped with artificial intelligence and high-tech sensors, they connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to navigate and interact with their environment.

Users can control these advanced robotics for home use remotely, making life easier.

For example, robotic vacuum cleaners use cameras and sensors to scan and collect data about their surroundings, while their AI-powered algorithms create a virtual map and plan an optimized route around obstacles.

On the other hand, advanced robots can automatically adjust lighting, control climate settings, based on individual preferences, making smart homes even more intuitive and efficient.

Moreover, security robots can monitor suspicious activities and potential threats throughout your home with a variety of high-tech cameras, sensors, and motion detectors, sending alerts with live footage via apps – all without the need for manual intervention.

As per reports, by 2030, robots for home use are estimated to be present in one out of every three households. Automation of domestic tasks will free up human’s time, helping them take on other creative activities.

Robotics in entertainment: Engineering immersive experiences

Robotics play an increasingly significant role in filmmaking.

One area that has been utilized to great success so far is for performing stunt doubles on film and TV sets.

Robotics help execute complex and dangerous stunt scenes, replacing human performers in situations too risky for actors. This technology allows for precise and repeatable movements, ensuring safety and enhancing the visual impact of action sequences. 

That’s not all! Robotics has also revolutionized special effects in filmmaking.

Animatronics, which involve using robotic devices to simulate living creatures, have been used in films for decades. With technological advancements, animatronics has become more sophisticated, allowing filmmakers to create more realistic and convincing creatures.

Likewise, theme parks are incorporating robotics into their attractions, creating a more immersive experience for visitors.

For example, robotic animatronics are being used to recreate historical scenes or fantasy worlds. This allows visitors to interact with the environment in a more engaging way.

According to reports, the Entertainment Robots Market grew from USD 3.38 billion in 2024 to USD 3.67 billion in 2025. It is expected to reach USD 5.42 billion by 2030 with an 8.15 percent CAGR.

What’s next: Strategic implications of emerging robotics

Tomorrow’s robotics will be different — potentially fundamentally — from what we see today. Advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and human-robot collaboration are pushing the boundaries of what robots can do. Experts and industry leaders have made various predictions and speculations about the potential developments and applications of this transformative technology.

However, one should remember that the human element—intuition, creativity, and decision-making—remains irreplaceable. The future of work lies in creating a balanced collaboration between humans and robots, where each contributes its unique strengths.

How can CTOs prepare for a robotic-first future?

Leaders must become adept at scenario thinking — envision different possible futures and prepare for the diverse outcomes that may unfold. In essence, leaders should have a foresight approach. To lead in the robotics era, CTOs should:

• Develop scenario strategies: Robotics will disrupt workflows—anticipate the impact, don’t just react.
• Invest in cross-functional learning: Robotics isn’t just hardware—it’s a fusion of AI, mechanics, cloud, and edge.
• Build modular architecture: Ensure new robotic systems can plug into existing infrastructure.
• Explore partner ecosystems: Robotics vendors, RaaS providers, and startups are moving fast—collaboration can offer agility.

In brief

The application of robotics is not a distant future concept, it’s a current strategic lever. From optimizing workflows to unlocking new customer experiences, robotics is reshaping what’s possible.

For CTOs, staying ahead means thinking beyond automation and building the foundation for intelligent, scalable systems that evolve with the business.

As we look towards the future, the possibilities seem endless, with robotics poised to play an increasingly significant role in shaping our world.