The World’s Best of 2025 in Transforming the Future of Work

Disclaimer: The advancements in robotics and automation discussed here may carry ethical, economic, and societal implications. Readers are encouraged to consider these perspectives alongside the benefits outlined in the article.

The modern workplace is changing as a result of the incorporation of robotics into numerous industries. By 2024, there will be more than 4 million robots working in industries across the globe, a 10% rise from the year before. (International Federation of Robotics (IFR)) By taking on risky jobs, this surge improves safety while addressing labour shortages. However, research shows that salaries fall by 0.42% and the employment-to-population ratio falls by 0.2 percentage points for every 1,000 robots added in the United States. (MIT Sloan)This expert roundup explores the complex effects of robots and provides information on how automation is changing the workforce and industries.

Boston Dynamics Transforms Industries with Versatile Robots

One company that stands out as a leader in robotics and automation is Boston Dynamics. Renowned for its cutting-edge advancements in robotics, Boston Dynamics is transforming industries by pushing the boundaries of what machines can achieve, increasing productivity, and redefining the future of work. Their robots are designed not only for efficiency but also for versatility, with applications spanning manufacturing, logistics, construction, and even public safety.

A prime example of their impact is Spot, the agile quadruped robot that’s redefining tasks traditionally seen as too dangerous or labor-intensive for humans. Spot is being deployed in environments such as construction sites, where it conducts inspections, collects data, and ensures safety by entering hazardous areas that would otherwise pose risks to workers.

This application saves time, improves accuracy, and reduces workplace injuries. In manufacturing, their innovations streamline processes like material handling and inventory checks, significantly increasing productivity and efficiency.

Their automation solutions are not limited to physical tasks; Boston Dynamics also integrates advanced AI to enable their robots to interact intelligently with their surroundings.

For instance, Stretch, their logistics robot, is revolutionizing warehouse operations. It autonomously handles repetitive tasks like unloading trucks and stacking packages, dramatically speeding up supply chain processes and reducing labor costs. These contributions are particularly crucial in industries facing labor shortages or surging demand for efficiency.

What sets Boston Dynamics apart is its relentless focus on blending innovation with real-world applications. While their robots often capture attention for their futuristic capabilities, their practical contributions to industrial and commercial environments make them a transformative force in automation.

By enhancing safety, reducing human strain, and enabling new levels of productivity, Boston Dynamics exemplifies how robotics can reshape the future of work across multiple sectors, setting a benchmark for innovation in the automation industry.

Georgi Petrov

Georgi Petrov, CMO, AIG MARKETER

FANUC’s Robotics Solutions Lead Multiple Industries

From my experience in the education technology sector, I’ve seen FANUC make the most significant impact across multiple industries with their reliable and versatile robotics solutions. We actually use their training simulators to help our IT students understand real-world automation applications, and the results have been incredible—students grasp complex concepts 30% faster. While they’re not the cheapest option out there, I believe their proven track record and comprehensive support system make them worth the investment, especially for organizations serious about long-term automation strategy.

Rakesh Kalra

Rakesh Kalra, Founder and CEO, UrbanPro

Universal Robots’ Cobots Enhance Industrial Efficiency

I’ve found Universal Robots to be transforming industries through their collaborative robots (cobots) that work alongside humans instead of replacing them completely. Their user-friendly programming and flexible deployment options have helped even smaller companies adopt automation, which I’ve seen firsthand when consulting with sustainability-focused manufacturers looking to reduce waste and improve efficiency.

Gus Bartholomew

Gus Bartholomew, Co-founder, Leafr

Universal Robots Revolutionize Manufacturing with Cobots

Having worked closely with various automation solutions, I believe Universal Robots (UR) stands out as the most transformative player in the industry right now. Last year, I saw firsthand how their collaborative robots helped one of our manufacturing clients reduce assembly time by 40% while allowing workers to focus on more strategic tasks. Their user-friendly programming interface and flexible deployment options make them incredibly practical for businesses of all sizes, though I’d suggest starting with a pilot program to test compatibility with your specific workflows.

Paul Sher

Paul Sher, CEO, FuseBase

Blue River Technology Advances Precision Agriculture

Blue River Technology is doing some fascinating work in the realm of precision agriculture. Their “See & Spray” technology is a great example of how computer vision and robotics can transform traditional farming practices. By using advanced imaging and machine learning, their system can identify individual plants and apply herbicides only where needed. This targeted approach not only reduces the amount of chemicals used but also enhances the overall efficiency of farming operations.

From a pest control software perspective, I find this technology particularly inspiring. It highlights the potential for similar innovations in our field, where precision and targeted interventions can lead to more effective pest management solutions. Imagine applying a similar concept to pest control, where we could use sensors and data analytics to identify specific pest hotspots and deploy treatments only where necessary. This would not only improve the effectiveness of pest control measures but also minimize environmental impact.

Rubens Basso

Rubens Basso, Chief Technology Officer, FieldRoutes

ABB Leads in Transforming Industries with Robotics

In today’s fast-paced world, I personally believe that ABB is leading the charge in transforming industries, boosting productivity, and reshaping how we work. They’re not just building robots, they’re creating solutions that make businesses smarter, more efficient, and human-centered. ABB’s robotics and automation solutions are helping companies across industries like manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare thrive.

ABB stands out for me because of their:

  • Innovative Leadership: ABB leads with groundbreaking robotics that seamlessly integrate into existing operations, allowing industries to achieve more with less, cut down time, improve quality, and maximize production.
  • Boosting Productivity: With robotic process automation (RPA), AI, and machine learning, ABB helps companies eliminate manual work, minimize errors, and deliver better results with greater efficiency.
  • Human-Centered Approach: ABB’s automation enhances human roles by taking over repetitive and dangerous tasks, freeing up workers to focus on high-value, creative work that drives business growth.
  • Custom Solutions for Every Business: Whether small or global, ABB tailors its solutions to meet specific business needs, offering more than just products but complete, customized automation solutions.
  • Visionary Thinking for the Future: ABB is a trendsetter, combining AI with robotics to create a future where humans and machines collaborate to unlock endless possibilities for creativity and efficiency.

In short, ABB is not just a leader in robotics and automation, they’re shaping the future of work, helping businesses innovate and grow in today’s rapidly changing world.

Livia Oboroceanu

Livia Oboroceanu, Product Owner, Houst

UiPath Automates Repetitive Digital Tasks Efficiently

UiPath excels at helping businesses automate repetitive digital tasks, making it a standout in the automation space. For example, its tools can handle invoicing, customer service workflows, and data entry, saving time and reducing errors. What sets it apart is its user-friendly platform, which empowers even non-technical teams to implement automation quickly.

Shane McEvoy

Shane McEvoy, MD, Flycast Media

Ocado Technology Revolutionizes Shopping Automation

There is no question that Ocado Technology leads automation, especially regarding shopping in stores and online. Order handling has become much better, faster, and more accurate with robots that work in the warehouse. What Ocado’s technology does is change how companies handle transportation because it saves money on labor costs and increases output.

This means, for someone who is doing a lot to make businesses larger, it is a pretty great way to automate tasks. Their approach is changing the way people work with each other while also changing how things work, and it is nice to observe that. Businesses such as Ocado clearly provide lessons for other business firms.

When it comes to robots, I think Ocado is a really good role model. I expect that other business areas will definitely change from now on. Just how significant technology has been for a company is evident with the rapid speed at which they change.

Filip Dimitrijevski

Filip Dimitrijevski, Business Development Manager, CLICKVISION BPO

Zapier Transforms Operations for Small Businesses

Zapier has been a game-changing automation tool that has completely transformed our operations. This software automates time-consuming manual tasks—like tracking leads, sending follow-up emails, or updating spreadsheets—saving us countless hours. We’ve paired Zapier with a virtual assistant to manage workflows, ensuring every automation runs smoothly, and integrated it with Slack for automatic updates on key metrics. For example, when a client inquiry comes in, Zapier triggers a notification in Slack and starts the follow-up process, all without manual intervention.

What makes Zapier revolutionary is its accessibility for small businesses—from roofers to dentists. It can automate tedious tasks, like scheduling appointments, tracking inventory, or managing client communications, all with 100% accuracy, eliminating human error. While automation is often associated with Fortune 500 companies and tech startups, Zapier brings these powerful capabilities to small businesses, enabling them to save time, cut costs, and scale their operations effectively. It’s a tool that truly reshapes how businesses of all sizes can work smarter.

Nick Esquivel

Nick Esquivel, CEO, Globaltize

ROS Streamlines Minecraft Content Automation

I recently discovered ROS (Robot Operating System) while exploring ways to automate our Minecraft content creation pipeline, and it’s been incredible for handling repetitive tasks like world rendering and asset management. What really impressed me was how ROS’s open-source framework let us build custom tools that cut our content production time in half, especially for creating procedurally generated environments. Though it has a steep learning curve, the flexibility to adapt it to our specific gaming needs and the active developer community make it stand out from other automation platforms I’ve tried.

Jas Bola

Jas Bola, Product Marketing, Minecraft Menu

Alignment with the UN SDGs

  • SDG 8: Promotes decent work and economic growth through automation efficiency.
  • SDG 9: Fosters industry, innovation, and infrastructure with robotics advancements.
  • SDG 12: Supports responsible consumption through sustainable production processes.

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