The era of intelligent automation is no longer on the horizon — it’s here. As of this year, more than 4 million industrial robots are now in operation worldwide, nearly doubling the 2.25 million counted in 2019. By 2030, experts project that the number could climb to over 20 million, signaling a transformative decade ahead for global manufacturing and labor markets.

In line with this growth, ROBO Global’s Robotics and Automation Index ETF, the world’s first benchmark fund tracking the performance of robotics, automation, and AI companies, continues to rise. In 2023 alone, the fund saw a 20% increase, building on the momentum from its 2019 performance, when it grew by over 18%. Since its launch in 2013, the ETF has now returned more than 120%, highlighting sustained investor confidence in automation technologies.

This expansion reflects a decisive shift toward automated systems, with the global use of industrial robots tripling since the early 2000s. According to updated forecasts from Oxford Economics, the integration of automation will contribute as much as $5 trillion to global GDP by 2030, reshaping national economies — particularly those with strong manufacturing bases like China, Germany, and the U.S.

For Marcelo Miranda, a veteran in automation and CEO of Accede Automação Industrial, the current wave of technological integration represents a defining moment for the industry.

“We are on the verge of a global transformation that is reshaping the entire economic landscape,” said Miranda, who has over three decades of experience. “The convergence of automation, artificial intelligence, IoT, additive manufacturing, and mass customization will enable new, more efficient business models — safer, more productive, and more cost-effective.”

China remains at the forefront, with over 50% of new robot installations globally occurring in Chinese factories. The country is expected to surpass 14 million industrial robots in operation by 2030, dominating sectors like electronics, automotive, and logistics.

Globally, robots now comprise nearly 10% of the manufacturing workforce, up from 8.5% in 2019. As companies face mounting pressure to reduce costs and meet rising demands for efficiency, robotic adoption is expected to accelerate across all major economies.

With rapid robotization comes inevitable disruption — but also opportunity. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report (2023) projects that while 83 million jobs may be displaced, another 69 million roles will be created, many of which will require new skills and human judgment.

“We’re already seeing jobs quietly disappear while new ones emerge,” Miranda explained. “Tasks like warehouse picking, which isolate workers and rely on repetitive movements, are being replaced by robotic systems. But these changes don’t eliminate workers — they reposition them.”

He points to the rise of collaborative robots (cobots) — machines designed to work safely alongside humans — as a pivotal example of how technology can complement rather than replace human labor.

“Cobots divide tasks based on strengths. Humans bring adaptability, creativity, and complex decision-making; machines bring consistency, speed, and precision,” Miranda said. “This collaboration enhances productivity and opens doors for job enrichment.”

From autonomous vehicles and AI-powered logistics to precision manufacturing and smart agriculture, automation is redefining industries across the board. As robotics move beyond industrial floors and into sectors like healthcare, construction, and service, the coming years are expected to deliver not just economic gains — but also structural shifts in how society functions.

With the 2030 horizon approaching, one thing is clear: automation is not just rising — it is rapidly becoming the backbone of the global economy. And with it, the relationship between humans and machines will continue to evolve, demanding thoughtful adaptation from governments, businesses, and workers alike.