Making the future
Robotics: Tomorrow’s technology, today’s solution?

Robotics is transforming industries worldwide, reshaping how work gets done and creating new opportunities for people. With Industry 4.0 accelerating adoption, robots are becoming central to efficiency, productivity, and innovation.
Over 3.5 million industrial robots are already in operation, with 500,000 new installations every year.¹
The market is projected to reach $260 billion by 2030, with industrial and logistics robots contributing $80 billion.²
By 2025, robots could replace 85 million jobs while enabling 97 million new roles, shifting the workforce toward more advanced positions.³
More than 80% of manufacturing facilities have adopted smart technologies, and 88% of companies plan to invest further in robotics.⁴
Ultimately, robotics is part of a wider IIoT-powered ecosystem, where connected equipment drives long-term transformation and sustainability. For OEMs, the opportunity lies in delivering reliable, high-performing solutions built for this new era.
Achieving sustainable production
As robotics manufacturing continues to expand, sustainable practices are becoming just as important as performance and efficiency. From the way packaging is managed to how resources are reused. Manufacturers are looking for solutions that not only support operations but also reduce environmental impact.
Sustainable packaging in robotics manufacturing
In line with industry needs, Shell focuses on reducing packaging impact by minimizing usage, enabling reuse, and prioritizing recyclable materials, helping robotics manufacturing move toward more responsible operations.
Waste oil collection for robotics applications
Through the use of re-refined base oils (RRBO) in select lubricants, Shell supports circularity by turning used oils into resources for new products, offering a more sustainable approach for the robotics manufacturing sector.

Robotics Video | Shell Lubricants Solutions | Perspectives Hub
Read the transcript
Read the transcript
Title: Robotics Video | Shell Lubricants Solutions | Perspectives Hub
Duration: 49 seconds
Robotics Video | Shell Lubricants Solutions | Perspectives Hub
[Text on screen]
The division of labour between humans and robots is shifting.
[Animation]
Animation of an illustrated robotic arm moving up and down.
[Text on screen]
1/2 of industrial tasks are thought to be automatable using current technology.*
*Michael Coyne. “Winning in automation requires a focus on humas.” McKinsey & Company. 05 December, 2019.
[Animation]
Animation of a robotic arm sorting goods on a conveyor belt.
[Text on screen]
The number of robots in industrial workplaces is set to rise.
[Animation]
Animation of a graph showing performance metrics increasing positively over time.
[Text on screen]
In 2020, 2.7 million industrial robots were operating in factories worldwide.*
*International Federation of Robotics. “IFR presents World Robotics Report 2020.” IFR.org. 24 September, 2020.
[Animation]
Animation of the Earth globe with new location markers popping up around the world.
[Text on screen]
88% of worldwide businesses anticipate an increase in their robotics investment.*
*Lea Bolz. “Growth dynamics in industrial robotics.” McKinsey & Company. 15 July, 2019.
[Animation]
Animation of a graph showing performance metrics increasing positively over time.
[Text on screen]
Robots are set to empower people and enhance capabilities
[Animation]
Graphic of robots & people lined together.
[Text on screen]
Collaborative robots are set to represent 34% of the entire industrial robot market by 2025.*
*Robotic Industrial Association. “Global Collaborative Robots (Cobots) Market, 2020-2030.” PR Newswire. 08 October, 2020.
[Animation]
Graphic of a factory.
[Text on screen]
A focus on learning will be vital for leaders looking to drive industrial robotics success.
[Animation]
Graphic of a robotics manual.
[Animation]
Shell Pecten Logo
The robotics centre of excellence

This robotics centre of excellence is part of Shell’s broader innovation network, which includes four global centres of excellence and a worldwide network of technology hubs. Supported by 300+ R&D scientists in the USA, China, Germany, India and Japan*, Shell brings deep research capabilities together with practical industry applications.
For 18 consecutive years, Shell has been recognised as the number one global lubricants supplier. This leadership is built on continuous innovation, close collaboration with OEMs and the strength of its technology network helping both Shell customers and internal teams embrace robotics and digitalisation in a pragmatic, effective and future-ready way.
*300+ Lubricants scientists and technical experts globally, including at technology, centres in USA, China, Germany, India and Japan.
4 Shells industry 4.0 research: https://creativehub.shell.com/media/?mediaId=CE4A84CE-F921-43EF-88E69E9C62FD778A
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