Robotics and Automation White Papers

The new eBook brings together insights from experts across the AI ecosystem, including specialists from onsemi, Amazon, Google, Meta, and Tesla, to explore how advances in power semiconductors, sensing technologies, and hardware architectures are supporting the breadth of AI applications — from hyperscale data centers to robots and real-world autonomous systems.

The eBook brings together perspectives from product leaders, embedded software developers, AI engineers, educators, and robotics specialists to examine the challenges of developing increasingly intelligent embedded systems and the tools available to simplify that process. Through interviews, technical discussions, and practical application scenarios, the eBook highlights how engineers can leverage the UNO Q platform, Arduino® App Lab environment, and Arduino® Bridge Library to combine a Debian Linux environment with real-time control. It also examines rapid AI prototyping, computer vision integration, and the transition from proof of concept to production.

Industrial leaders know autonomy is coming; the real question is how to make it safe, profitable, and scalable in the messy reality of mines, yards, ports, farms, and factories.

We are entering the warehouse robotics era. It will be driven by software. Roboteon’s latest report, “Understanding Warehouse Robotics Software,” provides a 360-degree view of the evolution of robotics software, key technology trends, and important developments over the past two years. Get smart about warehouse robotics software with the excellent white paper.

The near-term future is heterogeneous fleets of robots in the DC. That makes interoperability for warehouse robotic systems paramount. The ultimate goal of interoperability is to build ‘’plug and play” systems in which new robots can much more easily be added to the warehouse floor and communicate with each other. Interoperability will also enable much greater flexibility to change distribution processes over time. Learn about the challenges, solutions and benefits of interoperability in this Thought Leadership series executive brief from Roboeon.

Lightweight Harmonic Drive® Gears and Actuators Help Improve the Productivity of Factory Automation Systems

Humanoid robotics is transitioning from research into commercial and industrial applications, increasing demand for high-performance actuation in dynamic environments. As these systems develop, actuator performance, torque density, and system-level behavior are becoming more critical to overall stability and performance, reinforcing the importance of motor selection.

In this white paper, we’ll identify some scenarios and use cases where customization delivers meaningful value — helping you determine when standard drives suffice and when custom solutions justify the investment.

The machine safety standards that evolved over the past few decades simplified and accelerated the machine design process. This article gives an overview of the relevant safety standards and discusses how the new servo drives with built-in certified functional safety can further facilitate machine design and increase safety.

Learn how a magnetic encoder works, its operating principles, accuracy factors, types, and key industrial applications in modern motion control systems.

Learn what an inductive encoder is, how it works, major advantages, and why inductive encoders are ideal for robotics and harsh industrial environments!

Drones have progressed rapidly from experimental platforms into mission-critical systems used across a range of industries. As airframes, sensors, and autonomy software advance, the demands placed on electromechanical subsystems have increased significantly. Motors sit at the center of this evolution, directly influencing payload capability, endurance, controllability, and overall system reliability. This whitepaper is intended for engineers involved in the design and selection of motors for drone applications. It reflects engineering insight informed by Allient Inc.’s experience developing motor solutions for UAV platforms and other demanding aerospace and defense applications.

Integrating photonic structures or elements such as waveguides, photodiodes, lasers, and multiplexers presents a variety of demanding challenges to test and assembly processes, starting at wafer level through to final packaging. The common theme: multiple channels, multiple elements, and multiple interacting inputs, as well as outputs, across multiple degrees of freedom, all requiring multiple alignment optimization.

This paper looks at the differences between encoder types and some of the options that can be specified to select the best encoder for the job, focusing on the most common encoder type: the rotary encoder.

You’re building a new machine, an electromechanical system, and you need to precisely control its motion. It’s critical that you get continuous positional feedback from the parts that move. You think you may need an encoder. Encoders are available in a range of technologies and with numerous options. Selecting the best encoder for a particular application requires making many choices.

When you’re choosing an encoder for a motion control system, you’ll be faced with numerous technical terms. The amount of data available can be overwhelming. Which critical terms should you focus on first, and which can be deferred? This paper looks at three important concepts that deserve your attention: resolution, accuracy and precision.

The AI paradigm is undergoing a fundamental shift: moving from an R&D curiosity in the cloud to mission-critical Operational Technology (OT) running at the edge. This transition isn't just a trend; it is a technical necessity driven by the unavoidable constraints of latency, bandwidth, and cost that plague cloud-only models in real-time environments. “The Edge AI Deployment Roadmap: Six Predictions for AI Implementation in 2026” provides a concise, actionable guide to navigating this critical transition. It distills the complex landscape into six core predictions tailored for engineers and leaders who need to move AI from a successful proof-of-concept to fully operational, long-term deployments on the factory floor, in intelligent cities, and across smart grids.

New survey reveals the role that elevated flooring and mezzanines are playing in today’s warehouses and DCs and highlights the value of composite engineered wood flooring as a surface of choice for these structures.

In the latest episode of e-con Systems' Vision Vitals podcast, we step into real deployment zones where AMRs handle dust-filled aisles, glare-heavy factory floors, vibration, and crowded warehouse routes. These robots rely on cameras to keep navigation stable when theory meets the chaos of production sites. See how exposure tuning, HDR, global shutter capture, depth sensing, and synchronized multi-camera layouts support perception during rapid maneuvers. Explore how GMSL2 links, TintE ISP calibration, rugged housings, and NVIDIA Jetson-ready drivers keep data steady under heat, EMI, and long-duty cycles. And learn how vision strengthens warehouse automation, patrol robots, telepresence, facility service units, and customer-facing delivery roles, from first prototypes to scaled AMR fleets.

In Engineering the Future: The Sensors and Systems Powering Modern Mobile Robots, engineers from onsemi and experts from across the industry discuss the impact of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), the transformative potential of physical AI, and how engineers can develop solutions that are efficient, high-performing, and scalable. The eBook also highlights relevant products from onsemi that can help facilitate this robotic evolution.

In the latest episode of e-con Systems' Vision Vitals podcast, we explore vision technologies guiding autonomous delivery robots through the last mile of fulfillment. These compact sidewalk systems weave through pedestrians, pets, curbs, and traffic while weather, glare, and low light keep changing. Cameras empower them by guiding routes, tracking obstacles, and enabling safe arrivals at doorsteps. See how multi-camera layouts, HDR, low-light and NIR support, and EMI-resistant interfaces keep vision stable from hub to doorstep. Learn how stereo and Time-of-Flight depth, compact MIPI sensors, long-reach GMSL links, rugged housings, and encrypted data paths help, from prototype to full fleet deployment.

Are you looking to automate tasks or improve safety? Curious about integrating robotics into your workflow? Want to understand the impact of AI and robotics on your industry? Explore how robotics is transforming industries and daily life — from simple factory arms to advanced humanoids. This in-depth whitepaper reveals the breakthroughs, challenges, and future possibilities for mobile robots in real-world environments.

In our latest Vision Vitals episode, we offer our expert insights into how multi-camera systems power 360° awareness for warehouse robots. These robots must constantly perceive pallets, people, and other moving machines in fast-paced environments. Multi-camera setups expand their field of view, strengthen safety, and bring human-like spatial awareness into automated workflows. See how synchronized cameras positioned across the front, rear, and sides deliver complete visual coverage for navigation, docking, and obstacle detection. Understand how stereo vision enhances depth estimation and localization accuracy, while high-speed GMSL2 interfaces ensure low-latency data transfer. Also, discover e-con Systems' synchronized camera solutions that deliver consistent, real-time feeds that keep warehouse robots on the move intelligently.

In the latest episode of e-con Systems’ Vision Vitals podcast, we share expert insights about GMSL cameras that help Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) operate smoothly across long cable runs in noisy industrial environments. Warehouses and factories are filled with electrical interference, vibration, and metal structures that challenge signal stability. Yet AGVs depend on uninterrupted vision to move safely. GMSL technology brings together power, data, and control through a single coaxial cable. Explore how its EMI-resistant design and extended cable reach empower AGVs to position cameras freely without compromising bandwidth. Find out how synchronization, power-over-coax, and rugged engineering keep vision consistent under vibration, heat, and dust.

From autonomous mobile robots in warehouses to humanoid robots in factories and service settings, these machines are transforming the way we work and live. As designs grow more complex, TI is helping engineers bring next-generation robots to life faster—with advanced semiconductors and system-level expertise. Explore key design insights grouped by subsystem to jump-start your development.

The report reveals robotics investment is at an all-time high, with $21B projected this year, driven by generative AI, defense tech and M&A momentum. Key findings from the report include: • General Purpose Robotics (AI-driven, humanoid, and foundation-model robots) funding is up 150% from 2024 to 2025, reaching $5B, while Autonomous Vehicles Robotics saw the sharpest funding decline: from $8.4B in 2024 to $1.1B in 2025 • Defense robotics leads vertical growth, accounting for 63% of 2025 investment, fueled by billion-dollar contracts and acquisitions like Blue Halo ($4.1B) • Private robotics unicorns’ enterprise value grew 70% since 2024, with standouts like Figure AI ($39B valuation) and Field AI ($2B) making major headlines this year

As American manufacturers navigate rising costs, supply chain instability, and the push to reshore production, warehouse operations must evolve from manual and reactive to intelligent and predictive. To scale domestic production, manufacturers must unlock the power of the smart warehouse. Robotics and real-time intelligence are no longer optional — they’re mission-critical. The latest research from Dexory highlights how next-generation technologies are unlocking productivity, resilience, and growth, as well as how robotics, digital twins, and real-time data are reshaping the industry.

Sonair's first-ever whitepaper, “Beyond sight,” dives deep into why multisensory perception is the future of autonomy and exactly how Sonair’s 3D ultrasonic sensing tech is bringing a new dimension of safety and reliability to autonomous machines.

Embedded vision plays a key role in unlocking the true performance of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), which are becoming increasingly integral to industries like warehousing, healthcare, retail, and surveillance. In this whitepaper, you’ll learn how camera technology equips AMRs to carry out high-accuracy tasks, catering to several use cases. It also explains the growing need for multi-camera setups, the role of 2D and 3D imaging, and how to select the right camera for driving superior real-time performance.

Industry 4.0 is characterized by artificial intelligence, machine learning, internet of things, and edge computing making industrial systems smart and autonomous.. This whitepaper explores the role of embedded vision in Industry 4.0 as a catalyst to achieving efficiency gains and improving productivity using robotic systems.

e-con Systems worked with a leading mining technology provider to develop a rugged, multi-camera surround view system for large off-road vehicles. We deployed high-resolution cameras integrated with a high-performance Sony sensor and came with features like 15-meter cable support, IP67-rated enclosures, customized ISP tuning and more.

One of the key factors for innovation in intralogistics has always been the application of bar codes. In this white paper, we highlight typical challenges in bar code reading and demonstrate how these can be addressed with the help of innovative image processing libraries that can already be purchased today.

Facilities managers are expected to balance competing demands: keeping equipment running, ensuring safety and compliance, and controlling costs, all while being asked to do more with fewer resources. Traditional monitoring methods often leave blind spots that can lead to costly downtime, missed compliance requirements, or safety incidents. This webinar will show how Spot, Boston Dynamics’ agile mobile robot, is helping facilities teams close those gaps. Spot can autonomously patrol complex environments, capture thermal, acoustic, and visual data, and feed that information into existing systems like CMMS and ERP. By taking on routine rounds, Spot gives managers more accurate data, helps anticipate issues before they happen, and allows teams to focus on higher-value tasks.

In this on-demand webinar, we’ll share a step-by-step approach to integrate mobile robots with legacy infrastructure. We’ll show you what it takes to get started with less friction and to deliver more value sooner. Wherever you are in your digital transformation journey, see how Spot makes automation and AI more accessible than ever.

Whether you are a defense leader, tactical decision-maker, or operator, learn how a strong network fabric and mobile robots can help you enhance situational awareness, ensure communications resiliency, and future-proof your units.

Join us as we reflect on what we’ve learned by observing factory floors, and why we’ve grown convinced that chasing generalization in manipulation—both in hardware and behavior—isn’t just interesting, but necessary. We’ll discuss AI research threads we’re exploring at Boston Dynamics to push this mission forward, and highlight opportunities our field should collectively invest more in to turn the humanoid vision, and the reinvention of manufacturing, into a practical, economically viable product.

Humanoid.guide today released a 160-page market report mapping the state of humanoid robotics for 2025/2026. Built from a practitioner's table of contents, spanning insights from Boston Dynamics' longtime CTO on core technologies and unit economics to the U.S.–China context, supply chains, embodied AI, application surveys, and the open-source landscape - the report gives analysts, founders, robot buyers, integrators, and investors a clear view of what's real, what's missing, and what comes next.

Learn about our High-Performance motor platform for robotics. Read about our unique system features, core applications, and system integration considerations.

The global industrial automation market is projected to grow to $395.09 billion by 2029 and early adopters are already gaining a competitive edge. As a result, failing to adopt this technology at such a crucial juncture can prove costly for your business. Specifically, we have found that investing in an autonomous DriveMod Tugger costs one-fourth as much as delaying your investment in automation. In this white paper, we explore that by doing nothing, your organization will face high, hidden costs related to labor, productivity, and safety.

The future of robotics is being shaped by powerful technologies like AI, edge computing, and high-speed connectivity, driving smarter, more responsive machines across industries. Robots are no longer confined to static environments—they are evolving to interact dynamically with humans and their surroundings. This eBook explores the impact of robotics in diverse fields, from home automation and medical technology to automotive, data centers, and industrial applications. It highlights challenges like power efficiency, miniaturization, and ruggedization, while showcasing Molex’s innovative solutions tailored for each domain.

Is your cloud infrastructure strategy costing you more than it should? Discover the power of cloud repatriation and reclaim control of your IT infrastructure and valuable on-site data. Download our FREE white paper. How Cloud Repatriation is Shaping the Future of Business.

Read on as we discuss the latest protocols that are shaping the future of machine vision, including advancements in communication, data processing, and interoperability standards.

Our new white paper, Optimized Components Expand Humanoid Robot Motion Possibilities, explores some of the basic concepts and characteristics specifiers need to know about linear motion guides and crossed roller bearings, and details the considerations you need to sort through to specify the right motion component and optimize it for success in its intended work.

If you’re exploring automation in your warehouse or fulfillment center, knowing the terminology is half the battle. From AMRs and orchestration to pick-to-light systems and Meet Me® automation, this glossary is your go-to reference for understanding the technologies, processes, and metrics that are shaping the future of fulfillment. Whether you’re a supply chain leader evaluating your next investment or a team member aligning on terminology, this guide will help you decode the complexities of automation—so you can scale smarter, move faster, and stay competitive.

From design and development to testing and maintenance, AI is ushering in unprecedented efficiencies and capabilities. The goal of this ebook is to illuminate the practical applications of AI in engineering and demonstrate how you can leverage it to tackle complex challenges, boost efficiency, and set new standards for innovation. Whether you’re an engineer, data scientist, or team leader, this guide is accessible, actionable, and designed for users of any skill level.