Robotics has clearly moved out of the “someday” category for many supply chain teams. Companies are testing automation, running pilots, and in some cases already using robots in daily operations. But new research shows that interest alone isn’t enough to move things forward.
What’s Related
A recent study by Peerless Research Group found that nearly half of respondents said their organizations have already adopted robotics or are actively piloting it. At the same time, a significant number said their company still has no plans to adopt robotics. That split shows how uneven automation adoption remains across the supply chain.
What’s holding companies back isn’t a lack of curiosity or leadership support. It’s everything that comes after the initial excitement.
Only about a third of respondents said their organization is fully prepared to roll out robotics from an infrastructure standpoint. Most admitted they would need upgrades first, whether that means improving IT systems, updating facilities, or figuring out how robots would work alongside existing technology.
Cost and ROI still dominate the discussion
When companies talk about barriers to robotics adoption, the concerns are practical. High upfront costs lead the list, followed closely by questions around return on investment and the difficulty of integrating robots into current operations.
Those same issues show up during the decision-making process. Many respondents said the hardest part is figuring out which technology makes sense and then convincing internal stakeholders that the investment is worth it. Even companies that believe in automation often struggle to turn that belief into a clean, defensible business case.
In other words, robots aren’t being slowed down by fear. They’re being slowed down by budgets and spreadsheets.
Skills gaps are a real problem
Another challenge is having the right people in place.
Only a small share of respondents said they already have the in-house expertise needed to manage and maintain robotic systems. Most said they would need more training, new hires, or outside partners to make robotics work over the long term.
That reality helps explain why ease of integration and vendor support matter so much when companies evaluate robotics solutions. For many teams, buying the robot is only part of the job. Knowing who will run it, support it, and scale it is just as important.
Job concerns exist, but they’re not the main issue
Workforce impact does come up, but it’s not dominating the conversation. Nearly half of respondents said they see a moderate risk of job displacement, while only a small group views it as a major concern. Most believe robotics will replace some roles but also create new opportunities, especially by taking on repetitive or physically demanding work.
Looking ahead, cautiously
There is still optimism about what comes next. Most respondents said their organization is likely to adopt additional robotic solutions over the next two to three years. Manufacturing and warehousing remain the primary focus, with growing interest in administrative and support tasks as well.
The takeaway is simple. Robotics is firmly on the supply chain roadmap, but adoption is moving carefully. Companies are interested, leadership is mostly on board, and use cases are clear. What’s slowing progress is the work behind the scenes, getting systems ready, building skills, and proving the return before taking the next step.
