Ep. 215 - Robotics 2025: Fanuc, KUKA, & the Future of AI-Powered Automation Humanoids Cybersecurity

In this episode of Manufacturing Hub, we welcome back Pawel Krupa, founder of the Future Robotics YouTube channel, to dive deep into the rapidly evolving world of industrial robotics. With over a decade of hands-on experience integrating and programming systems from Fanuc, KUKA, and others, Pawel shares exclusive insights on some of the biggest changes reshaping robotics in 2025. These changes are not just cosmetic updates; they are being driven by new ISO standards and increasing cybersecurity requirements across industrial automation.

We explore the hardware and software changes coming to Fanuc’s R-50iA cabinet, including multiple Ethernet ports, enhanced vision systems with built-in lighting, and a groundbreaking integration of Python for native robot programming. KUKA is also undergoing a major transformation with its KC5 slim cabinet and KUKA iiQ OS, a Linux-based control system with new UI, simulation environments, and plug-and-play capabilities. These updates signify a paradigm shift where robots become not only smarter and safer, but far easier to configure, maintain, and upgrade.

The conversation expands into one of the most talked-about frontiers in robotics: humanoid robots. Are they just hype or do they have a real role to play in industrial environments? We assess the business case for humanoids, especially in facilities where traditional automation has been financially unjustifiable. From handling tasks like herb sorting in food production to stepping into high-risk environments, humanoids may soon bridge the automation gap in low-throughput, labor-intensive workflows.

We also explore how AI is influencing robot deployment, from edge vision systems to cycle time optimization. Pawel outlines how drag-and-drop AI-powered tools are slashing development time for vision systems from hours to minutes, while also lowering the barrier to entry for those without years of machine vision experience. Vision systems that used to require complex calibration and scripting are now being trained on real-time images or CAD models, making robotic integration faster and more accessible than ever.

Finally, we close with actionable startup ideas and a bold look into the future of collaborative robots, AI, and hybrid ecosystems of humanoids and industrial arms working side-by-side. If you're in automation, manufacturing, or considering a robotics venture, this episode is packed with strategic insight, technical knowledge, and forward-thinking ideas you won’t want to miss.

🔗 Explore more from Pawel Krupa: https://www.youtube.com/@FutureRobotics
🎙 Manufacturing Hub Archives: https://www.manufacturinghub.live/
💡 Joltek Consulting Services: https://www.joltek.com/

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Intro and Overview of Robotics Coverage
03:00 – Pawel Krupa Introduction and Robotics Background
05:00 – Cybersecurity-Driven Changes to Industrial Robots
06:30 – Fanuc R-50iA Cabinet Updates and Python Integration
11:00 – KUKA KC5 and iiQ OS: New Hardware and Software Paradigm
15:00 – ISO Changes and Safety Implications for Cobots
17:00 – Industrial Applications and ROI for Humanoid Robots
30:00 – Practical AI Use Cases in Robotics and Vision Systems
40:00 – AI Vision System Setup: From Demo to Deployment
49:00 – Startup Idea: Optimizing Robot Motion via AI
57:00 – Future of Robotics: AI-Enabled Humanoids and Maintenance Bots