The global robotics industry reached a new milestone in 2024, with industrial robot installations totaling 542,000 units worldwide—more than double the level recorded a decade ago—according to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). The market value of these systems also hit a record $16.7 billion. As the sector matures, a clear divide is emerging between companies still proving their technology and those generating revenue from real-world deployments. This shift is reshaping investment strategies and operational priorities across industries grappling with labor shortages.
The surge in installations is closely tied to persistent workforce gaps. In the United States, industrial robot installations climbed 11% in 2025 to approximately 38,000 units, with the food industry seeing a 30% uptick as companies struggled to keep production lines staffed. Robot density in U.S. manufacturing has reached 307 units per 10,000 employees, placing the country eighth globally. The IFR's Top 5 Global Robotics Trends for 2026 confirms that humanoid and AI-enabled robots are now “moving beyond prototypes to deploy … in real life,” with reliability and operating efficiency becoming the key metrics for purchasing decisions.
This evolution is reflected in market data: professional service robot unit sales reached nearly 200,000 in 2024, a 9% year-on-year increase, while robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) fleets expanded 31% as operators favored subscription arrangements over large upfront costs. The IFR's World Robotics 2025 Service Robots report shows rental and subscription revenue for service robots grew 42% year over year. IFR President Takayuki Ito noted that “more and more companies are deciding to enter into subscription or rental agreements rather than purchasing robots outright,” highlighting a fundamental shift in procurement.
Nightfood Holdings Inc. (OTCQB: NGTF), operating as TechForce Robotics, is positioning itself within this evolving landscape. The company recently announced a letter of intent with Singapore-based NBR Intelligence Pte. Ltd. for a factory automation initiative with a nonbinding planning target of approximately 5,000 robotic systems. The agreement begins with five pilot units, aggregately priced between $250,000 and $350,000, with a 30-day performance evaluation. The structured rollout includes assessments, pilot acceptance, and staged scaling—a model that aligns with industry demands for validation before large-scale deployment.
Labor shortages are a primary driver. NBR Intelligence CEO Rick Nguyen noted that turnover across their factory network is “about 15% to 20% a year,” and a generational shift in education levels is shrinking the pool of traditional factory labor. TechForce's planned solution includes 4- to 6-axis robotic arms and its LIM-E and Kebb-i platforms, designed to automate up to 30% of identified workflows at each site. “We are excited about the potential of this project,” said Nightfood Holdings CEO Jimmy Chan. “In addition to helping prospective site operators address ongoing labor shortages and production constraints, the contemplated automation program is designed to materially expand production capacity and create additional revenue opportunities.”
The RaaS model is central to TechForce's approach, offering operators a lower-friction path to automation. The proposed program contemplates a 24-month subscription with an option to purchase systems outright. This structure tracks industry-wide trends and helps overcome the capital barrier that has historically slowed adoption.
The broader AI ecosystem is also advancing. Intuitive Surgical Inc. (NASDAQ: ISRG) has outlined a five-layer AI framework for surgical care, while Teradyne Inc. (NASDAQ: TER) introduced a test cell solution for AI devices. Rockwell Automation Inc. (NYSE: ROK) unveiled AI-driven quality management integrations, and Honeywell Technologies (NASDAQ: HON) launched an AI-powered operations assistant. These developments underscore AI's growing role in physical operations, from healthcare to manufacturing.
As the robotics market matures, the ability to execute—moving from pilots to scalable, reliable deployments—is becoming the key differentiator. Companies like TechForce, with a deployment-first strategy and recurring revenue potential, are positioned to capitalize on the convergence of labor shortages, technological maturity, and evolving commercial models.
