The next decade promises remarkable transformations in the way we live, manufacture, power our homes, and collaborate with advanced machines. While the emergence of new technologies is always an exciting prospect, it also comes with responsibilities and a shift in our mindset. By 2025, we can anticipate greater awareness of climate-related issues, more accessible innovations, and growing integration of robotics and automation in daily processes. From the decentralization of manufacturing to the large-scale evolution of energy networks and from breakthroughs in biotechnology to the next stage of artificial intelligence, the coming years will redefine many aspects of our personal and professional lives.
Decentralized Manufacturing
One of the major trends forecast for the future is the concept of distributed or decentralized manufacturing, which is predicted to grow in maturity by 2035. Historically, manufacturers have relied on large, centralized facilities to mass-produce items and then ship them globally. However, advancements in additive manufacturing (3D printing) and bio-manufacturing are expected to revolutionize production processes. This shift will allow production of a variety of goods closer to the point of sale or even in the homes of consumers. Instead of standing in a warehouse awaiting shipment, some products could be printed when an order is placed—significantly cutting down on delivery times and resource usage.
With decentralization, we can expect to see efforts to develop a new generation of 3D printers and manufacturing systems that are easier to use, more reliable, and capable of producing increasingly complex items. The result will not only improve supply chain sustainability but also help reduce overall waste and emissions from transportation. At first, simple items, often specialized or customized, will be the most likely candidates for decentralized production. More complex or highly specialized products may still require centralized facilities staffed by expert teams. Yet, the broader implication is that traditional manufacturing landscapes will broaden, offering both professionals and hobbyists the opportunity to shape the products they use. As this vision unfolds, we at Progressive Automations anticipate a surge in demand for compact automation solutions—empowering businesses and individuals to program, operate, and troubleshoot smaller self-contained manufacturing cells.
One of the exciting aspects of this trend is its potential integration with biological processes. Bio-manufacturing, for instance, will allow companies to produce materials previously generated through petrochemical methods in a more environmentally friendly manner. Shifting to bio-based processes for chemicals and other industrial resources could reduce dependency on fossil fuels, leading to comprehensive benefits for the environment. By 2035, these bio-manufacturing processes could eclipse older methods in terms of both efficiency and sustainability.
Energy and Distributed Infrastructure
The way homes and industries generate and manage energy is also on course to change radically by 2035. We are moving toward a future of distributed energy systems, in which households and neighborhoods generate their own electricity via solar panels, small-scale wind turbines, or other emerging technologies. Coupled with the ability to store excess energy in battery systems, local energy networks could reduce reliance on large central grids. In this layered approach, the national grid would serve as a robust backbone, but smaller, localized energy systems would help smooth out supply-and-demand fluctuations and create more resilient power solutions.
A key enabler of this shift is real-time automation, which ensures supply meets demand in ways that are both economical and sustainable. Advanced software, guided by artificial intelligence (AI), will optimize energy generation and consumption by measuring usage patterns in granular detail. For example, these systems will let you sell excess solar power back to the grid during peak demand times, or intelligently manage energy across multiple households. Some communities might even invest jointly in shared battery storage or local microgrids. This approach fosters a sense of energy independence while stabilizing the system as a whole. For those implementing such systems, solutions from Progressive Automations can seamlessly integrate energy management automation, optimizing day-to-day operations of local power networks.
Automation and Robotics
The field of robotics, especially in manufacturing and industry, has traditionally dealt with machines working in isolation, performing repetitive tasks that require speed and precision. However, the future points toward a deeper collaboration between robotic systems and humans—particularly in tasks that benefit from both human creativity and machine accuracy. By 2035, robots will no longer be tethered to a single, hard-coded operation. Instead, we can expect machines designed to adapt to changing tasks and learn continuously from their environment.
While some users may prefer simple robotic arms programmed to perform repetitive tasks with minimal input, there is a growing push toward more sophisticated, human-interactive robots. These collaborative robots, or “cobots,” rely on safer designs, sensors, and algorithms that allow them to operate side by side with people. They hand off materials, identify production errors in real time, and even assist with delicate assembly processes—all without the need to be confined behind safety barriers. Over time, more advanced humanoid robots may emerge, though the degree to which these humanoid machines are integrated in everyday environments remains to be seen.
Furthermore, automation systems will combine mechanical precision with AI-driven decision-making, letting these machines troubleshoot new problems without extensive reprogramming. By analyzing sensor data, machine behavior, and real-time operator feedback, production robots will evolve to become more autonomous. Whether in a busy warehouse or a specialized laboratory, these robots will function less as single-purpose machines and more like flexible teammates. At Progressive Automations, we expect our motion control devices to become integral to these versatile robotic solutions, reinforcing accuracy and efficiency across countless industries.
Biotechnology Evolutions
Biotechnology has been on the horizon for decades, and while significant strides have been made, it is still thought that this sector will truly come into its own in the next five to ten years. Many experts predict a major boom in engineering biology, enabling us to grow critical ingredients and materials. Cells can be programmed, like software, to synthesize particular proteins or compounds, replacing older petrochemical methods with greener processes. By capitalizing on advanced bio-manufacturing, the production of items like gas, plastics, and other raw materials could be radically transformed, lessening our dependence on fossil fuels.
Beyond industrial manufacturing, biotechnology breakthroughs could also expand into food production, medicine, and climate resilience. For instance, techniques that allow for large-scale cultivation of cellular meats—potentially one day more cost-effective and resource-efficient than current methods—reflect the rapidly shifting attitudes toward sustainable solutions. Scientists and engineers are also pursuing strategies for engineering bacteria to sequester carbon and break down pollutants. If these efforts continue apace, we may see a new standard in environmental clean-up processes.
The long-term economic and environmental implications are significant. More accessible biotech can create novel products that not only rival traditional materials but outperform them in sustainability and function. Progressive Automations envisions that with future biotech solutions, manufacturing could shift toward closer integration with local supply chains, drastically cutting transportation emissions and resource consumption. Such complementary changes support the broader concept of distributed manufacturing, in which both mechanical and biological processes can coexist to provide truly sustainable production.
The Emergence of Advanced AI
Artificial intelligence has already triggered profound changes in industries ranging from finance to retail. Yet experts believe that in the next decade, AI may shift from successful but narrow applications to more generalized intelligence. Such systems can learn faster than conventional software, adapt to new tasks with minimal reconfiguration, and exhibit more human-like reasoning. As these large-scale AI models grow more accessible, the synergy between AI-driven analytics and cutting-edge machinery will power the entire lifecycle of product design, development, and distribution.
The discussion of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)—self-learning systems capable of delivering insights and performing tasks across multiple domains—has continued to evolve. While the timeline and pace of AGI breakthroughs remain uncertain, the next five to ten years could witness accelerating progress in fields like quantum computing, engineering biology, energy management, logistics, and production. This shift is expected to deliver enormous improvements in efficiency, environmental conservation, and overall quality of life. In manufacturing, AGI could enable real-time resource allocation, forecasting supply and adjusting production lines automatically to reduce surplus or waste. In energy systems, AI-driven optimization would adjust consumption, generation, and storage, creating a smoother interface between local, regional, and national networks.
Synergy Across Sectors
The driving force behind these developments is the synergy among industries. As robotics, AI, bio-manufacturing, and distributed energy systems move forward, they do so in an intertwined manner. For instance, robotics can help manage the assembly and inspection of advanced biotechnology labs, enabling precise, sterile environments. Bio-manufacturing processes can combine with local solar and wind energy systems to keep operations carbon neutral. AI-based management tools can provide a layer of optimization that ensures each segment works in tandem.
Imagine a neighborhood where solar panels, small wind turbines, and local battery storage are all connected through sophisticated controllers, optimizing power generation in near real time. Simultaneously, in-home 3D printers could produce goods when needed. Meanwhile, integrated biotech modules might generate organic chemicals without the typical pollution from petrochemical refineries. In this scenario, robots deliver raw materials between storage and manufacturing areas while advanced AI orchestrates each step, reducing inefficiencies and environmental impact. Everything becomes a well-choreographed dance of productivity and sustainability.
At Progressive Automations, we envision new automation systems for both large-scale industrial processes and localized production. Our role is to develop reliable hardware that can interoperate with advanced software, ensuring easy integration for customers of all sizes—from small businesses just starting to explore custom manufacturing to large enterprises reimagining their entire supply chain structure. The leaps in technology on the horizon demand versatile, intuitive, and integrated solutions. This synergy across sectors points us toward a future that not only leverages new science but does so with sustainability, safety, and accessibility in mind.
Preparing for the Future
As manufacturing, energy generation, automation, and biotech converge, businesses and individuals alike must prepare. For companies, adopting flexible systems that can scale quickly will be crucial. Keeping an eye on emerging design and process trends allows them to invest in the right equipment and software at the right time. Those in production or supply chain management should watch the expansion of local and distributed manufacturing methods, ensuring they remain agile and adapt to new consumer demands for speed and personalization.
Meanwhile, for individuals, the upcoming explosion in decentralized manufacturing means new opportunities for entrepreneurship and customization. Private citizens could soon use additive manufacturing to create or modify specific parts and products at a fraction of traditional costs. This capability reduces barriers to innovation and encourages creativity. The same goes for localized energy systems: installing rooftop solar panels and battery solutions no longer needs to be an abstract vision, but rather a way to gain a degree of independence from main power grids while cutting carbon footprints. These changes rest upon continuing improvements in home-scale automation—an area where Progressive Automations strives to deliver excellent motion control solutions, actuators, and sensors that everyday users can install easily.
One must not overlook the careful planning, ethical considerations, and new policy frameworks required. As AI and robotics progress rapidly, society will face questions around data usage, algorithmic transparency, workforce development, and equitable access. Collaborative robots that can learn on the fly hold enormous potential but must be carefully regulated to protect worker safety. AI-based, near-autonomous systems that manage local energy grids or coordinate distributed manufacturing tasks need robust cybersecurity measures to thwart malicious attacks. Regulators, academic institutions, and industry leaders may need to collaborate more than ever before to guide responsible expansion of these frontiers.
Ultimately, the upcoming five to ten years offer both exciting possibilities and new responsibilities. Through the lens of automation, progressive technology, local power grids, and biotech, we can see a future in which manufacturing becomes more personal, energy becomes more democratized, and technology becomes a conscientious colleague rather than a distant tool. At Progressive Automations, we celebrate these potentials and remain committed to contributing solutions that enhance both efficiency and sustainability. Whether a small startup manufacturing custom goods in a garage or a large industrial facility refining advanced production processes, every actor in this ecosystem holds a piece of the puzzle in shaping a cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive tomorrow.
The world beyond 2025 may look more decentralized, less reliant on fossil fuels, and far more attuned to the needs of individuals and the environment. Distributed manufacturing, layered energy grids, collaborative robotics, biotechnology breakthroughs, and the next iteration of AI will help us not just explore new market frontiers but also address urgent challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and global equality of opportunity. By embracing these emergent possibilities thoughtfully and responsibly, we can foster an era in which technology empowers us to live better, preserve our planet, and create genuine positive impact for generations to come.