According to Forrester‘s forecast for 2025, over a quarter of large last-mile service and delivery fleets in Europe will be electric. Parcel delivery firms, utility companies, and local governments operating large fleets of small vans over short distances view electrification as a cost-effective strategy that also reduces carbon emissions.
However, less than 5% of robots entering factories and warehouses will be bipedal. Despite the media’s fascination with two-legged robots, Forrester suggests that their practical applications are less common and less obvious than proponents claim. These robots may have a “wow” factor, but they may not be the most suitable for handling the industry’s mundane, dirty, and hazardous tasks.
Automakers Rethink Digital Strategies
In a surprising turn, automakers are expected to make significant cuts to their digital divisions, essentially admitting defeat after investing billions in recent years to develop connected and digital features in modern vehicles. The future of mobility will instead be supported by various technology providers’ ecosystems, not necessarily dependent on the large automaker that manufactured the car.
This shift in strategy underscores the increasing importance of collaboration and partnership in the tech-driven future of the transportation sector.
As the global macroeconomic situation remains challenging in 2025, the manufacturing and transportation sectors are expected to increasingly rely on technology to manage costs and improve efficiency. The trends predicted by Forrester highlight the sectors’ adaptability and willingness to innovate in response to economic pressures.
