No longer confined to science fiction or experimental laboratories, robots are now playing major roles in manufacturing, food service and storage. From startups looking to scale quickly to established enterprises looking for efficiency, automation is proving indispensable in all sectors. Faced with labor shortages, rising operational costs and increasing demands for efficiency, companies like Amazon, Chipotle and Tesla are turning to automation to fill critical gaps.

These advanced machines – whether humanoid or task-specific – are not just support for workers; they are reshaping the way businesses operate. The question is no longer whether robots will be part of the workforce, but how far their influence will expand.

global labor shortage, intensified by the pandemic and changing workforce dynamics, has made automation an urgent solution. For startups, which often operate with lean teams, automation offers a way to expand capabilities without significantly increasing headcount. Industries that traditionally depend on manual labor, such as agriculture and food service, are now looking to robots to streamline operations and increase productivity and safety.

Related: 4 Choices You'll Make Running Your Startup in the Age of Robots and AI

The robots are taking over

Recent advances in humanoid robots and task-specific automated systems have significantly expanded their capabilities. Even startups in emerging industries are using task-specific robots to gain competitive advantages, such as faster delivery times or more efficient customer service. Tesla's Optimus robot operates autonomously in factory environments, while Agibo is set for customer service and deliveries. These robots are taking on sophisticated roles, from performing repetitive tasks to improving service operations, effectively redefining productivity and efficiency in industries such as agriculture, construction and hospitality.

In warehouses, robotic systems have made dramatic advances. Amazon, a pioneer in automation, catalyzed this shift by acquiring Kiva Systems in 2012. Initially, autonomous mobile robots handled tasks in robot-only areas, such as picking and packing. Today they work alongside human employeestaking on physically demanding and dangerous tasks (such as heavy lifting) while improving safety and efficiency.

Even agriculture is undergoing a transformation through robotics. Sensor-based technologies enable robots to manage planting, harvesting and tending livestock with precision. By optimizing the use of inputs such as fertilizers, these systems reduce environmental impact, increase biodiversity and improve crop yields, supporting a more sustainable and productive future for agriculture.

Similarly, the construction industry has embraced robotic solutions. Innovations like Hadrian X of Fastbrick Roboticswhich is capable of laying 300 to 1000 bricks per hour, drastically reduces the time and labor required for traditional methods. These advances address labor shortages by minimizing physical strain on workers.

In mining, the integration of robotics, artificial intelligence and drones is reshaping site management. Companies like Trimble and Hexagon use drones to create digital twin — 3D models of real-world environments — enabling remote monitoring and real-time decision-making. This increases safety by reducing people's exposure to hazardous conditions and improves overall operational efficiency.

Robots are driving change in major industries

The integration of robotics into labor-intensive industries has improved operations and improved business results. Sweetgreen, for example, faced high costs and profitability concerns, prompting them to acquire robotics startup Spyce and implement “Infinity kitchens.“These automated systems can produce more than 500 salads per hour, reducing labor needs, cutting costs and improving accuracy.

This example highlights how automation can help entrepreneurs overcome operational challenges, enabling them to scale without compromising quality or profitability. While full profitability is still a goal, Sweetgreen's use of automation shows how robots increase agility and support leaner operations in dynamic markets.

White Castle has embraced automation with Flippy 2an advanced robot that automates frying, increasing production by 30% and reducing safety hazards from hot oil. Rather than replacing workers, Flippy 2 allows employees to focus on customer service, improving the overall dining experience.

Related: Walmart is using more robots — but says they'll actually extend warehouse workers' careers

These examples from the restaurant industry highlight how robotic systems are addressing labor shortages by elevating operational efficiency and service quality. By strategically deploying automation, businesses can remain agile, competitive and responsive to market demands, optimizing both their front-end and back-end operations.

The growing impact of automation on business

As automation continues to advance across industries such as restaurants, grocery stores, and warehouses, businesses face several challenges when integrating robots into their operations. Over the next five years, we are likely to see fully automated environments where human roles shift primarily to supervision rather than direct involvement in production. Despite the promise of automation, there are key hurdles businesses must overcome to ensure a smooth transition while maximizing benefits.

1. Labor displacement concerns

One of the most pressing challenges is the fear that robots will do this displace human workers. This concern is valid, especially as robots become more sophisticated, mimicking human interactions and taking on tasks such as processing orders, preparing food, and even babysitting.

Tesla's humanoid robot, Optimus, recently appeared “We, The Robot” event; it exemplifies this trend by introducing functionality that includes tasks traditionally performed by humans. However, rather than looking at robots as a threat, it is crucial to focus on how automation can improve the workforce by shifting human roles to higher-level tasks. Skilled technicians will be needed to monitor and maintain these advanced systems, creating new employment opportunities in this growing sector.

For startups, integrating robots early on can create a foundation for scalable operations, positioning them to adapt as technology evolves.

2. High initial costs of automation

Another challenge businesses face is the high initial cost of integrating robotic systems. The investments in hardware, software and training required to implement automation can be substantial. While these costs may seem prohibitive, many startups are exploring innovative funding models, such as venture capital or leasing programs, to offset the initial financial burden.

To mitigate these costs, companies should adopt a phased approach, gradually introducing robotics into their operations. This allows businesses to test and adjust their systems without risking disruption to core processes. Like the show retail self-checkout lanesincremental adoption enables businesses to ensure that automation is effective and efficient before scaling it up.

Related: Robots aren't stealing jobs – they're making them better

3. Adapting to new roles and skill sets

As robots take on more tasks, human workers will have to adapt to new roles focused on supervising robotic systems and maintaining operational efficiency. This change requires retraining workers to become proficient in areas such as robotics maintenance, system programming, and troubleshooting.

Startups that invest in training their workforce early can build a skilled team robotics managementgiving them a head start in an increasingly automated market. Businesses must invest in workforce development to ensure a smooth transition from manual labor to more advanced technical roles. This maximizes the benefits of automation by helping to mitigate concerns about job losses while upskilling workers for the future.

By addressing these challenges head-on and creating a balanced approach to robotics integration, companies can ensure that automation increases workforce productivity and adaptability. As robots become more advanced, industries must shift their focus to creating a symbiotic relationship between them. people and carswhere both can thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. For entrepreneurs, the ability to strategically integrate robotics can mean the difference between being competitive and being left behind.