This article is based on a story originally published in It Is Innovation (i3) magazine, published by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)^®.

The COVID-19 outbreak has given way to an era of innovation as entrepreneurs develop tools and services to meet new needs. Though there might have been concerns about automation and the future of work before the current health crisis, the pandemic has shown how robots are benefiting us while the world grapples with the novel coronavirus.

Post-contagion, the global industrial robotics market is expected to grow from $44.6 billion in 2020 to $73 billion by 2025, according to ResearchAndMarkets.com.

The safety provided by robots, as well as the fact that robotic solutions are helping businesses stay open, are making them popular companions in the current climate.

Here are three opportunities for robotics that have arisen from the COVID-19 outbreak.

Keeping Supply Chains Going

Shipping and delivery have seen challenges since the onset of the novel coronavirus outbreak. Robotics and automation can help U.S. manufacturers increase in-house manufacturing to mitigate global supply chain risks. Instead of outsourcing, companies can then rely on robotic material handling and delivery to keep businesses running.

Further down the chain, robots are also able to safely drop off packages and groceries to consumers. As contactless and online shopping experiences are on the rise, robotic and sterile delivery options are now desirable.

Automating Service

Social distancing rules are being kept in place with robot waiters and robot concierges. From greeting customers to serving food, robots can enable restaurants and hospitality businesses to stay open safely.

Robots can help reduce the number of staff that need to physically be at work. As human counterparts try to reduce their exposure to risks, robots are able to efficiently obtain registration and check-in information and return used cutlery.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

Robots can also safely sanitize workspaces and common areas. In health services, semi-autonomous or remotely monitored robots can disinfect large surfaces quickly, removing the need for cleaners to be exposed to the risk of contagion.

Robotic solutions can also disinfect areas more efficiently and more frequently than manual cleaning.

Learn more about how the COVID-19 outbreak has created opportunities for robots in i3 magazine.