TechForce Robotics Targets 5,000 Industrial Robots as Global Installations Hit Record Highs

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. The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) also reported that the market value of these systems hit a record $16.7 billion. As the sector matures, the focus is shifting from prototypes to real-world deployments, and companies like Nightfood Holdings Inc. (OTCQB: NGTF), operating as TechForce Robotics, are moving to establish themselves as leaders in this new phase.

TechForce Robotics recently announced a letter of intent (LOI) with Singapore-headquartered NBR Intelligence Pte. Ltd. for a factory automation initiative with a nonbinding planning target of approximately 5,000 robotic systems. The program is structured to begin with five pilot units expected to be running within 120 days, followed by a phased rollout contingent on successful performance evaluations. This deployment-first approach aligns with the IFR's Top 5 Global Robotics Trends for 2026, which 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.

The significance of this announcement is underscored by the persistent labor shortages affecting industries worldwide. IFR data indicates that U.S. industrial robot installations climbed 11% in 2025 to approximately 38,000 units, with the food industry recording a 30% uptick as companies struggled to maintain adequate staffing. Robot density in U.S. manufacturing has reached 307 units per 10,000 employees. In the hospitality sector, robots have become the second-largest category of professional service robots sold globally, driven by high turnover and rising wage expectations.

NBR Intelligence CEO Rick Nguyen highlighted the operational reality behind the adoption: turnover across the company's factory network runs at “about 15% to 20% a year,” and a generational shift in education levels is shrinking the available pool of traditional factory labor. TechForce's initiative directly addresses these challenges by proposing to automate up to 30% of identified workflows at each site, using 4- to 6-axis robotic arms alongside TechForce's LIM-E and Kebb-i platforms.

The structured rollout plan is a critical element of the agreement. It begins with operational, safety, network, facility, and workflow assessments within 30 days; five pilot systems running within 120 days; and a 30-day performance evaluation measuring availability, task completion, throughput, accuracy, and safety. Only after successful completion and written acceptance of the pilots will the program advance to an initial scaled rollout of 100 systems, followed by approximately 500 additional systems per month toward the full planning target. This phased discipline reflects the industry's increasing insistence on validation before large-scale commitments.

Another key factor is the adoption of Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) models, which are reducing the upfront cost barrier that has historically slowed robotics adoption. The IFR's World Robotics 2025 Service Robots report shows RaaS-based fleets grew 31% in 2024, with rental and subscription revenue for service robots growing 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.” TechForce's proposed program includes a RaaS arrangement with an option for operators to acquire systems outright after a 24-month term, aligning with this industry trend.

Nightfood Holdings CEO Jimmy Chan expressed enthusiasm about the project's potential: “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 for the targeted operations.”

As AI continues to integrate into physical operations, companies like Intuitive Surgical Inc. (NASDAQ: ISRG), Teradyne Inc. (NASDAQ: TER), Rockwell Automation Inc. (NYSE: ROK), and Honeywell Technologies (NASDAQ: HON) are also advancing AI-driven solutions in healthcare, semiconductor testing, and industrial automation. These developments highlight a broader shift where intelligent systems are increasingly connecting digital capabilities with physical operations, creating opportunities for companies throughout the AI value chain.

For TechForce Robotics, the NBR Intelligence framework represents a concrete step toward capturing value in this expanding market. With a deployment-driven approach, a focus on RaaS, and a clear path from pilots to scale, the company is positioning itself to benefit from the ongoing transformation of the global workforce.