Advancements in AI-enhanced collaborative robotics: towards safer, smarter, and human-centric industrial automation

• AI integration enhances cobots' adaptability, safety, and human collaboration. • Collaborative robots improve efficiency across manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. • Emerging technologies like digital twins and IoRT expand cobots' industrial applications. • Safety innovations enable seamless human-cobot interaction without physical barriers. • Future trends emphasize cognitive adaptability and human-centric automation (Industry 5.0). Traditional industrial robots have long been central to manufacturing automation; however, limitations such as inflexible programming, safety concerns in human-robot interaction, and poor adaptability to dynamic production needs have restricted their widespread application. Collaborative robots (cobots) are reshaping this paradigm by enabling safe, efficient, and intelligent human-robot collaboration. This review examines the evolution and integration of collaborative robots (cobots) with Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and smart sensing technologies to enhance safety, adaptability, and human-centric automation. The paper explores how AI-enhanced cobots optimize production efficiency by reducing cycle times, improving product quality, and facilitating adaptive manufacturing in the automotive, healthcare, and logistics sectors. It highlights critical safety innovations like force-limiting systems, speed and separation monitoring, and ergonomic human-robot interaction. Furthermore, emerging concepts such as digital twins, blockchain for cybersecurity, and Internet of Robotic Things (IoRT) are examined for their potential to advance cobot functionality. Challenges including high initial costs, technical complexity, and cybersecurity threats are critically analyzed. Future trends, including cognitive adaptability, personalized interaction, and the shift toward Industry 5.0’s human-centered approach, are also explored. This study identifies key opportunities and challenges in collaborative robotics and proposes strategic pathways for fostering safer, smarter, and more flexible industrial environments.