The domain of cognitive robotics has gone through many technological innovations, majorly enhanced by the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) concepts. This study performs comprehensive bibliometric analysis, using tools like VOSviewer and Biblioshiny, to map the development, the existing scene and the future prospects of cognitive robotics studies since 1953. We address how AI and ML expand robotic abilities, marking the shift from early development phase to the period of fast evolution and improvement. The remarkable results show an increasing trend starting from mid- 1980s with a peak in the late 1990s and an exponential growth in the last ten years which highlights the growing impact and the broadening usage in different fields. The paper shows cross functional aspects of cognitive robotics, which combines biological and cognitive approaches with progress of technology. The two main areas of robots cognitive robotics are human–robot interaction and autonomous decision-making. The ability of robots to acquire knowledge, self-adaptability, and robot operation in human-centered environments is highlighted, as well as the practical problems that may come from robot autonomy and superior cognitive capacities. From this bibliometric study, we get key insights concerning the past and present of cognitive robotics which form the basis of future studies. The study reinforces the necessity of a multi-pronged approach in robotics, with progress aligned with the needs of society, to ensure the responsible deployment of cognitive robots.