Collaborative Robot Market Assessment, By Payload Capacity [Less than 5 kg, 5-10 kg, Above 10 kg], By Application [Material Handling, Pick and Place, Assembly, Palletizing and De-Palletizing, Others], By End-user [Automotive, Electronics, Metals and Machi

Collaborative Robot Market Assessment, By Payload Capacity [Less than 5 kg, 5-10 kg, Above 10 kg], By Application [Material Handling, Pick and Place, Assembly, Palletizing and De-Palletizing, Others], By End-user [Automotive, Electronics, Metals and Machining, Food and Beverage, Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals, E-commerce and Logistics, Others], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global collaborative robot market is projected to witness a CAGR of 30.04% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 2.01 billion in 2023 to USD 16.44 billion in 2031.

Collaborative robots or cobots are designed to operate alongside humans in shared workspaces, with enhanced safety and ease of use. Cobots, unlike standard industrial robots, are lightweight, versatile, and fitted with force sensors at each joint, which adds a quick reaction in the event of a collision, causing the robot to halt, allowing for safe human interaction. These robots are rapidly being employed in a range of industries, including electronics and automotive, to perform tasks ranging from material handling to complicated assembling, increasing production while reducing physical strain on workers. Cobots' development continues as they include artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve their skills and autonomy in evolving industrial environments.

The collaborative robot market is growing exponentially due to the rising automation in various industries, including automotive, pharmaceutical, food industry, and others, which are shifting towards automation in manufacturing operations to minimize labor expenditure, optimize existing processes, and reduce errors in supply chain management.

Another significant element driving the growth of the global collaborative robot technology market is an increase in technological advancements in the industry and increasing adoption of Cobots in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). These companies are increasingly investing in Cobots to interact with humans in a shared workspace and automate manufacturing processes. The integration of AI and ML technologies in industrial robots is acting as a positive factor influencing the commercial landscape. Furthermore, this trend is expected to be supplemented by the increasing adoption of 5G technology that will drive greater deployment of collaborative robots in the manufacturing industries. 5G wireless solutions would enable OEMs to offer value propositions by enhancing robotic automation and improving the quality and productivity of manufacturing processes using low-latency connectivity. Additionally, there is intense competition among current players. Large organizations are expected to collaborate and expand their operations with new entrants, thereby propelling the growth of the global collaborative robot market.

For instance, in May 2024, Cromarty, an engineering and automation solutions provider, became ABB Ltd’s first certified Cobot Expert in Australia. ABB Ltd’s robotics division launched the Cobot Expert program, designed to enhance channel network capabilities through collaborative partnerships. Cromarty had to meet specific criteria and undergo rigorous training to become a certified graduate, ensuring they are well-equipped to address customer production challenges.

Rising Automation in Industrial Processes to Drive Market Growth

One of the primary drivers for the growth of the market is the growing demand for automation in industrial operations. Collaborative robots can complete these activities alongside human workers, resulting in higher production output and shorter cycle times. According to an article published by Process Solutions, Inc., industrial robots can complete jobs with precision and repeatability, with no stops or interruptions. Robots' ability to function continually without fatigue makes them incredibly productive, which can result in a quick return on investment for manufacturers. Robot precision means fewer errors in the manufacturing process, which leads to less waste and cheaper costs. Alongside, in industrial settings, safety is a vital setting, hence collaborative robots are designed to function securely alongside humans, using characteristics, such as sensors and software, that allow for safe interaction without the use of physical barriers. Furthermore, with the emergence of touch screens, larger screens, greater resolution, remote monitoring capabilities employing modern processors, and industrial Internet of Things (IIOT), operators can monitor robots from any location via human machine interface (HMI), expanding the use of collaborative robots.

For instance, in October 2023, Schneider Electric launched the Lexium Cobot, a collaborative machine with advanced industrial robotics technology. The machine is designed to work closely with humans, performing gentle movements with dynamic torque and speed monitoring. It features collision detection and safety functions, reducing the risk of injury to operations personnel. The low weight and rounded edges can save 30-40% space compared to traditional industrial robots, making it easy to integrate into plants.

Increasing Demand in E-Commerce and Logistics Sector

What consumers appreciate about shopping from home - such as more selection in the products available, competitive price points, and buying convenience in terms of time and place - remains one of the key drivers for market demand in cobots. Because of these benefits, collaborative robots are finding increased popularity as they can automate the warehouse and distribution centers repetitive operations like picking, packing, sorting, and palletizing, thus speeding up the processes and reducing errors. Cobots can accomplish a range of tasks effectively and efficiently, further contributing to the collaborative robot market share.

For instance, in February 2024, OMRON Automation introduced the TM S Series Collaborative Robots in India, offering faster joints and expanded safety features for improved efficiency in warehouses and distribution centers. These Cobots excel in tasks such as machine tending, assembling, and packaging, allowing human workers to focus on more complex activities. The OMRON TM S Series features integrated sensors, collision detection, and collaborative functionality, promoting a secure working environment for humans and robots.

Rapid Technological Advancements Fueling the Collaborative Robot Market Growth

The global collaborative robot market is being driven by increasing demand for advanced cobots integrated with high-end sensors, such as vision systems that allow Cobots to perceive their surroundings in a more accurate and sensitive manner. In addition, AI and machine learning algorithms are being incorporated into Cobots to improve their autonomy, decision-making, and path planning. This enables Cobots to learn from their experiences, optimize their movements, and adjust to changing conditions or tasks without human intervention. Technological advancements not only increase cobots’ cobot functioning but also make them more accessible to a wider range of sectors, hence fueling the market growth.

For instance, in May 2024, Italian automation developer Comau S.p.A., a part of Stellantis N.V., introduced an AI-enabled piece-picking system called Mi/Ra/OnePicker, which can work with any cobot and gripper to grasp randomly placed items from bins, without needing information about their size, shape, or color. The system uses a vision system to guide the gripper and determine the most effective way to empty a bin, saving time, energy, and costs. It is aimed at applications such as kitting, sorting, pick-and-place, e-commerce, and warehouses. It can work with the smallest cobots and can switch between collaborative and industrial modes.

Robots with the Payload Capacity of Less than 5 kg Segment to Dominate the Market Share

The segment of less than 5 kg category, based on payload capacity, dominated the share of the global collaborative robot market. Features, such as small-size and lightweight, making them excellent for precise and delicate tasks such as component assembly in electronics or sophisticated pick-and-place techniques, which are prevalent in modern manufacturing environments. The segment of less than 5 Kg payload capacity is easier to integrate into existing industrial setups, takes up less space, and allows safer interaction with human workers due to their lower inertia and force restrictions. Furthermore, the launch of advanced robots in this payload capacity segment is creating new growth potential for the market.

For instance, in May 2023, KUKA AG showcased the capabilities of its DELTA HM robots in conjunction with a KMR iiwa mobile automation platform in a pick, place, or bin picking cell at Automate 2023. The KR 3 DELTA hygienic robot delivered exceptional performance and value for pick-and-place applications in the food, packaging, electronics, and pharmaceutical sectors. The KR 3 DELTA excels in delicate and high-speed manufacturing applications due to its precision grip, corrosion resistance, and low maintenance needs. This ceiling-mounted robot has a reach of 1200 mm, a maximum payload capacity of 3 kg, and cycle times as short as 0.5 seconds.

Asia-Pacific to Dominate the Global Collaborative Robot Market Share

Asia-Pacific dominates the share of the global collaborative robot market due to the region's rapid industrialization and modernization, and the majority of manufacturing industries are shifting towards automation of their processes to minimize the labor force. The aging population in China and Japan has resulted in rising labor expenses, which has accelerated the deployment of automation. This is encouraging businesses to use automated and collaborative robots to cut expenses. With rising labor costs, China is anticipated to continue its investment in automation to maintain its production cost advantage. Furthermore, the presence of some of the most prominent players in the collaborative robot market, such as Fanuc Corporation in Japan, Techman Robot in Thailand, Doosan Robotics in South Korea, and others, is another major aspect contributing to the region's market share.

According to the International Federation of Robotics, global installations of new industrial robots rose by 5% in 2022 to reach a total of 553,052, with 73% of newly deployed robots installed in Asia, compared to 15% in Europe and 10% in the Americas.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

The integration of robotic arms with mobile platforms, such as autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), is expected to drive innovation in the global collaborative robot market.

Collaborative robots will become more flexible and efficient in dynamic manufacturing contexts as AI and machine learning advance.

Improved safety features, such as force and torque sensing, collision detection, speed and proximity monitoring, and the development of safety standards specifically tailored for Cobots.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Key players are actively involved in a variety of strategic initiatives aimed at increasing their market positions and adapting to changing industry demands. They are investing strongly in research and development (R&D) to build and improve their robotic technology. Furthermore, multiple industry participants are expanding their global footprint through collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions to accelerate the development and adoption of collaborative robots across various industries.

In March 2024, Siemens AG, Universal Robots A/S, and Zivid AS partnered to develop a warehouse automation solution that streamlines intra-logistics fulfillment tasks. The collaboration aims to address the complex challenges faced by the logistics and e-commerce sectors, offering a reliable and trusted solution for picking large quantities and varieties of stock-keeping units, regardless of shape, size, opacity, or transparency.