Global Industrial Robots Market Outlook, 2029

The global industrial robots market represents a pivotal sector within manufacturing and automation, driving efficiency, precision, and productivity across various industries. Understanding its historical evolution, significance, and regulatory landscape provides crucial insights into its profound impact on global industrial processes. The history of industrial robot’s dates back to the mid-20th century, with the first programmable robot, Unimate, introduced in 1961 by George Devol and Joseph Engelberger. Initially used for tasks such as welding and assembly in automotive manufacturing, industrial robots have since evolved significantly in terms of sophistication and application diversity. The 1980s marked a period of rapid expansion as robots became more versatile, incorporating advanced sensors and control systems. The 21st century witnessed further advancements with the integration of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and machine learning, enabling robots to perform complex tasks with enhanced autonomy. The industrial robot’s market is subject to regulatory frameworks aimed at ensuring safety, quality, and ethical standards. Organizations such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) provide guidelines (e.g., ISO 10218 for robot safety) to manufacturers and users to mitigate risks associated with robot operations. Regulations vary globally; for instance, in the European Union, the Machinery Directive sets essential health and safety requirements for industrial machinery, including robots, ensuring they meet stringent safety standards before entering the market. Looking ahead, the industrial robot’s market is poised for robust growth, driven by innovations in robotic vision systems, machine learning algorithms for adaptive robotics, and advancements in gripper technologies. According to the research report "Global Industrial Robots Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the Global Industrial Robots market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 29 Billion by 2029. An industrial robot is a sort of mechanical equipment that is fed data and is programmed to execute activities linked to industry production automatically. These robots can be programmed, and the program may be modified as many times as required, depending on the application. Industrial robots aid in improving productivity while lowering costs and generating high-quality goods in automation applications. Drives, end-effectors, robotic manipulators, sensors, and controls make up the majority of robots. The robotic controller is the robot's brain that aids in the delivery of commands. Microphones and cameras are used as robot sensors to keep the robot aware of the industrial surroundings. An increasing demand for these robots in industries such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, consumer electronics, packaging, and equipment. This need, however, is predicted on the sort of robot that they need to place throughout their locations to harness industrial activity and cut costs. Players in the consumer electronics industry, for example, could deploy collaborative robots at a faster rate to increase production flexibility. As a result, there are significant investments being made in the business, which is increasing the need for these robots. For example, Nissan Motor purchased two lines of UR10 collaborative robots that is arms for its Yokohama facility from Universal Robots in order to cut labour costs while maintaining the efficiency of manufacturing procedures such as Takt Time. Similarly, pharmaceuticals, consumer electronics, & industrial companies all have a stake in the market which has contributed to the robot market size.

The continuing shift from manual to automated operations is driving up the demand for these systems. The synchronization of management, production, and control is critical to the seamless operation of an industry's workflow. During the manufacturing of robots, however, interruption and inefficiency in any of these roles might impede operations and product quality. In such a situation, robotic technology is gaining traction since it streamlines procedures and improves workflow efficiency. Due to the growth of small and medium-sized businesses, increased expenditures on automation across sectors and strict regulatory rules governing the handling of dangerous chemicals and goods, the need for robots is speeding up. Similarly, these robots aid in high-payload lifting during vehicle production and machinery customization. The rise of smart factories will expand market opportunities. Furthermore, factors such as increased public awareness of industrial accidents, expanding consumer goods demand, and employee safety are all contributing to the market growth. Several manufacturers are concentrating their investment in the research & development to bring new technological advancements such as artificial intelligence and build advanced sensors in these systems, which will boost the industrial robots market growth. Venture investors are taking notice of market changes and are eager to invest in companies that develop, test, and produce robots. Market Drivers Automation in Manufacturing Processes: Industrial robots play a crucial role in automating manufacturing processes across various industries such as automotive, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. The demand for higher efficiency, precision, and consistency in production drives the adoption of industrial robots. These robots can perform tasks such as welding, painting, assembly, and packaging more accurately and efficiently than human labour, thereby reducing production costs and improving product quality. Advancements in Robotics Technology: Technological advancements in robotics, including improvements in sensors, AI, machine learning, and collaborative robotics, are driving the growth of the industrial robot’s market. Collaborative robots (cobots), in particular, are designed to work alongside humans safely, enabling flexible manufacturing processes and increasing productivity. As these technologies become more sophisticated and affordable, their adoption across industries is expected to increase. Market Challenges High Initial Costs: One of the major challenges hindering the widespread adoption of industrial robots is their high initial costs. The upfront investment required for purchasing and installing industrial robots can be significant, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Cost remains a critical factor that companies evaluate when deciding to automate their production processes. Integration and Compatibility Issues: Integrating industrial robots into existing manufacturing systems and ensuring compatibility with other equipment can be challenging. This process often requires customization and expertise, which adds complexity and time to deployment. Ensuring smooth communication and coordination between different machines and software systems is crucial for maximizing the benefits of automation. Market Trends Rise of Collaborative Robotics: Collaborative robots (cobots) are a growing trend in the industrial robots’ market. These robots are designed to work safely alongside human workers, enhancing productivity and flexibility in manufacturing operations. The ability of cobots to perform tasks in close proximity to humans without the need for safety cages makes them particularly suitable for small-batch production and agile manufacturing environments. IoT and Industry 4.0 Integration: The integration of industrial robots with IoT (Internet of Things) technologies and Industry 4.0 principles is transforming manufacturing processes. IoT-enabled robots can collect and analyse data in real-time, enabling predictive maintenance, remote monitoring, and optimization of production processes. This trend towards smart factories is driving the demand for interconnected robotic systems that can operate autonomously and adapt to changing production requirements.

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Manmayi Raval

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based on the report, the Types are segmented into Articulated, SCARA, Cylindrical, Cartesian/Linear, Parallel, and Others. Articulated robots are characterized by their flexible joints, allowing for a wide range of motion. They are highly versatile, making them suitable for complex tasks such as welding, material handling, and assembly. This segment is projected to maintain the largest market share and highest growth rate due to their precision and adaptability in various industries, including automotive and pharmaceuticals. Recent advancements in actuator technology have enhanced their load-handling capabilities and operational efficiency, further driving their adoption in manufacturing processes. Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm (SCARA) robots are designed for high-speed, precise assembly tasks. They typically feature a four-axis design, which allows for lateral movement and vertical motion, ideal for pick-and-place operations. SCARA robots are increasingly utilized in the electronics and food and beverage industries, where speed and accuracy are paramount. Cylindrical robots utilize a cylindrical coordinate system for movement, which combines rotational and linear motion. They are often employed in applications requiring vertical movement, such as assembly and material handling. Their design allows for a compact footprint, making them suitable for environments with limited space. Cartesian robots, also known as linear robots, operate on three linear axes (X, Y, and Z). They are commonly used for tasks that require straight-line movements, such as pick-and-place operations and packaging. based on the report, the application is segmented into Handling, Assembling and Processing. Handling robots are primarily used for material transfer tasks, including loading and unloading machines, transporting goods within warehouses, and picking items for order fulfillment. With the rise of e-commerce, the demand for handling robots has surged, particularly for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and self-driving forklifts, which improve safety and reduce labor costs. These robots are equipped with advanced sensors to navigate and avoid obstacles autonomously, making them highly effective in dynamic environments. Assembly robots are designed to combine parts into finished products, providing high precision and consistency that surpasses manual labor. They are increasingly utilized in industries such as electronics and automotive, where rapid production and accuracy are essential. The flexibility of these robots allows them to handle multiple product styles, either in batch production or mixed-model assembly lines. Key advancements include improved programming capabilities that enable robots to quickly switch tasks, thus optimizing production workflows. The trend towards automation in assembly is driven by the need to reduce labor costs and enhance product quality, making robots an integral part of modern manufacturing processes. Processing robots perform specific tasks that involve manipulating tools to carry out operations such as welding, painting, and machining. This segment includes applications like spot welding in automotive manufacturing and spray painting for various products. The precision and speed of processing robots significantly enhance the quality and efficiency of production. Recent innovations focus on integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, allowing robots to adapt to varying conditions and improve their operational capabilities.

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based on the report, the End-Use is segmented into Automotive and Electronics. The automotive industry remains a leading adopter of industrial robots, utilizing them for tasks such as assembly, welding, painting, and material handling. This segment is characterized by high demand for articulated robots, which offer flexibility and precision for complex manufacturing processes. Recent developments include the integration of collaborative robots (cobots) that can work alongside human operators, enhancing productivity while maintaining safety. The push for automation in this sector is driven by the need to improve production rates and reduce labour costs, particularly as global automotive production continues to expand. Furthermore, advancements in robotics technology are enabling manufacturers to implement more sophisticated automation solutions, thereby optimizing their assembly lines and reducing cycle times. The electronics industry has seen a rapid increase in robot adoption, surpassing the automotive sector in recent years. This shift is largely attributed to the growing demand for consumer electronics, which necessitates high-speed, precise assembly processes. Robots in this sector are employed for tasks such as soldering, component placement, and quality inspection. Key developments include the rise of smaller, more agile robots capable of handling delicate components, as well as advancements in machine vision technologies that enhance inspection and quality control processes. The electronics segment is expected to continue expanding as manufacturers seek to improve efficiency and adapt to the fast-paced nature of consumer electronics production. North America leads the industrial robots industry due to its strong emphasis on technological innovation, substantial investments in automation technologies, and a robust manufacturing sector that drives high demand for advanced robotic solutions. North America's leadership in the industrial robots industry is primarily driven by its deep-rooted emphasis on technological innovation, substantial investments in automation technologies, and a thriving manufacturing sector that generates significant demand for advanced robotic solutions. The United States and Canada, in particular, have established themselves as global leaders in this field through a combination of strategic factors that foster growth and advancement in robotics. North America’s culture of innovation plays a crucial role in its leadership position. The region is home to some of the world’s most prominent technology hubs, such as Silicon Valley, where a concentration of high-tech companies and research institutions work collaboratively to push the boundaries of robotics technology. This innovative environment is supported by substantial investments in research and development (R&D) from both the public and private sectors. Companies and governments alike pour significant resources into advancing robotic technologies, from developing new types of robots to integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance robotic capabilities. The manufacturing sector in North America is another critical factor driving the demand for industrial robots. The region’s diverse and advanced manufacturing base, which includes automotive, aerospace, electronics, and consumer goods industries, requires high levels of precision, efficiency, and productivity—qualities that robots are uniquely suited to deliver. As manufacturers strive to maintain competitive edges through automation, they turn to robotics to improve their production processes. Considered in this report • Historic year: 2018 • Base year: 2023 • Estimated year: 2024 • Forecast year: 2029 Aspects covered in this report • Industrial Robots Market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation By Type: • Articulated • SCARA • Cylindrical • Cartesian/Linear • Parallel • Others By Application: • Handling • Assembling • Processing By End-user: • Automotive • Electronics The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Industrial Robots industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.