According to Next Move Strategy Consulting, the global warehouse collaborative robot market, also known as the “cobot” market, is experiencing robust growth and is set to reach a value of USD 991 million by 2030, driven by advancements in automation technology, increasing demand from the e-commerce sector, and rising adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in warehouse operations. The market expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.3% by 2030.
Warehouse collaborative robots are designed to work alongside human workers in a variety of warehouse tasks such as picking, packing, sorting, and transporting goods. These robots are equipped with cutting-edge technologies like AI, advanced sensors, and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms, which allow them to perform tasks with high precision while enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and reducing human error. Cobots are scalable, flexible, and can seamlessly integrate into existing warehouse systems, making them an appealing solution for businesses looking to optimize their operations.
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Market Drivers and Trends
The surge in e-commerce, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, is one of the key factors fueling the demand for warehouse collaborative robots. As the global e-commerce industry continues to grow, with the B2B sector reaching USD 24.5 trillion and B2C e-commerce reaching USD 3.46 trillion in 2023, there is an increasing need for automated solutions to handle large volumes of orders and improve warehouse efficiency. Cobots are integral in helping businesses manage the complexities of high order volumes, meet consumer expectations, and streamline operations.
In addition to the growth of e-commerce, advancements in automation technology have significantly improved the capabilities of warehouse collaborative robots. For example, in November 2022, Teachman Robot launched the TM AI Cobot series, featuring AI-vision technology to enhance the efficiency of tasks such as picking and placing, palletizing, and automated optical inspection. This integration of AI and machine learning into cobots not only improves their precision but also makes them more adaptable to diverse warehouse environments.
Government support is also playing a crucial role in the growth of the warehouse collaborative robot market. Various governments worldwide are offering financial incentives such as grants, subsidies, and tax breaks to encourage businesses to adopt automation and robotics. For example, Germany announced an investment of USD 420 million in robotics, while the UK government plans to provide USD 7 million in funding to support the integration of robotics across various industries. These initiatives are designed to help businesses increase productivity, tackle labor shortages, and transition to more automated operations.
However, the high initial cost of acquiring and implementing collaborative robot systems remains a challenge for some companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. Despite this, the potential for long-term cost savings, increased productivity, and enhanced operational efficiency continues to drive the market forward.
The rapid development of AI, machine learning, and human-robot interaction (HRI) technologies is opening up new growth opportunities for the warehouse collaborative robot market. These innovations allow cobots to operate autonomously and perform complex tasks, such as navigation in dynamic environments using 3D imaging and speech recognition, further enhancing their utility and efficiency.
Segmentation and Market Scope
The Warehouse Collaborative Robot Market is segmented based on component, payload, application, end-user, and region.
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- By Component: The market is divided into hardware and software components.
- By Payload: The market is segmented into three categories: up to 5 kg, between 5 kg and 10 kg, and more than 10 kg.
- By Application: The key applications include handling, placing, dispensing, assembling, processing, and transportation, among others.
- By End-User: The market serves a variety of industries, including e-commerce, logistics and distribution, automotive, electronics, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and more.
Regionally, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World (ROW), with Asia-Pacific holding the largest market share due to the presence of major robotics players and the booming e-commerce sector.
Geographical Insights
Asia-Pacific is leading the warehouse collaborative robot market, with countries like China, Japan, and South Korea driving growth. China, the world’s largest e-commerce market, is expected to see the demand for warehouse automation solutions surge, as the industry is projected to reach USD 3.56 trillion by 2024. Companies such as Yaskawa Electric Corporation, Beijing Geekplus Technology Co., Ltd., and Quicktron Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. are contributing to the growth of this market by introducing innovative cobot solutions. For example, in August 2022, Yaskawa Electric Corporation launched the MOTOMAN-HC30PL, a human-collaboration robot designed to handle tasks like palletizing cardboard materials.
North America, driven by the expanding pharmaceutical and automotive sectors, is also witnessing strong growth. In particular, the pharmaceutical sector is relying on cobots for tasks such as handling hazardous materials, sorting, packaging, and labeling, all of which demand high precision and strict quality control. According to the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations, North America accounted for 49.1% of global pharmaceutical sales in 2022, making it a key driver for automation solutions in warehouse settings. Furthermore, the automotive sector in the U.S. is embracing cobots for material handling, parts assembly, and quality inspection, contributing to the increasing adoption of warehouse collaborative robots in North America.
Competitive Landscape
The warehouse collaborative robot market is highly competitive, with several key players vying for market share. Prominent companies include Universal Robots, ABB Ltd., TechMan Robot Inc., Fanuc Corp., Rethink Robotics GmbH, AUBO Robotics USA, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., Precise Automation Inc., Siasun Robot & Automation Co. Ltd., and Staubli International AG.
Recent product launches in the market highlight the innovation and competition within the industry. For example, in December 2023, Fanuc Corp. unveiled its lightweight CRX-10iA cobot, designed for easy installation in applications such as driverless transport systems and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). The cobot is available in both standard-arm and long-arm versions, with a maximum payload of 10 kg. Similarly, in November 2023, Universal Robots introduced a 30 kg collaborative robot designed to handle heavier loads, making it ideal for tasks that require both strength and accuracy.
Conclusion
The warehouse collaborative robot market is poised for significant growth in the coming years, fueled by the expansion of e-commerce, advancements in AI and automation technologies, and government support. As industries increasingly turn to automation to meet growing demand and improve operational efficiency, warehouse collaborative robots are becoming an integral part of the logistics and distribution ecosystem. With a projected market value of USD 991 million by 2030, the warehouse collaborative robot industry is set to revolutionize warehouse operations across the globe.
Source: PR News Releaser
