Industrial Robotics Market Size, Share, Growth by 2030

The industrial robotics sector is projected to expand from US$ 14.86 billion in 2022 to US$ 30.47 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.39% during this period.

The President of the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) has noted a significant rebound in global industrial robot installations following the COVID-19 pandemic, with 2021 marking a record year for the robotics industry. The surge in demand for industrial robots across multiple sectors can be attributed to advancements in automation technologies and the growing necessity for efficient and cost-effective manufacturing solutions. In 2018, there were 422,000 robot installations, which saw a remarkable 22% increase, culminating in 47,182 units installed in 2021. The majority of these robotic systems are utilized in the top five industrial nations: the United States, Germany, Japan, China, and South Korea. Notably, China's robotics sector is among the fastest-growing globally, continuing to thrive despite recent economic challenges posed by the pandemic.

In North America, the industrial robotics market has been on a steady upward trajectory, fueled by a robust manufacturing base and the integration of advanced automation technologies. The United States stands out as the primary contributor to this market, with established industries such as automotive, electronics, and logistics being significant consumers of industrial robots. Europe has also seen considerable growth in its industrial robotics landscape.

The strong automotive sector in Europe is a key factor driving the adoption of industrial robotics, alongside other industries such as electronics, healthcare, and food & beverages, which are also experiencing heightened demand. Additionally, the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM) regions have begun to gradually embrace industrial robotics. These areas are anticipated to present growth opportunities in the near future as local industries increasingly acknowledge the advantages of automation.

The latest World Robotics Report 2022 indicates that new industrial robots were installed globally in 2021, achieving an unprecedented high. This represents a 31% increase year-on-year and a 22% rise compared to the pre-pandemic peak of robot installations in 2018. By 2021, the global operational stock of robots surpassed 3.5 million units. Furthermore, the IFR President highlighted that the adoption of robotics and automation is accelerating rapidly, with annual robot installations more than doubling from 2015 to 2021.

Despite challenges such as rising energy costs, fluctuating prices of intermediate products, and shortages of electronic components affecting sectors like agriculture, energy, and manufacturing, the IFR reports indicate a steady demand for industrial robots. Following current growth trends, global robot deployments are expected to rise by 2025, with industrial robots comprising a significant portion of this increase. Consequently, the industrial robotics market is anticipated to continue its upward trajectory in the coming years.

The industrial robotics market can be categorized based on function into several segments, including soldering and welding, material handling, assembly and disassembly, painting and dispensing, as well as milling, cutting, and processing.

Soldering and welding represent critical functions within the industrial robotics domain. The automotive sector has integrated robots for welding tasks that are repetitive and labor-intensive, which can be taxing for human workers. These robotic systems enhance manufacturing efficiency, minimize weld distortion, lower direct labor costs, and improve safety, while also preventing corrosion from metals. They provide a swift return on investment. In the electronics and electrical sectors, robotics are employed for soldering printed circuit boards (PCBs) to address quality issues such as solder bridging, splattering, and cold solder defects that human operators may encounter. Typically, articulated and SCARA robots are utilized for soldering and welding applications. The metal and machinery industries also heavily rely on robotics for welding tasks. Therefore, the significant adoption of robotics in the automotive, electronics, and semiconductor sectors creates substantial opportunities for the soldering and welding segment within the industrial robotics market.