Industrial Robot Controller Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Robot Type, Axis Type, Controller Type, Application, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Industrial Robot Controller Market is accounted for $1,095.38 million in 2024 and is expected to reach $1,994.07 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period. An industrial robot controller is a specialized tool used to control and monitor industrial robot movements. It ensures accurate performance of tasks like welding, assembly, and material handling. It also interprets programming instructions and coordinates robot movements. Real-time adjustments and feedback are enabled by the controller through its interface with multiple sensors and actuators. Industrial robot controllers automate manufacturing processes, increase productivity, and lower operating costs in a variety of industries by improving performance and flexibility.

According to the International Federation of Robotics, global robot installations reached 517,385 units in 2021, a 31% year-on-year growth.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Growing demand for automation

The growing demand for automation is a significant driver for the industrial robot controller market. As industries seek to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality while reducing labor costs, the adoption of industrial robots is increasing rapidly. According to the International Federation of Robotics, global robot installations reached 517,385 units in 2021, a 31% year-on-year growth. This trend is particularly strong in manufacturing sectors such as automotive, electronics, and food processing. The need for precise control and coordination of these robots drives the demand for advanced controllers. Additionally, the push towards Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing further accelerates the integration of robotic systems, boosting the controller market.

Restraint:

High Initial Costs

The implementation of robotic systems, including advanced controllers, requires substantial upfront investment in hardware, software, and integration services. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), these costs can be prohibitive, limiting market penetration in this segment. According to industry reports, the average cost of an industrial robot system can range from $50,000 to $250,000, with controllers contributing a significant portion. Additionally, the expenses associated with training personnel to operate and maintain these systems add to the overall cost.

Opportunity:

Emergence of collaborative robots

Cobots are designed to work alongside humans safely, opening up new applications in various industries. According to the International Federation of Robotics, cobot installations increased by 50% in 2021 compared to the previous year. This trend drives demand for specialized controllers that can manage the complex interactions between robots and humans. The controllers for cobots need to incorporate advanced safety features, intuitive programming interfaces, and adaptive capabilities. As cobots become more prevalent in small and medium-sized enterprises and non-traditional robot-using industries, the market for their controllers is expected to expand.

Threat:

Rapid technological advancements

The fast-paced evolution of robotics technology, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced sensors, requires continuous innovation in controller design. This rapid change can lead to shorter product lifecycles and increased R&D costs for manufacturers. Companies that fail to keep up with these advancements risk losing market share to more innovative competitors. Additionally, the integration of new technologies may require substantial changes in existing systems, potentially causing compatibility issues and increased complexity for end users.

Covid-19 Impact:

The COVID-19 pandemic initially disrupted the industrial robot controller market, causing supply chain issues and project delays. However, it also accelerated the adoption of automation in industries seeking to maintain operations with reduced human presence. The pandemic highlighted the importance of flexible and remotely operable robotic systems, driving innovation in controller technologies.

The articulated robot segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

Over the forecasted timeframe, the articulated robot segment is anticipated to dominate the market share. Articulated robots, with their versatility and wide range of motion, are widely used across various industries, particularly in manufacturing, automotive, and electronics sectors. Their ability to perform complex tasks in three-dimensional spaces makes them ideal for applications such as welding, painting, assembly, and material handling. The controllers for articulated robots need to manage multiple joints and complex kinematics, driving demand for sophisticated control systems. As industries continue to automate and seek flexible production solutions, the demand for articulated robots and their controllers is expected to grow, maintaining this segment's market leadership.

The material handling segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

During the projection period, the material handling segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR. This rapid growth can be attributed to the increasing automation of logistics and warehousing operations across various industries. The rise of e-commerce and the need for efficient supply chain management are driving the adoption of robotic material handling solutions. Controllers for material handling robots need to manage complex movements, coordinate with other systems, and often integrate with warehouse management software. The demand for controllers capable of handling these tasks efficiently and accurately is expected to surge.

Region with largest share:

During the estimation period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to capture the largest market share. This dominance can be attributed to several factors, including the region's strong manufacturing base, rapid industrialization, and government initiatives promoting automation. Countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are leading adopters of industrial robots and, consequently, robot controllers. According to the International Federation of Robotics, Asia installed 354,500 industrial robots in 2021, accounting for 66% of global installations. The presence of major robot manufacturers and the ongoing shift towards smart manufacturing in countries like China and India further contribute to the region's market leadership.

Region with highest CAGR:

The Asia Pacific region is projected to achieve the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This rapid growth is driven by factors such as accelerating industrialization, increasing investments in automation, and government initiatives promoting advanced manufacturing technologies. Countries like India, Thailand, and Vietnam are experiencing a surge in industrial robot adoption, creating a strong demand for controllers. India's robot installations grew by 54% in 2021, indicating a significant potential for market expansion. The region's focus on developing smart factories and implementing Industry 4.0 technologies is expected to further boost the demand for sophisticated robot controllers.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Industrial Robot Controller Market include ABB Ltd., FANUC Corporation, Yaskawa Electric Corporation, KUKA AG, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Denso Corporation, Omron Corporation, Kawasaki Robotics, Staubli International AG, Epson Robots, Universal Robots, Comau S.p.A., Rockwell Automation, Inc., Siemens AG, Nachi-Fujikoshi Corp., Yamaha Robotics, Toshiba Corporation, and Panasonic Corporation.

Key Developments:

In August 2024, FANUC Corporation introduced the R-50iA robot controller, featuring enhanced cybersecurity measures, improved motion control, and compatibility with FANUC's new CRX-25iA collaborative robot.

In June 2024, KUKA AG launched the KR C5 microcontroller, designed for compact robot cells and featuring integrated safety functions and support for EtherCAT fieldbus communication.

In March 2024, ABB Ltd. launched the OmniCore V250XT controller, offering enhanced performance and flexibility for large robots with payloads up to 300 kg. The controller features improved motion control and supports ABB's RobotStudio offline programming software.

Robot Types Covered:

• SCARA Robot
• Delta Robot
• Cartesian/Gantry Robot
• Articulated Robot
• Collaborative Robot
• Dual Arm Robot

Axis Types Covered:

• Single Axis
• Three Axis
• Four Axis
• Six Axis
• Other Axis Types

Controller Types Covered:

• Motion Controllers
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
• Compact Controllers
• Other Controller Types

Applications Covered:

• Assembling
• Welding
• Material Handling
• Painting and Coating
• Cutting and Processing
• Palletizing and Packaging
• Other Applications

End Users Covered:

• Automotive
• Electronics and Semiconductors
• Metals and Machinery
• Plastics, Rubber, and Chemicals
• Food and Beverage
• Pharmaceuticals
• Aerospace and Defense
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings:

All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:

• Company Profiling
  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
  • SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
  • Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances