Collaborative Robot Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Component (Hardware, Software and Services), Payload Capacity (Up to 5 kg, 5-10 kg and Above 10 kg), Application, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Collaborative Robot Market is accounted for $2.01 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $12.23 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 36.4% during the forecast period. A collaborative robot, or cobot, is a type of robotic system designed to work safely alongside human workers in shared spaces, enhancing productivity and flexibility. Cobots are typically lightweight, user-friendly, and equipped with advanced sensors, force control, and programming interfaces to ensure safe interactions. Their collaborative nature enables faster deployment, reduced setup costs, and adaptability to various tasks, making them ideal for small to medium-sized businesses.

According to the IFR, robots for domestic tasks constituted the largest group of consumer robots and were anticipated to reach 48.6 million by 2023, respectively.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Increased workplace safety

Cobots are designed with advanced sensors, force-limiting capabilities, and AI-powered monitoring systems that allow them to work alongside humans safely. They take on hazardous, repetitive, or physically demanding tasks, reducing the risk of workplace injuries and minimizing human exposure to dangerous environments. This safety enhancement is particularly appealing in industries like manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare, where worker safety is a priority. As companies strive to create safer work environments, the demand for cobots rises, leading to widespread adoption and further market growth.

Restraint:

High initial investment costs

High initial investment costs in the collaborative robot (cobot) market arise from expenses related to advanced technology, integration, programming, and safety compliance. Cobots require sensors, AI-driven software, and custom applications tailored to specific industries, which drives up costs. Additionally, integration into existing workflows and training for operators can be costly. These high upfront expenses deter potential buyers, slowing market growth as companies may delay or forgo adoption due to budget constraints.

Opportunity:

Advances in AI and machine learning

AI enables cobots to perform more complex, precise tasks with improved accuracy and faster response times, making them suitable for intricate processes across industries. Machine learning allows cobots to learn from data and past experiences, enabling predictive maintenance, error reduction, and continuous optimization. These advancements also improve cobot safety by enhancing perception and response in dynamic environments. As AI-driven cobots become smarter and more versatile, they attract industries seeking flexible, autonomous, and intelligent automation solutions.

Threat:

Concerns over job displacement

Concerns over job displacement arise as cobots automate tasks traditionally performed by humans, especially in sectors with repetitive, manual work. This can lead to fears of reduced employment opportunities, particularly in lower-skilled roles. Additionally, industries may face regulatory scrutiny or public backlash against widespread adoption. Such concerns may hinder cobot market growth as workers, labor unions, and policymakers resist automation due to its perceived social and economic impact.

Covid-19 Impact

The covid-19 pandemic accelerated the demand for cobots as companies sought automation solutions to address labor shortages, health concerns, and supply chain disruptions. Cobots became valuable in maintaining production with minimal human interaction, especially in sectors like e-commerce, manufacturing, and healthcare. They enabled social distancing on production lines and facilitated rapid scaling of operations. Post-pandemic, this demand remains strong as industries recognize cobots' role in enhancing efficiency, flexibility, and resilience against future disruptions.

The material handling segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The material handling segment is predicted to secure the largest market share throughout the forecast period. In material handling applications, cobots are transforming workflows by efficiently automating repetitive and physically demanding tasks, such as sorting, loading, and palletizing. Cobots improve workplace safety by handling heavy loads, reducing the risk of strain-related injuries for human workers. Cobots' ability to work alongside humans without extensive safety barriers further streamlines processes, making them ideal for small to medium enterprises seeking efficient, scalable automation.

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

The electronics segment is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period. In electronics manufacturing, cobots play a key role in handling precise, repetitive tasks like assembling circuit boards, soldering, testing, and packaging. Their accuracy and ability to work safely alongside human operators make cobots ideal for delicate electronic components, reducing errors and increasing productivity. This allows for faster adaptation to rapid changes in technology and demand, supporting lean manufacturing and shorter production cycles, essential in the fast-evolving electronics industry.

Region with largest share:

Asia Pacific is expected to register the largest market share during the forecast period driven by increasing industrial automation, labor shortages, and government support for advanced manufacturing. Key countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are major adopters, with industries such as electronics, automotive, and consumer goods leading cobot integration. The demand for improved productivity, quality, and safety is fueling cobot adoption, positioning Asia-Pacific as a prominent market for collaborative robotics expansion.

Region with highest CAGR:

North America is projected to witness the highest CAGR over the forecast period driven by the need for automation across industries like manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. The U.S. leads the region, with increased adoption in sectors such as automotive, electronics, and food processing. The emphasis on worker safety and the flexibility of cobots to operate alongside humans further boosts their appeal, positioning North America as a key region for cobot market growth.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Collaborative Robot Market include ABB Limited, KUKA AG, Yaskawa Electric Corporation, Universal Robots, FANUC Corporation, Denso Corporation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Limited, Nachi-Fujikoshi Corporation, Doosan Robotics, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Omron Corporation, Franka Emika GmbH, Staubli International AG, AUBO Robotics, Precise Automation Inc., Rethink Robotics, Techman Robot Inc., F&P Robotics AG, Comau SpA, Elephant Robotics.

Key Developments:

In June 2024, Universal Robots introduced the UR20 cobot at Automatica 2024. The UR20 is high-payload cobot capable of handling loads up to 20 kg. The UR20 features a larger reach of 1750 mm (compared to previous models), which allows it to cover a broader workspace and handle tasks involving larger parts or materials. The UR20 also incorporates energy efficiency features and advanced safety protocols that enable it to work safely alongside human operators in shared workspaces.

In February 2024, ABB launched the ABB SWIFTI CRB 1300, a high-speed collaborative robot (cobot) optimized for light assembly and machine-tending tasks. It offers a standout combination of speed and payload capabilities, able to handle up to 11 kg, setting it apart in its class for tasks that require rapid and repetitive movements. The CRB 1300 merges ABB's signature speed and precision with enhanced safety features, making it suitable for shared workspaces.

Components Covered:

• Hardware
• Software
• Services

Payload Capacities Covered:

• Up to 5 kg
• 5-10 kg
• Above 10 kg

Applications Covered:

• Material Handling
• Assembly
• Quality Testing & Inspection
• Welding & Soldering
• Painting & Dispensing
• Pick & Place
• Other Applications

End Users Covered:

• Automotive
• Electronics
• Food & Beverage
• Healthcare
• Aerospace
• 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