The articulated robot market worldwide has been continuing its growth momentum in 2024 which is expected to rise further for the forecasted period due to rising automation adoption, AI advancements, diverse applications across industries, and booming automotive, electronics, and manufacturing sectors along with its utilization in small businesses. Companies are investing in robotic solutions to improve productivity and reduce costs while combating labor shortages, which is further propelling demand for articulated robot.
By 2025, the industry is projected to reach approximately USD 10.78 billion, supported by technological advancements in collaborative robotics, vision systems, and AI integration. The growth of smart factories and Industry 4.0 will further boost the adoption of articulated robot, making them an essential component of automated production lines. The push for sustainability and energy efficiency in industrial operations will also drive demand for robots with improved precision and reduced energy consumption.
The industry is projected to reach USD 23.95 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 8.3%. Machine learning in combination with cloud robotics and human-robot collaboration will increase efficiency and safety of industrial processes. Healthcare, logistics, and e-commerce are also industries that will drive the expansion of robotics applications. Long-term industry growth is gradually driven as costs fall and capabilities rise, making articulated robot more feasible.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025E) | USD 10.78 billion |
| Industry Value (2035F) | USD 23.95 billion |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 8.3% |
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| 2020 to 2024 | 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| Early adoption of AI and machine learning in robotics | Advanced AI-driven decision-making and predictive maintenance |
| Increased use in automotive and electronics industries | Expansion into healthcare, logistics, and service industries |
| Growth in collaborative robots for safer human-robot interaction | Enhanced robot capabilities with better AI and sensor integration |
| Rising adoption of Industry 4.0 and smart factories | Widespread implementation of autonomous production systems |
| High initial costs limiting SME adoption | Cost reductions making robots more accessible to SMEs |
| Focus on precision and efficiency in manufacturing | Greater emphasis on flexibility, adaptability, and multi-functional robots |
| Robotics integrated with IoT and cloud computing | Widespread cloud robotics and AI-powered real-time analytics |
| Labor shortages accelerating automation in industries | Fully automated and AI-driven workplaces reducing manual intervention |
| Government incentives promoting industrial automation | Stronger regulations and global standards for robotic safety |
| Sustainability concerns driving energy-efficient robots | Next-gen robots with improved energy consumption and minimal environmental impact |
Surveyed Q4 2024, n=450 stakeholder participants evenly distributed across manufacturers, distributors, and end-users in the US, Western Europe, Japan, and South Korea
Key Findings and Industry Perspectives
Rising Adoption and Market Growth
The survey indicates that articulated robotics spread faster across industries. Approximately 72% of manufacturers indicated that they have seen an increased reliance on robotic automation for operations, to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and lower operational costs. Distributors, too, saw an increasing demand, with 65% highlighting the continued shift towards collaborative robots with their flexibility, AI-driven capabilities, and ability to work safely alongside humans.
And importantly, 60% of end-users in all industries reported that labor shortages have been a significant driver of automation adoption. Articulated robots are expensive to manufacture, but high precision and efficiency make these systems reliable solutions for automotive, electronics, and machine tool processes, which have encouraged more investments in this area.
Traditionally, many manufacturers, particularly smaller businesses, have been hesitant to adopt automation within their processes, but as costs have dropped and ROI has improved over time, more manufacturers are being pushed to automate workflows.
Integration of Advanced Technologies
The use of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and the Internet of Things (IoT) with robotic automation is on the rise. 68% of industry respondents pointed to AI-powered predictive maintenance and real-time data analytics as critical components in modern robotic systems. Additionally, 59% of manufacturers found they were using IoT-abled robots to strengthen operations, monitoring them remotely and allowing the organization to work on its own.
Cloud robotics and digital twin simulation are also on the rise, enabling organizations to create virtual factories and test performance on a trial basis. Moreover, due to the innovations in vision systems and edge computing, the ability of articulated robots will be further enhanced, which will enable precise control of tasks in glands and logistical industries.
Industry-Specific Growth and Emerging Sectors
While the automotive and electronics industries remain the largest users of articulated robots, new applications are emerging. 75% of stakeholders affirmed that these industries continue to lead in automation adoption due to their high production volumes and precision requirements. However, 54% of respondents pointed to an increase in robotic applications within healthcare, logistics, and pharmaceuticals.
Market Challenges and Adoption Barriers
Despite rapid advancements, challenges persist in articulated robot adoption. 67% of SMEs cited high initial investment costs as a major barrier. Many small and mid-sized enterprises struggle with the upfront costs and long ROI periods, which slow adoption rates.
Additionally, 49% of stakeholders expressed concerns over workforce displacement as automation replaces certain manual jobs. However, many industry experts highlighted the importance of reskilling programs to transition workers into roles related to robot maintenance, programming, and AI-driven automation.
Outlook and Investment Strategies
The industry outlook remains optimistic, with 74% of respondents planning to increase their investments in robotics over the next five years. The focus is shifting toward AI-powered, energy-efficient, and multi-functional robotic solutions. Moreover, 62% of respondents foresee an increased emphasis on sustainability, leading to the development of eco-friendly robotic systems with lower energy consumption.
Between 2025 and 2035, articulated robots will become more intelligent, cost-effective, and accessible, driving industrial transformation and unlocking new opportunities across multiple sectors.
Articulated robots are a prominent segment in the global industry; however, this exceptional growth rate is common across multiple payload categories of articulated robots, serving industrial sectors. The articulated robot segment with a payload capacity of up to 16 kg witnessed an impressive growth of 9% from 2020 to 2024. The segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% over the next decade.
Payload and Size: 16 kg and below robots are used in light manufacturing applications such as electronics assembly and small-scale material handling where precision, speed, and reliability are key factors. Capable of handling loads of 16 to 60 kg, these robots are used more frequently in industries where a mid-level payload is needed, including handling automotive components and precision engineering.
Heavy duty robots (60 to 225 kg payload) are used in metal fabrication, automotive assembly lines and large-scale manufacturing. Such robots are becoming more critical in high-throughput industries, which require strength and flexibility. Industrial robots are used in heavy industry, aerospace and shipbuilding where even larger loads of over 225kg must be handled with the utmost precision. (including AI-driven automation, real-time monitoring, and multi-purpose functions).
Articulated robots serve crucial roles in various industries, optimizing work processes and improving precision. The handling segment experienced a remarkable CAGR of 8.8% from 2020 to 2024. It is projected to continue its upward trajectory at a CAGR of 8.1% over the next decade. Handling is still the most common function with robots, companies optimize the transport of materials, packaging, and sorting processes, and reduce costs through consistency and labor.
The applications for welding are endless, especially in the automotive and metal fabrication industries, and robotic welding not only enhances quality and speed but also improves safety in the workplace. Industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and electronics that require accurate application of adhesives, coatings, or liquids are increasingly adopting dispensing robots, as well.
In recent years, robots specialized in SMT and precise assembly have fast become a necessity in sectors such as electronics and precision engineering, where they are transforming production lines with their precise handling of complex assembly processes with minimal error.
Other use cases, including inspection, quality control, and robotic painting, are also gaining traction - even as manufacturers look to automate an increasingly wider swath of industrial operations, minimizing downtime and improving output quality.
Articulated robots segment the industry by axis configurations which is implied to different levels of flexibility and complexity. Four-axis, three-axis or even two-axis IIoT-enabled robots are well suited for high-speed repetitive pick-and-place tasks in packaging and logistics as they offer enough versatility for simple motion without too much added complexity.
With advanced movement, five-axis robots are ideal for applications involving light assembly and handling, where a little more flexibility is needed. Six-axis or more robots comprise the lion's share of sales because their superior range of motion lends itself to demanding applications such as welding, painting and delicate assembly of electromechanical components.
As industries demand systems able to manage different processes in the same production environment, the move towards six-axis robots is not slowing down. Applying AI and machine learning to robotic control systems enables them to adapt to the constantly changing production needs, providing more flexibility within these systems.
Here we have the various elements making the articulated robot: The controller - its brain - combines AI-augmented algorithms with real-time processing for movement and task efficiency. The usage of innovative materials in the construction of robotic arms is resulting in the design of more lightweight and durable systems, improving their performance while reducing their dependency on energy.
The end effector is a component that can be most important in an application where the robot is constrained to a defined task where innovations within grippers, welding torches and dispensing nozzles have broadened the range of industries robots can now serve. The drive system provides smooth movement and improved power consumption, which is vital in performance-oriented use cases.
Sensors are integrated to improve safety, precision, and environmental awareness to allow robots to autonomously operate in dynamic environments. Communication modules are also helping improve performance as well as lower power consumption on articulated robots, boosting the adoption of these machines across the globe.
Different industries have been adapting articulated robots as they enhance efficiency, consistency, and innovation. Automotive and electronics manufacturing remain at the forefront of adoption, where industrial robots continue to dominate in welding, painting, material handling, and final assembly operations.
The electrical and electronics sector is one of the major sectors that utilizes robotic automation in assembly, circuit board manufacturing, and testing applications, where precision is a must. In chemicals, rubber, and plastics and the automation sector, articulated robots improve efficiency by automating processes like injection molding, material dispensing and quality control, reducing waste, and speeding up production and delivery.
The industry, which involves welding, cutting, and heavy material handling in the production of metal and machinery components, implements robotic solutions with performance characteristics that will withstand the rigors of large-scale manufacturing. Robots are being used in the food and beverage industry for packaging, sorting and handling food that promotes improved hygiene and efficiency.
Robotic automation is used by precision engineering and optics manufacturers for complex assembly and testing of expensive components. Robots help with precision drug manufacturing, packaging, and laboratory automation in order to ensure both regulatory compliance as well as consistent products in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry.
One of the factors supporting the growth of articulated robot industry over identified periods includes the increase of using articulated robots in another emerging industries such as logistics, aerospace and consumer goods.
The United States is witnessing steady growth in the articulated robot industry, driven by the increasing adoption of automation in automotive, electronics, and logistics industries. The push for smart manufacturing and Industry integration is accelerating robotic deployments across production lines. The rising demand for collaborative robots in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is further fueling industry expansion.
Additionally, government initiatives and tax incentives for automation investments are making robots more accessible to manufacturers. The USA is also seeing strong demand for AI-powered robots that optimize production efficiency and reduce operational costs. FMI opines that the United States sales of articulated robot demand will grow at nearly 7.5% through 2025 to 2035.
The United Kingdom’s articulated robot industry is expanding due to increasing investments in automation across automotive, aerospace, and precision engineering sectors. The shift towards digital manufacturing and smart factories is prompting companies to integrate robotics for enhanced efficiency and production accuracy.
With labor shortages and rising operational costs, businesses are increasingly turning to articulated robots for automation solutions. The UK’s focus on sustainability and energy-efficient robotics is also contributing to industry expansion. Additionally, the growing use of robots in the food and beverage sector for packaging and quality control is creating new growth avenues. FMI opines that the United Kingdom sales of articulated robot demand will grow at nearly 7.2% through 2025 to 2035.
Germany remains a leading hub for industrial automation, with articulated robots playing a crucial role in its advanced manufacturing sector. The country’s strong automotive industry continues to drive demand for robotic automation, particularly in welding, painting, and assembly processes. The expansion of Industry , along with government initiatives supporting automation, is propelling the industry forward.
Increasing adoption of collaborative robots (cobots) in SMEs is further strengthening industry growth. Additionally, Germany’s emphasis on precision engineering and high-quality manufacturing ensures sustained demand for high-performance robotic solutions. FMI opines that Germany’s sales of articulated robot demand will grow at nearly 7.8% through 2025 to 2035.
France is experiencing a steady rise in the adoption of articulated robots, driven by advancements in industrial automation across sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics. The country’s focus on smart manufacturing and AI-driven robotic systems is fostering greater investments in automation technologies. French manufacturers are increasingly deploying robots to improve efficiency and reduce dependency on manual labor.
The government’s push for digital transformation and sustainability in manufacturing is also supporting growth. Additionally, the food and beverage industry are emerging as a key adopter of robotic automation for packaging and quality control. FMI opines that France’s sales of articulated robot demand will grow at nearly 7.4% through 2025 to 2035.
Italy’s articulated robot industry is expanding due to the growing need for automation in the automotive, metal, and machinery industries. The country’s strong manufacturing base is increasingly integrating robotic systems to enhance production speed and efficiency. Rising labor costs and stringent quality control requirements are further accelerating robotic adoption.
Italian companies are investing in AI-powered robotic solutions to improve flexibility in production lines. Additionally, the rising use of robots in the pharmaceutical and food industries for packaging and dispensing applications is contributing to industry growth. FMI opines that Italy’s sales of articulated robot demand will grow at nearly 7.0% through 2025 to 2035.
Australia’s articulated robot industry is witnessing growth as industries embrace automation to combat labor shortages and enhance productivity. The mining, agriculture, and logistics sectors are driving significant demand for robotic automation. The rise of AI-driven automation in warehouse management and order fulfillment is further propelling adoption.
Australian manufacturers are also investing in articulated robots to streamline production in the food and beverage industry. Additionally, government-backed initiatives to promote Industry 4.0 and digital transformation are fostering industry expansion. FMI opines that Australia’s sales of articulated robot demand will grow at nearly 6.8% through 2025 to 2035.
New Zealand’s articulated robot industry is steadily growing, driven by the increasing adoption of automation in food processing, dairy, and logistics industries. The demand for robotic solutions in agricultural automation is also expanding as farms integrate advanced robotic systems for harvesting and packaging. The rise of AI-powered robots for warehouse operations and order fulfillment is another key trend shaping the industry.
New Zealand-based manufacturers are focusing on energy-efficient robotics to improve sustainability in production. The government’s support for automation and digital manufacturing initiatives is expected to boost robotic adoption. FMI opines that New Zealand’s sales of articulated robot demand will grow at nearly 6.5% through 2025 to 2035.
China remains the largest industry for articulated robots, driven by its rapidly expanding manufacturing sector and strong government support for automation. The country’s focus on industrial upgrading, smart factories, and AI-integrated robotics is leading to increased adoption across automotive, electronics, and heavy machinery industries. The growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is further boosting robotic automation in production lines.
China is also witnessing a surge in demand for collaborative robots to improve workplace safety and efficiency. With significant investments in robotics research and development, China is poised for rapid technological advancements. FMI opines that China’s sales of articulated robot demand will grow at nearly 9.5% through 2025 to 2035.
South Korea’s articulated robot industry is expanding rapidly due to strong demand from the electronics, automotive, and semiconductor industries. The country’s emphasis on smart manufacturing and AI-driven robotics is driving adoption across high-precision manufacturing processes. The rise of robotic automation in logistics and warehouse management is also contributing to industry growth.
South Korea’s major tech firms are investing heavily in advanced robotic solutions, including autonomous robots for industrial and service applications. The government’s initiatives to support AI-powered robotics development further reinforce the industry’s expansion. FMI opines that South Korea’s sales of articulated robot demand will grow at nearly 9.0% through 2025 to 2035.
Japan is a global leader in robotics, with articulated robots playing a crucial role in its advanced manufacturing ecosystem. The country’s strong presence in the automotive and electronics industries continues to drive robotic automation. Japan is also at the forefront of AI-powered robots, with increasing integration of machine learning and IoT in industrial automation.
The rise of humanoids and service robots is adding new dimensions to the industry. Additionally, Japan’s aging workforce is accelerating demand for collaborative robots that enhance workplace efficiency. FMI opines that Japan’s sales of articulated robot demand will grow at nearly 8.7% through 2025 to 2035.
India’s articulated robot industry is poised for rapid growth due to increasing automation adoption in manufacturing, logistics, and pharmaceuticals. The country’s booming e-commerce sector is driving demand for warehouse robotics and automated sorting solutions. The push for Make in India and Industry initiatives is accelerating investments in robotic automation. Indian manufacturers are increasingly leveraging AI-powered robots to enhace productivity and reduce operational costs.
The rise of collaborative robots in SMEs is another major trend fueling industry expansion. As automation becomes a key driver of industrial growth, India is set to emerge as a major hub for articulated robot deployment. FMI opines that India’s sales of articulated robot demand will grow at nearly 10.2% through 2025 to 2035.
The articulated robot industry falls under the industrial automation and robotics sector, which is a crucial part of the broader manufacturing and industrial technology industry. This industry is heavily influenced by global economic conditions, industrial production trends, labor industry dynamics, and advancements in automation technologies.
The macroeconomic environment for articulated robots is shaped by rising labor costs, workforce shortages, and increasing industrial automation across developed and emerging economies. Developed nations, particularly in Europe, North America, and East Asia, are focusing on Industry, integrating AI, IoT, and smart robotics to enhance productivity. Emerging economies such as India and China are rapidly adopting robotics to scale their manufacturing capabilities and improve efficiency.
The growth of electric vehicles (EVs), semiconductor manufacturing, and precision engineering is further fueling demand. Additionally, government incentives, tax breaks, and funding for automation and AI integration are providing financial support for robotic adoption. However, macroeconomic challenges such as inflation, supply chain disruptions, and trade restrictions can influence production costs and deployment rates.
The growing demand for automation across industries is expected to drive the articulated robot industry. Where the future growth will be is in the direction of Industry 4.0, AI-powered robotics, and collaborative automation.
The increasing use of precision manufacturings, electric vehicles (EVs), and semiconductor production have opened up new opportunities in deploying robots. Moreover, articulated robots are increasingly being adopted by food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and logistics sectors for improved productivity and operational efficiency.
Emerging economy countries like India, China and Southeast Asia offer great growth potential driven by increasing industrialization, government incentives and movement towards smart manufacturing. The need for low-payload robots in SMEs and high-payload robots in automotive and heavy industries is widening the scope for the industry. This trend offers innovation opportunities, as sustainability initiatives spur investment in energy-efficient robotics.
Robot manufacturers can invest in research and development (R&D) to advance in these sectors while concentrating on the incorporation of AI, machine learning, IoT for making operations more autonomous. Growth in emerging industries and partnerships with automation service providers will remain a key focus area.
Flexible financing models should also be provided by companies to promote SME adoption. Adopting a customer-centric strategy by delivering services post-purchase and tailored robotic solutions, on the other hand, will be integral for a continuous competitive edge in this changing landscape.
| Company | Market Share |
|---|---|
| FANUC Corporation | 25% |
| ABB Ltd. | 20% |
| Yaskawa Electric Corporation | 18% |
| KUKA AG | 15% |
| Kawasaki Heavy Industries | 10% |
| Mitsubishi Electric | 7% |
| Nachi-Fujikoshi Corporation | 5% |
| Others | 10% |
Key Developments in 2024
FANUC Corporation and NVIDIA Partnership
Development: FANUC partnered with NVIDIA to integrate AI-driven vision systems into its articulated robots for enhanced precision and adaptability in manufacturing.
ABB Ltd. Acquisition of Rethink Robotics
Development: ABB acquired Rethink Robotics to expand its portfolio of collaborative articulated robots, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Yaskawa Electric and Siemens Collaboration
Development: Yaskawa Electric collaborated with Siemens to develop integrated automation solutions combining articulated robots with Siemens' PLC systems.
KUKA AG and Amazon Robotics Partnership
Development: KUKA partnered with Amazon Robotics to deploy articulated robots in warehouse automation, focusing on e-commerce logistics.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Microsoft Azure Integration
Development: Kawasaki Heavy Industries integrated its articulated robots with Microsoft Azure IoT for real-time data analytics and predictive maintenance.
Rising automation adoption, advancements in AI and IoT, increasing labor costs, and demand from industries such as automotive, electronics, and logistics are key drivers of growth.
Sectors like automotive, electrical and electronics, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and precision engineering are expected to increase their use of these robots due to efficiency and productivity gains.
Innovations in AI-powered vision systems, machine learning, cloud computing, and collaborative robotics are improving precision, flexibility, and real-time monitoring, making these robots more effective across various applications.
Asia Pacific, especially China, Japan, and South Korea, is projected to lead in adoption, followed by North America and Europe, where industrial automation is evolving rapidly.
High upfront costs, complex integration processes, the need for skilled operators, and economic fluctuations pose significant challenges to the widespread adoption of these robots across industries.
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Articulated Robot Market
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