Articulated Robots Become Cornerstone of Industry 4.0 Transformation

 

The global articulated robot market is undergoing a dynamic transformation, driven by increased automation across industries and rapid technological advancements. According to the latest market intelligence, the articulated robot market, valued at US$ 17.3 billion in 2022, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9% to reach US$ 38.3 billion by 2031.

 

Market Overview

An articulated robot is an industrial robot equipped with rotary joints, mimicking the motion of a human arm. These robots are highly flexible and are widely adopted in sectors requiring high precision and productivity—such as automotive, electronics, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and logistics. Their ability to perform repetitive, complex tasks efficiently is enhancing quality, throughput, and workplace safety.

 

Market Drivers & Trends

1. Surge in Industrial Automation:
Industries are increasingly investing in automation to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and address labor shortages. Articulated robots have become central to this trend, especially in manufacturing, where they are used for assembly, painting, welding, and material handling.

2. Workplace Safety Regulations:
Governments across the globe are enforcing strict workplace safety laws. Articulated robots minimize the need for human workers in hazardous environments, thereby promoting safety and compliance.

3. Rise of Third-party Logistics (3PL):
The booming e-commerce industry is propelling demand for automated 3PL operations. Articulated robots are essential in warehouse automation—streamlining tasks such as sorting, palletizing, and storage.

 

Latest Market Trends

• Miniaturization & Flexibility: Innovations such as ABB's IRB 1010—a compact articulated robot with high payload accuracy—are allowing deployments in constrained spaces and new sectors like wearables manufacturing.
• AI and IoT Integration: Robotics integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) are boosting productivity by enabling predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and adaptive task handling.
• Customization for SMEs: Manufacturers are tailoring robot solutions to meet the specific needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially in emerging markets such as Eastern and Central Europe.

 

Key Players and Industry Leaders

The articulated robot market features prominent players with robust global footprints. Notable companies include:

• ABB
• FANUC Corporation
• YASKAWA Electric Corporation
• KUKA AG
• Honeywell International Inc.
• Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
• Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd.
• Omron Corporation
• Schneider Electric
• Zebra Technologies
• Locus Robotics
• JAKA Robotics

These players are continually expanding their product portfolios, investing in R&D, and forming strategic alliances to strengthen their market position.

 

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Recent Developments

• October 2022: ABB introduced IRB 1010, the smallest articulated robot in its portfolio, targeting wearables and electronic component assembly.
• May 2022: KUKA AG entered the medical robotics segment by partnering with Restoration Robotics for the ARTAS iX System, an automated hair restoration platform.
• 2017: Seiko Epson launched compact 6-axis robots (N6, VT6) and T6 SCARA robots, aimed at compact factory environments.

 

Market Opportunities

The articulated robot market presents several lucrative opportunities:

• Emerging economies such as India, Brazil, and Poland are increasingly investing in manufacturing automation.
• Healthcare and food & beverage industries are witnessing significant uptake due to hygiene requirements and labor shortages.
• Flexible automation solutions for small-batch manufacturing are opening up new frontiers for robot deployment.

 

Future Outlook

Analysts forecast sustained growth in the articulated robot market driven by:

• Continuous technological advancements in AI-powered robotics
• Expanding applications across new verticals like healthcare and agriculture
• Government support for automation and digitalization initiatives (e.g., China’s "Made in China 2025")

Asia Pacific is expected to exhibit the fastest growth during the forecast period, thanks to its expanding industrial base, strong government backing, and growing warehouse automation needs.

 

Market Segmentation

By Offering:

• Hardware
• Software
• Services

By Payload:

• Up to 25 Kg
• 26–50 Kg
• 51–75 Kg
• 76–100 Kg
• 100–200 Kg
• Above 200 Kg

By Application:

• Palletizing & Depalletizing
• Loading & Unloading
• Sortation & Storage
• Assembly & Dispensing
• Others (e.g., Packaging, Replenishment)

By End-use Industry:

• Food & Beverage
• Automotive
• FMCG
• Pharmaceuticals
• Chemicals
• Metal & Machinery
• Electronics & Semiconductor
• Retail
• 3PL
• Others (Healthcare, Petrochemicals, etc.)

 

Regional Insights

• North America:
  In 2022, North America held the largest market share (37.72%). The U.S. is spearheading the Fifth Industrial Revolution with significant investments in smart factories and warehouse automation.
• Asia Pacific:
  Expected to register the highest CAGR, driven by strong government support, growing demand in logistics, and local tech innovations. Initiatives like ‘Made in China 2025’ and government subsidies for domestic robotic firms are key growth enablers.
• Europe:
  Countries like Poland are rapidly transforming their manufacturing landscapes, creating fresh demand for robotic automation tailored to SMEs.

 

Why Buy This Report?

• In-depth analysis of market dynamics, trends, and growth drivers
• Detailed segmentation and regional breakdown
• Competitive landscape featuring leading players and recent developments
• Insights into investment opportunities and emerging technologies
• Coverage of quantitative and qualitative factors shaping the market

This report serves as a vital resource for investors, manufacturers, distributors, and policy makers seeking actionable insights into the global articulated robot market.

 

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