Collaborative Robot Market

Market Definition

Collaborative robots (cobots) involve the design, deployment, and operation of robotic systems that work safely alongside human operators, enabling shared tasks across diverse industrial and commercial environments. The market includes the global development, production, and integration of these systems in the automotive, electronics, healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing industries.

Collaborative Robot Market Overview

The global collaborative robot market size was valued at USD 1,654.3 million in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 2,011.3 million in 2025 to USD 9,240.7 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 24.34% during the forecast period. 

This growth is attributed to the rising adoption of collaborative robots across key end-use sectors such as automotive, electronics, healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing. Increasing demand for flexible, safe, and cost-efficient automation solutions is driving the integration of collaborative robots into both large-scale and small-to-medium-sized operations.

Major companies operating in the collaborative robot industry are Universal Robots A/S, Cobot, FANUC CORPORATION, TECHMAN ROBOT INC., KUKA AG, AUBO ROBOTICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD, Delta Electronics, Inc., LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION, Doosan Robotics Inc., ABB, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd, Yaskawa Electric Corporation, Comau S.p.A., DENSO Robotics, and Rethink Robotics, Inc.

The growing emphasis on worker safety, operational flexibility, and the need to address skilled labor shortages is fueling the market. Additionally, ongoing advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine vision, sensor technologies, and intuitive programming, combined with increasing investments from robotics companies and venture capital firms, are accelerating market development.

• In November 2024, Collaborative Robotics Inc. (Cobot) introduced Proxie, a two-armed AI-powered collaborative robot for real-world material handling. With hot-swappable batteries, swerve-drive mobility, adaptive vision, and flexible grasping, it supports continuous, safe operation. The robot has already been deployed in pilot programs with companies such as Maersk and Mayo Clinic, accumulating over 5,000 hours of operation.

Key Highlights

1. The collaborative robot industry size was valued at USD 1,654.3 million in 2024.
2. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 24.34% from 2025 to 2032.
3. Asia Pacific held a market share of 35.23% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 582.8 million.
4. The up to 5Kg segment garnered USD 782.8 million in revenue in 2024.
5. The material handling segment is expected to reach USD 3,420.5 million by 2032.
6. The pharmaceutical & healthcare segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR of 28.16% over the forecast period.
7. The market in Europe is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 24.84% through the forecast period.

Market Driver

Rising Adoption of Flexible Automation

The collaborative robot market is propelled by the rising adoption of flexible automation solutions aimed at enhancing operational agility and efficiency. Growing variability in production demands, shorter product life cycles, and increasing customization requirements are compelling manufacturers to seek automation systems that can be rapidly reconfigured and deployed across multiple tasks without extensive downtime or complex programming.

More companies are increasingly integrating collaborative robots into their workflows to address dynamic manufacturing needs while optimizing resource utilization and minimizing operational costs. This shift is further supported by the ability of collaborative robots to operate safely alongside human workers, enabling seamless human-robot collaboration that enhances overall productivity. 

The focus on scalable, adaptive automation is driving significant investments in collaborative robotics, enabling industries to maintain competitiveness in increasingly volatile and demand-driven markets, thereby accelerating market expansion.

• In April 2024, Delta Industrial Automation introduced its D-Bot Series collaborative robots at Hannover Messe, showcasing six models with payloads up to 30 kg and 1,800 mm reach. Featuring plug-and-play deployment, intuitive programming, and compatibility with EtherCAT, CODESYS, and Modbus, D-Bot supports smart factory transformations in applications like pick-and-place, palletizing, and welding. Delta also highlighted its broader smart manufacturing solutions in energy management, IIoT, packaging, and water treatment.

Market Challenge

Operational Limitations in Payload Capacity and Processing Speed

Operational limitations in payload capacity and processing speed pose significant challenges to the growth of the collaborative robot market. Collaborative robots are designed with strict safety parameters that inherently restrict their ability to handle heavy loads or operate at high speeds. 

These limitations reduce their suitability for tasks requiring rapid cycle times, high-force precision, or the manipulation of large or bulky components, particularly in heavy manufacturing and high-volume automotive production. Such performance constraints can deter companies seeking to automate complex or physically demanding operations, thereby narrowing the applications of collaborative robots.

Manufacturers are investing in the development of next-generation collaborative robots that combine enhanced payload capacities and faster operational speeds while maintaining rigorous safety standards. Advancements in force control algorithms, lightweight materials, and intelligent sensing technologies are enabling cobots to safely expand their functional range. 

Additionally, hybrid robotic systems that integrate collaborative and traditional industrial robot features are being explored to meet more demanding operational requirements.

• In May 2025, Universal Robots launched the UR15, its highest-speed collaborative robot, capable of 5 m/s speeds and handling payloads of 15 kg (up to 17.5 kg in specific orientations). Featuring OptiMove motion control and AI-enhanced PolyScope X software, it reduces cycle times by up to 40%, optimizing performance for fast-paced industrial tasks.

Market Trend

Increasing Integration of Automation in Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Operations

Advances in automation technologies are transforming healthcare and pharmaceutical operations, driving the adoption of collaborative robots for critical tasks that require both precision and human interaction. 

Cobots are being deployed in laboratory automation, pharmaceutical packaging, sterile compounding, diagnostics, and hospital logistics to streamline repetitive processes while maintaining stringent safety and quality standards. Their ability to work safely alongside healthcare professionals and laboratory staff enables efficient handling of delicate materials, reduces contamination risks, and ensures consistent outcomes essential for regulatory compliance. 

The growing complexity of pharmaceutical development, rising demand for high-throughput diagnostic testing, and the expansion of personalized medicine are fueling the need for scalable and flexible automation solutions.

Continuous innovations in force control, machine vision, and cleanroom-certified cobot designs are further enhancing their applicability in sensitive healthcare environments. The integration of collaborative robots is expected to play a critical role in reshaping healthcare and pharmaceutical workflows As these industries continue to prioritize efficiency, patient safety, and cost containment, thereby contributing to the sustained growth of the collaborative robot market. 

• In May 2024, Richtech Robotics, a provider of collaborative robotic solutions for the service industry, launched Medbot, an autonomous mobile robot for continuous medication delivery in hospitals. Its deployment supports streamlined hospital logistics, allowing medical staff to focus more on patient care. 

Collaborative Robot Market Report Snapshot

Segmentation	Details
By Payload Capacity	Up to 5Kg, Up to 10Kg, and Above 10Kg
By Application	Material Handling, Machine Tending, Assembly, Quality Testing & Inspection, and Others
By End-use Industry	Electronics & Semiconductors, Automotive, Metal & Machinery, Pharmaceutical & Healthcare, and Others
By Region	North America: U.S., Canada, Mexico
	Europe: France, UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe
	Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, India, Australia, ASEAN, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific
	Middle East & Africa: Turkey, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa
	South America: Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America

Market Segmentation

• By Payload Capacity (Up to 5Kg, Up to 10Kg, and Above 10Kg): The up to 5Kg segment earned USD 782.8 million in 2024, due to its widespread adoption in light-duty applications such as electronics assembly, material handling, and precision inspection tasks.
• By Application (Material Handling, Machine Tending, Assembly, Quality Testing & Inspection, and Others): The material handling segment held a market share of 35.32% in 2024, due to the growing demand for efficient, safe, and flexible automation of repetitive tasks such as packaging, palletizing, and parts transfer across diverse industries.
• By End-use Industry (Electronics & Semiconductors, Automotive, Metal & Machinery, Pharmaceutical & Healthcare, and Others): The electronics & semiconductors segment is projected to reach USD 3,732.7 million by 2032, owing to the increasing need for high-precision, contamination-free assembly, testing, and handling of delicate components in miniaturized electronic devices.

Collaborative Robot Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America.

Asia Pacific collaborative robot market share stood at around 35.23% in 2024, valued at USD 582.8 million. This dominance is attributed to the robust manufacturing sector, rapid industrial automation, and strong government support for advanced manufacturing initiatives in the region. 

Significant investments in smart factories, combined with rising labor costs and demographic shifts, are prompting companies to adopt collaborative robots to improve operational efficiency and address workforce shortages.

The strong presence of leading automotive, electronics, and semiconductor industries is accelerating the demand for flexible and precise automation solutions. Moreover, ongoing advancements in robotics technology, combined with increasing regional expertise in AI and machine vision integration, along with strategic partnerships and collaborations, are expanding the application scope of collaborative robots and driving sustained market growth across Asia Pacific.

• In February 2025, Doosan Robotics signed an MOU with Thailand’s VRNJ, a robotic system integrator in Thailand, to supply 300 collaborative robots over two years across Southeast Asia. Covering its A, H, M, and P-series models, the deployment aims to boost automation, productivity, and safety in industries such as parts finishing, palletizing, and inspection. This partnership strengthens Doosan’s position in the rapidly growing Southeast Asian automation market.

The collaborative robot industry in Europe is set to grow at a CAGR of 24.84% over the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the strong focus on workplace safety, advanced manufacturing standards, and growing demand for ergonomic automation solutions in the region. 

The need to address labor shortages, particularly in high-precision industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics is fueling the adoption of collaborative robots that can safely and efficiently operate alongside human workers. 

Government initiatives promoting Industry 4.0 adoption, sustainability, and smart manufacturing are further incentivizing companies to integrate flexible automation solutions into their production processes. Additionally, increased collaboration between industrial players, academic institutions, and technology providers is accelerating product development, customization, and deployment, thereby contributing to the sustained expansion of the market across Europe. 

Regulatory Frameworks

• In the European Union (EU), Directive 2006/42/EC (Machinery Directive) regulates the health and safety requirements for machinery including collaborative robot systems. It harmonizes essential health and safety standards (such as risk assessment, protective controls, and CE marking) to ensure safe design, construction, and deployment of cobots across member states.
• The International Organization for Standardization/Technical Specification 15066:2016 (ISO/TS 15066:2016) regulates the safety of collaborative robot systems operating in shared workspaces with humans. It provides detailed technical specifications for risk assessment, force and pressure limits, and safety control measures, ensuring safe physical interaction between humans and robots during collaborative tasks.
• The International Electro Technical Commission 61508:2010 (IEC 61508:2010) regulates the functional safety of electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic safety-related systems used in collaborative robots. It provides a framework for identifying and reducing functional safety risks through systematic analysis and design, ensuring reliable and safe operation of cobots in diverse applications.

Competitive Landscape

The collaborative robot industry comprises a diverse mix of established multinational robotics manufacturers and emerging technology innovators. These companies are focused on expanding their product portfolios and strengthening global reach through continuous technological advancement, strategic alliances, and targeted market expansion. 

Leading firms are investing significantly in research and development to improve cobot safety, precision, and ease of integration across a wide range of industrial and non-industrial applications. They are enhancing adaptability through advancements in AI, ML, and machine vision, enabling greater flexibility and responsiveness in complex, dynamic work environments. 

Additionally, many companies are developing cost-effective, user-friendly solutions tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), aiming to capture growing demand across automotive, electronics, healthcare, logistics, and general manufacturing sectors.

• In December 2024, Lam Research Corporation introduced Dextro, the semiconductor industry’s first collaborative robot for wafer fab maintenance. Mounted on a mobile cart, Dextro delivers sub-micron precision, reduces bolt-tightening errors, automates chamber cleaning, and improves uptime for tools like Lam’s Flex G and H etch systems.

List of Key Companies in Collaborative Robot Market:

• Universal Robots A/S
• Cobot
• FANUC CORPORATION
• TECHMAN ROBOT INC.
• KUKA AG
• AUBO ROBOTICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
• Delta Electronics, Inc.
• LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION
• Doosan Robotics Inc.
• ABB
• Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd
• Yaskawa Electric Corporation
• Comau S.p.A.
• DENSO Robotics
• Rethink Robotics, Inc.

Recent Developments (M&A/Partnerships/Agreements/Product Launches)

• In June 2025, Epson debuted its first industrial collaborative robot, the AX6-A901S, at Automatica 2025. Designed for human-machine collaboration, it targets manufacturing, logistics, and life sciences with clean-room compatibility, high precision, and Python-based programming, addressing the rising demand for safe and accurate automation.
• In November 2024, Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) launched the MC600, a mobile collaborative robot combining the MiR600 autonomous base with a payload capacity of 600 kg and Universal Robots’ UR20/UR30 arms for palletizing, box handling, and machine tending. With extended reach, unified MiR Go software, and industrial-grade durability, the MC600 delivers flexible, high-capacity material handling while enhancing productivity and reducing manual strain.
• In September 2024, Kawasaki Robotics introduced the CL Series collaborative robots at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), developed with NEURA Robotics. With payloads from 3 kg to 10 kg, ±0.02 mm repeatability, and IP66 protection, these cobots combine industrial-grade speed, precision, and safety for tasks like machine tending and welding.
• In May 2024, FANUC CORPORATION launched the CRX‑10iA/L Paint collaborative robot, the world’s first explosion-proof collaborative paint robot, at Automate Chicago. With a 10 kg payload, 1,418 mm reach, and ±0.04 mm repeatability, it offers safe, precise painting, powder coating, and gel coating in flammable environments, with simple programming and minimal maintenance.
• In November 2023, Universal Robots introduced the UR30, a compact collaborative robot with a 30 kg payload (upgradable to 35 kg via software) and 1,300 mm reach. Based on the UR20 platform, it handles heavy-duty tasks like machine tending, material handling, and screw driving, while its lightweight design allows flexible deployment across workstations.