Smart Robot Market

Market Definition

A smart robot is an autonomous or semi-autonomous machine equipped with sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and decision-making capabilities that enable it to perceive its environment, learn from data, and perform tasks with minimal human intervention. These robots can adapt to changing conditions, interact with humans or other machines, and are commonly used in manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and service industries.

Smart Robot Market Overview

The global smart robot market size was valued at USD 15.56 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 18.30 billion in 2025 to USD 64.72 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 19.77% during the forecast period. The market is driven by the rising demand for smart robots in the logistics sector, where smart robots enhance efficiency in sorting, packaging, and last-mile delivery processes. 

Additionally, the rise of e-commerce is promoting warehouses to adopt autonomous mobile robots that optimize space utilization and reduce turnaround times. The market is further driven by the growing use of smart robots in defense and security applications, including surveillance, bomb disposal, and the handling of hazardous materials.

Major companies operating in the smart robot industry are Boston Dynamics, SoftBank Robotics Group, FANUC CORPORATION, KUKA AG, ABB, Omron Corporation, Rethink Robotics, F&P Robotics AG, Hanson Robotics Ltd., KEENON Robotics Co., Ltd, iRobot Corporation, Vecna Robotics, PAL Robotics, NVIDIA Corporation, and Starship Technologies.

In healthcare, smart robots address critical needs such as precision in surgery, patient monitoring, and support in routine clinical tasks. Robots are assisting in minimally invasive procedures and improving accuracy while reducing recovery times, thereby fueling the market.

• According to the National Library of Medicines, over 10 billion robotic surgeries had been performed as of 2023, highlighting widespread clinical adoption and significantly driving the global demand for advanced surgical robotics.

Key Highlights:

1. The smart robot industry size was valued at USD 15.56 billion in 2024.
2. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.77% from 2025 to 2032.
3. Asia Pacific held a market share of 36.45% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 5.67 billion.
4. The hardware segment garnered USD 8.20 billion in revenue in 2024.
5. The service robots segment is expected to reach USD 32.48 billion by 2032.
6. The industrial robots segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 22.25% over the forecast period.
7. The manufacturing segment held a market share of 34.32% in 2024.
8. The market in Europe is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 20.03% through the forecast period.

Market Driver

Growing Demand for Automation in Manufacturing

The increasing demand for automation in the manufacturing sector is driving the smart robot market. The adoption of advanced robotic systems has increased as industries face mounting pressure to enhance productivity, reduce operational costs, and maintain consistent quality. 

Smart robots, equipped with sensors, AI algorithms, and ML capabilities, are revolutionizing manufacturing by enabling real-time decision-making, precision control, and adaptive performance in dynamic environments.

The growing emphasis on Industry 4.0 and smart factories is further accelerating the adoption of intelligent robotic systems. Governments and industry players are investing heavily in digital transformation initiatives, creating favorable conditions for the deployment of smart robots.

• According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), robot installations in the U.S. auto industry increased by 10.7% in 2024, reaching 13,700 units. This surge in robot installations is reflecting the automotive sector’s growing reliance on smart robots to enhance productivity and streamline manufacturing processes. 

Market Challenge

High Initial Costs of Deployment

High initial costs of deployment challenge the market growth, particularly for small and mid-sized enterprises. The expenses associated with advanced hardware, AI integration, sensor technologies, and system customization significantly raise the upfront investment in smart robots. 

Additionally, costs for infrastructure upgrades, employee training, and ongoing maintenance further increase the financial burden. These high entry barriers often delay adoption, limiting market penetration and making it difficult for businesses to justify the return on investment in the short term.

Companies are focusing on modular robot designs that allow businesses to scale capabilities as needed without large upfront investments. Manufacturers are offering robots through Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) models, enabling subscription-based access instead of full ownership. Additionally, they are simplifying integration with plug-and-play solutions and user-friendly software to reduce setup and training expenses.

Market Trend

Adoption of Collaborative Robots

The adoption of collaborative robots is becoming a prominent trend as manufacturers aim to enhance operational efficiency while maintaining workplace safety. These robots are designed to work alongside human operators, enhancing productivity while reducing workplace risks. Their ability to handle complex tasks such as assembly, material handling, and welding makes them ideal for sectors facing labor shortages or requiring high precision. 

Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating collaborative robots into smart production environments to enhance operational efficiency, improve product quality, and streamline repetitive tasks without compromising safety or flexibility.

• In February 2025, Delta Electronics launched its new D-Bot Collaborative Robots in India during ELECRAMA 2025. These 6-axis cobots, with payload capacities of up to 30 kg and high-speed performance, are aimed at enhancing productivity across sectors such as electronics assembly, packaging, materials handling, and welding. The move aligns with Delta’s broader strategy to promote smart manufacturing in India.

Smart Robot Market Report Snapshot

Segmentation	Details
By Component	Hardware, Software
By Type	Service Robots, Industrial Robots
By Mobility	Mobile Robots, Stationary Robots
By End-Use Industry	Manufacturing, Healthcare, Logistics & Warehousing, Agriculture, 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 Component (Hardware and Software): The hardware segment earned USD 8.20 billion in 2024, due to the rising integration of advanced sensors, actuators, and control systems.
• By Type (Service Robots and Industrial Robots): The service robots segment held 57.32% share of the market in 2024, due to their growing demand in healthcare, domestic assistance, and customer service applications.
• By Mobility (Mobile Robots and Stationary Robots): The mobile robots segment is projected to reach USD 36.79 billion by 2032, owing to their increased adoption in logistics, surveillance, and field operations.
• By End-Use Industry (Manufacturing, Healthcare, Logistics & Warehousing, and Agriculture): The healthcare segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 22.06% over the forecast period, due to the rising use of smart robots in surgery, patient care, and hospital automation.

Smart Robot Market Regional Analysis

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

Asia Pacific smart robot market share stood at around 36.45% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 5.67 billion. This dominance is attributed to the presence of leading automation manufacturers and the rapid integration of intelligent robotic solutions across core industrial sectors such as automotive manufacturing and electronics. 

The market benefits from significant investments by private players in advanced motion planning technologies that enhance operational efficiency in smart robotics. The region’s robust manufacturing base in automotive and electronics continues to boost the demand for scalable robotics capable of precise and collision-free performance. 

Additionally, players in the region are actively embedding technologies such as real-time control systems into their automation infrastructure. This technology advancement is further supporting the expansion of the market in the region. 

• In May 2024, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation B invested in Realtime Robotics to advance its AI-based motion planning and runtime control technologies for industrial robots. The funding aims to enhance real-time, collision-free robot coordination, enabling greater productivity and flexibility in automated systems. Mitsubishi Electric plans to integrate these capabilities into its factory automation hardware and digital twin solutions to improve operational continuity and response times, reinforcing its commitment to scalable and intelligent manufacturing technologies in the market.

The smart robot industry in Europe is set to grow at a robust CAGR of 20.03% over the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the rising adoption of smart robots across key sectors such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and food processing, where the need for precision, consistency, and efficiency is driving automation initiatives. 

Market players in the region are expanding their operations and strengthening their capabilities through strategic acquisitions and cross-border collaborations, which is allowing them to cater to complex regional demands with more flexible and intelligent robotic systems. Industries across Europe continue to automate repetitive and labor-intensive tasks while improving product quality, contributing to the regional market growth. 

Additionally, the market is benefiting from a well-established engineering base and strong emphasis on localized innovation, which is enabling the development of tailored robotic solutions for diverse applications across the region.

• In October 2024, Automated Industrial Robotics Inc. (AIR) acquired Ireland-based Robotics & Drives to strengthen its robotic integration capabilities and expand its presence in the European automation market. The acquisition enhances AIR’s offerings across sectors such as medical devices, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals. With added engineering talent and a larger automation footprint, AIR aims to deliver more customizable, scalable smart robotic solutions. This move also supports AIR’s broader growth strategy, integrating advanced robotics across its global operations.

Regulatory Frameworks

• In the U.S., the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) regulates the market by developing performance standards, safety protocols, and interoperability guidelines. It oversees testing frameworks for industrial and service robotics, ensuring compliance with cybersecurity, AI transparency, and human-machine collaboration, while supporting innovation through public-private partnerships and technical guidance.
• In China, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) governs the market by setting national standards for manufacturing, safety, and AI integration. It oversees robotics R&D, industrial policy alignment supporting domestic production, export regulations, and the secure use of intelligent robotic technologies in key industries.
• In India, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) oversees regulations and frames policies for industrial robotics under the Make in India initiative. It works with standards bodies to ensure safety, localization, and IP protection, while coordinating with ministries to regulate import-export norms and encourage R&D investments in automation and smart robotics.
• In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulates the market by enforcing workplace safety laws and risk management related to robotic systems. It ensures that smart robots deployed in industries meet health, environmental, and operational safety standards, and works with international bodies to develop guidance on human-robot interaction and automation compliance.

Competitive Landscape

Major players in the smart robot industry are focusing on strategic acquisitions of specialized automation firms to strengthen capabilities in precision robotics and expand product offerings. They are entering high-growth sectors such as medical devices, advanced batteries, and manufacturing to diversify applications to boost global reach. They are targeting strategic markets across Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. 

Additionally, players are integrating operational and information technologies to develop seamless and end-to-end automation systems that improve productivity and real-time decision-making for customers.

• In September 2024, Hitachi acquired the Germany-based MA micro automation to expand its presence in the global smart automation market. The company will operate under JR Automation, enhancing its capabilities in high-precision robotics for medical, battery, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

List of Key Companies in Smart Robot Market:

• Boston Dynamics
• SoftBank Robotics Group
• FANUC CORPORATION
• KUKA AG
• ABB
• Omron Corporation
• Rethink Robotics
• F&P Robotics AG
• Hanson Robotics Ltd.
• KEENON Robotics Co., Ltd
• iRobot Corporation
• Vecna Robotics
• PAL Robotics
• NVIDIA Corporation
• Starship Technologies

Recent Developments (M&A/ Product Launch)

• In February 2025, Rockwell Automation acquired Canada-based Clearpath Robotics and its industrial division, OTTO Motors, to enhance its autonomous mobile robot capabilities. The integration aims to support smart manufacturing by embedding intelligent logistics and material handling into its automation portfolio.
• In September 2024, Samsung Electronics introduced its AI-powered companion robot Ballie at IFA 2024 in Berlin, demonstrating advanced capabilities in mobility, natural language interaction, projection, and smart home control. Ballie assists with daily tasks, interacts emotionally, and supports elderly & pet care, reflecting the growing demand for personal smart robotics in consumer environments.