Collaborative Robot Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Payload Capacity (Up To 5kg, Up To 10kg, Above 10kg), By Application, By Industry Vertical, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Collaborative Robot Market Size & Trends

The global collaborative robot market size was estimated at USD 2.14 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 31.6% from 2025 to 2030. The market growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for automation across a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, and logistics. Companies are seeking cost-effective and flexible automation solutions to increase productivity and reduce human errors. Collaborative robots or cobots offer a unique advantage by working alongside humans, enhancing efficiency without the need for expensive safety barriers. This factor is encouraging wider adoption of cobots across various industries which is expected to further fuel the market growth in the coming years.

Collaborative robots (cobots) offer a higher return on investment (ROI) than traditional industrial robots, making them attractive for businesses of all sizes. The lower upfront costs associated with cobots, along with their ease of programming and deployment, allow companies to quickly realize financial benefits. This factor is particularly appealing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which may have limited budgets but seek automation solutions that enhance productivity without significant capital expenditure.

In addition, advancements in technology are propelling the growth of the collaborative robot market. The growing proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and the integration of 5G technology are enhancing the capabilities of cobots. These technologies enable cobots to perform complex tasks with greater accuracy and efficiency while also improving their ability to work alongside human operators safely, thereby boosting market expansion.

The emphasis on workplace safety has become a critical driver for adopting collaborative robots. Cobots are designed with built-in safety features that allow them to operate safely alongside humans without the need for extensive safety barriers. This capability not only enhances worker safety but also improves ergonomics by taking over physically demanding or monotonous tasks, thereby reducing the risk of injury among employees. This trend is expected to further boost the market growth in the coming years.

Moreover, the market is witnessing increased adoption across diverse industries such as automotive, electronics, healthcare, and food processing. Each sector recognizes the potential benefits of integrating cobots into their operations-whether it’s improving assembly line efficiency in automotive manufacturing or enhancing quality control processes in electronics production. This broad applicability is driving market growth ascompanies seek tailored automation solutions that fit their specific needs.

Payload Capacity Insights

The up to 5kg segment accounted for the largest market share of over 43% in 2024. The growth is attributable to the increasing demand for enhanced in-building wireless connectivity catalyzed by the burgeoning number of smartphone users and data-intensive applications. As buildings become smarter and more connected, the requirement for seamless indoor Payload Capacity has become paramount. Indoor DAS solutions address these needs by providing reliable wireless Payload Capacity within these buildings.

The above 10kg segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2030, driven by driven by the growing demand for collaborative robots capable of handling heavier tasks. These cobots are essential for applications that require high precision and reliability in managing bulky components, such as in automotive assembly and metalworking processes. The adoption of above 10kg collaborative robots is expected to surge as industries seek to improve operational efficiency and reduce manual labor risks associated with heavy lifting. This trend reflects a broader shift towards automation in sectors that require robust solutions for heavy-duty applications, which is further expected to propel the segment’s growth significantly in the coming years.

Application Insights

The assembly segment accounted for the largest market share in 2024, driven by the increasing adoption of collaborative robots (cobots) for tasks such as nut driving, bolting, and part fitting. This growth is largely attributed to the rising demand for automation in various industries, particularly in automotive and electronics manufacturing, where cobots enhance productivity and reduce the risk of workplace injuries. This trend is expected to significantly contribute to the segmental growth.

The gluing & welding segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2030. This growth can be attributed to the growing need for automation in the logistics and manufacturing sectors. The rise of e-commerce has significantly increased the demand for efficient material handling solutions, where pick and place operations are critical. As companies continue to seek ways to enhance productivity and reduce operational costs, the adoption of cobots in pick and place applications is projected to surge, positioning this segment for substantial growth in the coming years.

Industry Vertical Insights

The automotive segment dominated the market in 2024, owing to its extensive adoption of automation technologies. Collaborative robots are particularly valuable in this sector for tasks such as assembly, welding, and painting, where they enhance productivity and ensure precision. The ability of cobots to work alongside human operators without extensive safety barriers allows automotive manufacturers to optimize workflows while reducing production downtime and costs. Furthermore, the automotive industry's continuous push for innovation and efficiency further drives the demand for collaborative robots, solidifying their role as essential tools in modern manufacturing environments, thereby driving segmental growth.

The electronics segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2030. This growth can be attributed to the increasing complexity of electronic manufacturing processes that require high precision and repeatability. Collaborative robots excel in tasks such as dispensing, labeling, and assembly of intricate components, which are critical in the electronics industry. Additionally, ongoing advancements in cobot technology-such as improved sensors and AI capabilities-enable these robots to handle more sophisticated tasks efficiently.

Regional Insights

The collaborative robots market in North America accounted for a significant revenue share in 2024. The growth can be attributed to the high labor costs and a strong emphasis on workplace safety. Companies are increasingly adopting collaborative robots to enhance productivity while ensuring compliance with safety regulations. The region's advanced manufacturing sector, particularly in automotive and electronics, also contributes to the rising demand for automation solutions, making collaborative robots an attractive option for improving operational efficiency.

U.S. Collaborative Robot Market Trends

The U.S. collaborative robots market held a dominant position in 2024. Government support for automation through various initiatives is fostering growth in the U.S. market. Programs aimed at promoting industrial automation and technological innovation provide businesses with the resources and incentives needed to invest in robotic solutions. This support is critical for driving the evolution of robotics within the U.S. economy.

Europe Collaborative Robot Market Trends

The European collaborative robots is expected to grow at the significant CAGR of over 30% from 2025 to 2030, driven by government initiatives promoting industrial automation and sustainability. The region's focus on Industry 4.0 technologies encourages manufacturers to integrate collaborative robots into their processes, which is expected to further stimulate market growth.

The UK collaborative robot market is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, driven by a growing emphasis on innovation and productivity enhancement across various industries. The government's support for advanced manufacturing technologies promotes investment in automation solutions, including collaborative robots, which are increasingly seen as essential for maintaining competitive advantage in global markets.

The collaborative robot market in Germany held a substantial market share in 2024. Germany’s commitment to enhancing wireless infrastructure and the rapid deployment of 5G networks is boosting the market growth. DAS rollouts are becoming more crucial to cater to the increasing demand for uninterrupted high-speed mobile data services across commercial spaces, healthcare establishments, and educational campuses, thereby driving market growth in coming years.

Asia Pacific Collaborative Robot Market Trends

The collaborative robots market in the Asia Pacific region accounted for the largest revenue share of over 38% in 2024. The increasing growth of the manufacturing industry in countries of the region, such as China and Japan, and heavy investments in automation to maintain competitive advantages are driving the market growth.

The Japan collaborative robots market is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, characterized by its advanced robotics technology and high levels of automation in industries such as automotive and electronics. The country's aging workforce drives the need for more efficient production methods, leading to increased investment in collaborative robots that can work alongside human operators safely and effectively.

The collaborative robots market in China held a substantial market share in 2024. The growth of the market can be attributed to the increasing demand for cost-effective automation solutions and the rise of e-commerce logistics. Furthermore, the shift towards high-tech manufacturing under initiatives such as China's "Made in China 2025" policy enhances the adoption of collaborative robots across various sectors, thereby driving regional growth.

Key Collaborative Robot Company Insights

Some of the key players operating in the market include ABB Group, and KUKA AG.

• ABB Group operates in power, robotics, and automation technology. It has four business divisions, including electrification products, discrete automation and motion, process automation, and power grids. The company’s product offering includes a series of collaborative robots such as YuMi, GoFa, and SWIFTI. It has a vast geographic presence across North America, South America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa.

• KUKA AG is a German supplier of intelligent automation solutions, involved in the development, production, and sales of industrial robots, controllers, and related software. The company specializes in industrial robotics, service robotics, automation, software, and controllers. Its major business units include KUKA Industries, KUKA Robotics, KUKA Systems, and Swisslog.

Energid Technologies Corporation and Fanuc Corporation are some of the emerging participants in the Collaborative Robots market.

• Energid Technologies Corporation (acquired by Teradyne, Inc. cis a prominent developer of advanced robotic systems and related software. The company emphasizes its services to the aerospace, agricultural, industrial, transportation, defense, and medical markets. Energid’s patented software solution is referred to as Actin, developed especially for commercial, industrial, and mission-oriented robots.

• Fanuc Corporation is a provider of automation products as well as services such as robots, robot machines, computerized numerical control (CNC), servo motors, and laser products. It emphasizes the production and selling of robots & robotic products and CNC on a wide scale.

Recent Developments

• In September 2024, ABB Robotics (ABB Group) launched its new Ultra Accuracy feature for the GoFa collaborative robot family, achieving over ten times greater path accuracy than other cobots on the market, with a precision of 0.03 mm. This advancement addresses the growing demand for high precision in industries such as electronics, automotive, aerospace, and metal fabrication, where exact positioning is crucial for maintaining product quality. 

• In July 2024, KUKA launched the “LBR iisy”, a collaborative robot designed to make robotics accessible to users with no prior experience. This innovative robot emphasizes simplicity, featuring a straightforward setup process that allows for quick unboxing and commissioning, even for those with minimal technical expertise.

• In March 2024, At MODEX 2024, Schneider Electric unveiled its new line of collaborative robots, including the Lexium RL 3 and RL 12 models, with the Lexium RL 18 set to launch later this year. These robots are designed for high-speed motion and can control up to 130 axes from a single processor, addressing challenges in production flexibility and sustainability for manufacturers.

Collaborative Robots Market Report Scope

Global Collaborative Robot Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest Application trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global collaborative robots market report based on payload capacity, application, industry vertical, and region:

• Payload Capacity Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Up to 5Kg

  • Up to 10Kg

  • Above 10Kg

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Assembly

  • Pick & Place

  • Handling

  • Packaging

  • Quality Testing

  • Machine Tending

  • Gluing & Welding

  • Others

• Industry Vertical Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Automotive

  • Food & Beverage

  • Furniture & Equipment

  • Plastic & Polymers

  • Metal & Machinery

  • Electronics

  • Pharma

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Australia

    • Japan

    • India

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE