Pharmaceutical Robots Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Traditional Robots, Collaborative Robots), By Application (Picking & Packaging), By End-use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Pharmaceutical Robots Market Size & Trends

The global pharmaceutical robots market size was estimated at USD 199.6 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.8% from 2023 to 2030. The high costs of new drug discovery and the rising need for automation in manufacturing units are significantly boosting the demand for robotics in drug discovery, clinical trials, and laboratories to automate procedures. In addition, key companies are introducing technologically advanced robotic machines, resulting in significant market growth. For instance, in March 2021, Sepro Group, a manufacturer of Cartesian robots, launched the MED series, a new range of robots for medical and pharmaceutical industries. It offers the MED series for 3-, 5-, or 6-axis robots. With growing demand for accuracy, efficiency, and faster turnaround times, the adoption of automation and robotics has become more prevalent. The need for pharmaceutical drug inspection is expected to substantially grow in regions such as Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe.

Robotic automation has become a popular solution to tackle monotonous tasks, allowing employees to focus on more important responsibilities. In addition, automation helps in adhering to quality control standards and stringent regulations, as it can ensure accurate and consistent processing, which minimizes the risk of human error & contamination. By automating repetitive tasks such as assembling medical devices, packaging medication, and handling samples, productivity & efficiency can be enhanced, allowing employees to focus on critical areas, including R&D, and increasing production volume & overall efficiency. For instance, Medtronic, AMGEN, and others are utilizing Collaborative Robots (Cobots) for different processes in manufacturing facilities.

Robotics play a significant role in the pharmaceutical industry. It is used in several activities, such as packaging medical devices and implants. Moreover, collaborative robotic arms are employed in mixing, counting, dispensing, and inspecting to ensure reliable results for essential business products. The manufacturing sector has observed an increase in efficiency due to automation. Large and small enterprises leverage technological advancements to address workforce shortages, quality assurance, and consistency. Using robotics and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) enables facilities to maintain a competitive edge and flexibility. Many emerging startups are working on solutions for the pharmaceutical sector. For instance, Addverb Technologies Limited (Warehouse Management), Strateos (Robotic Cloud Lab), Maalex (End Of Arm Tooling Solution), AiRO Digital Labs (Pharmacovigilance Automation), and SensoVision (Automated Quality Inspection) are engaged in developing robotic solutions for pharmaceuticals.

Furthermore, pharmaceutical companies have found it challenging to use traditional industrial robots due to their high cost, intricate programming, and bulky size. As a solution, collaborative robots have been developed as viable options. The increasing preference for automation and the launch of new robots have resulted in an increase in the adoption of collaborative robots over traditional robots, thereby contributing to market growth. For instance, in May 2021, Universal Robots introduced an upgraded UR10e with an increased payload capacity of 12.5 kg, creating new opportunities for applications including palletizing, machine tending, and packaging.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The industry growth stage is medium, and the pace of growth is accelerating

The market for pharmaceutical robots has recently observed significant advancements in robot technology & personalized medicine, industrial advancements in autonomous driving, and air mobility for next-gen AI robots. Recently, the European Union launched Horizon Europe, a research and innovation program with a budget of USD 100.7 billion, for the period from 2021 to 2027. Its main objective is to boost scientific & technological advancements in the EU, increase innovation capacity, create job opportunities, and address citizens’ priorities while preserving socioeconomic models & values.

The pharmaceutical robots market is characterized by a high level of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) by leading players. Strategic initiatives adopted by key players, such as partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions, are expected to drive the demand for pharmaceutical robots in the market, enabling companies to accelerate product development, improve operational efficiency, and gain a larger share of the market. For instance, in February 2023, NYC Health + Hospitals bought Parata Max 2 High-Speed, Vial Filling Robot. This new machine enhances pharmacy workflow and fills more than 266,000 prescriptions annually.

Regulations play a major role in ensuring manufacturers follow good manufacturing practices, quality control, and premarket approval. Robotic automation is subjected to various regulatory guidelines. Automation ensures that stringent regulations and quality control standards are met as it can ensure consistent and accurate processing, which minimizes the risk of human error & contamination. The Industrial Robot Safety Standard, a uniform regulation developed by the U.S. and Canada, showcases safety guidelines for collaborative robots in pharmaceuticals.

Manufacturers are involved in continuous product expansion and improvements in robotics and artificial intelligence technology, which enables the development of more sophisticated pharmaceutical robots. For instance, in September 2023, ABB announced an investment of USD 280 million to expand its manufacturing facility in Europe and establish a new ABB Robotics European Campus in Vasteras, Sweden. This campus is expected to act as the focal point for the company’s European offerings, encompassing artificial intelligence-enabled industrial & collaborative robots.

Several market players are expanding their businesses by entering new regions to strengthen their market position and expand their product portfolios. The rapid launch of new products creates more opportunities for market players to enter new regions.For instance, in February 2024, OMRON Automation expanded its robotics portfolio in India by introducing the TM S series cobots. It features expanded safety & faster joints, making it an ideal solution for enhancing efficiency.

Product Insights

The traditional robots segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest share of 63.1% in 2023. The segment is further divided into articulated, SCARA, delta/parallel, cartesian robots, and dual-arm robots. These products have various industrial automation applications, including loading & unloading, pick & place material handling, palletizing & depalletizing, and packaging & storing. Manufacturers are involved in launching new products in the segment. For instance, in June 2022, FANUC launched three new variants of SCARA robots-SR-3iA/U ceiling mount, SR-3iA/C, and SR-6iA/C. These new variants have enhanced assembly, pick & place, inspection, and packaging capabilities. Furthermore, traditional robots are involved in retrieving, product placement, stacking, cutting, scribing, sorting, process-to-process transferring, and precision spot welding, which positively contribute to segment growth.

The collaborative robot segment is anticipated to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. These machines are cheaper & easier to handle and maintain than traditional solutions. They are also lightweight and require minimum skills to handle, which is revolutionizing manufacturing units. They work alongside humans, unlike traditional robots that are used to substitute for them. Furthermore, market players are implementing various strategies, such as launching new collaborative robots. For instance, in February 2023, ABB launched its new SWIFTI CRB 1300 collaborative robot, which has advanced features such as pick-and-place and palletizing. The robot’s load-handling capacity has also been increased to up to 11 kg, which is a significant improvement on its predecessor.

Application Insights

The picking and packaging segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest share of 54.7% in 2023 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Robots facilitate high precision & efficiency and help manage material handling challenges. Pick-and-place allows the conservation of floor space due to the need for a limited work envelope, leading to optimum workspace utilization. For instance, Epson RS4, manufactured by Seiko Epson Corporation, is used for picking and packaging in the pharmaceutical industry. In addition, the RightPick robotic piece-picking system consistently picks products quickly and accurately. Moreover, cobots are widely used for picking and packaging in the pharmaceutical industry owing to the growing need for these applications and the lack of skilled labor in the market.

The laboratory application segment is expected to significantly grow over the forecast period, owing to the rise in drug discovery and diagnostic testing. In addition, laboratory automation through robotic machines minimizes the potential for human contamination. For instance, MYS850L, developed by YASKAWA Europe GmbH, facilitates laboratory automation. Other laboratory applications include vial handling. Robots can handle 10 vials at a time. Thus, pharmaceutical robots used in laboratories help improve the efficiency and quality of the products with high throughput analysis. Thus, this segment is expected to witness considerable growth over the forecast period. For instance, in December 2022, Insilico Medicine (Insilico), an AI-driven drug discovery company, introduced Life Star, a 6^th generation Intelligent Robotics Drug Discovery Laboratory in Suzhou BioBAY Industrial Park. It performs compound screening, target discovery, translational research, and precision medicine development.

End-use Insights

The pharmaceutical companies segment accounted for the largest market share of 67.6% in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The rising application of robotics in pharmaceutical manufacturing helps reproduce and repeat while reducing human errors. For instance, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited automated its order pickup line by collaborating with SKDK automation and FANUC CR-15iA, making the packaging & picking line workload comfortable for workers. Moreover, the rise in the demand for new drugs has led to an increase in the adoption of automated equipment by pharmaceutical companies, thereby increasing productivity.

The adoption of pharmaceutical robots is increasing in research laboratories owing to the growing usage of robots in these facilities. Laboratory automation has facilitated rapid test analysis and revolutionized the R&D sector. In addition, robots offer benefits in laboratory applications, such as better recordkeeping, higher consistency, traceability, and product integrity. Various initiatives undertaken by public & private players to promote automation, growing investments, and the rising demand for efficient workflow management in research laboratories are among the key factors boosting the adoption of pharmaceutical robot solutions and aiding market growth. For instance, in June 2022, Insilico Medicine, an AI-driven drug discovery company, received USD 60 million in funding from a syndicate of global investors to launch an AI-powered drug discovery robotics laboratory and enhance the product pipeline.

Regional Insights

The North America pharmaceutical robots market held a significant revenue share in 2023 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 11.3% owing to the well-established healthcare infrastructure contributing to the increasing demand for collaborative robots in the pharmaceutical industry. Moreover, North America is among the first regions to adopt pharmaceutical collaborative robot solutions. Robots are being increasingly used in various applications in the pharmaceutical industry due to rapid advancements in robotics technology and increased flexibility. For instance, in May 2023, Elite Robots launched the C S620 cobot at the EASTEC trade show in West Springfield, Massachusetts. The cobot is a part of the company's CS series, built on an advanced software infrastructure featuring a modular graphical user interface that supports Python scripting language. In addition, the CS series is rated for ISO Class 5 cleanrooms, making it ideal for industries that require a high level of hygiene, such as pharmaceuticals & electronics.

U.S. Pharmaceutical Robots Market Trends

The pharmaceutical robots market in the U.S. held the largest share of North America market in 2023. This growth can be attributed to the presence of well-established healthcare infrastructure, growing government initiatives, and rising healthcare spending on healthcare technology. Increasing funding and rising awareness regarding the benefits of robots in healthcare are expected to positively impact the market. For instance, in July 2023, Collaborative Robotics, a San Francisco-based startup, secured USD 30 million in Series A funding. The company was aiming to utilize the funds raised to scale early field deployments and manufacture its innovative collaborative robots. This funding would help the company gain prominence and is expected to fuel its growth in the market.

The pharmaceutical robots market in Canada is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Rising healthcare expenditure and the presence of key market players in the country aid in driving growth. For instance, as per the data published by Canada Institute of Health Information in November 2023, total healthcare spending in Canada was estimated to reach USD 344 billion or USD 8,740 per capita by 2023. Furthermore, favorable government initiatives and increasing funding for robots in the pharmaceutical industry are contributing to market growth. For instance, in November 2022, the Canadian government invested USD 30 million in Sanctuary Cognitive Systems Corporation, a Vancouver-based AI and robotics company, to develop human-like intelligence in robots to complete physical tasks in the healthcare industry. These factors are anticipated to fuel the market growth over the forecast period.

Europe Pharmaceutical Robots Market Trends

The pharmaceutical robots market in Europe is anticipated to grow significantly during the forecast period. The region is expected to grow at a lucrative rate during the forecast period due to the presence of skilled professionals and well-established healthcare infrastructure. The data released in 2024 by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) revealed that Germany is one of the leading countries in the world in terms of the number of robots per employee. The country had approximately 415 robot units for every 10,000 employees in 2023. This has led to a significant rise in the demand for pharmaceutical robots in various parts of Europe.

The pharmaceutical robots market in Germany is anticipated to grow at a considerable rate during the forecast period. The growing emphasis on laboratory automation is expected to boost the adoption of pharmaceutical robots in the country as they enhance work efficiency & accuracy as well as help eliminate human errors more effectively than traditional machinery, which is expected to fuel market growth. For instance, in May 2021, SESTO Robotics, a prominent Singaporean company specializing in AMRs, ventured into the market in Europe. This expansion was made possible through a collaboration with Baumüller, an automation expert based in Germany. Together, they aim to introduce SESTO’s premier AMR, SESTO Magnus, in German, Austrian, and Swiss markets. SESTO became the first robotics company from Singapore to provide solutions for intelligent manufacturing within Europe. The expansion is expected further to boost the adoption of pharmaceutical robots in the region.

The UK pharmaceutical robots market is anticipated to grow considerably during the forecast period. The growth can be attributed to an increase in the adoption of robots in the pharmaceutical industry due to their precision, cleanroom-grade operating capabilities, and ability to work around the clock. Moreover, Western manufacturing faces a significant setback due to a severe labor shortage. The UK is experiencing its most substantial labor shortage in three decades, caused by multiple factors such as Brexit, the impact of COVID-19, low wages, a rapidly aging population, and a lack of technological skills.Manufacturers are increasingly investing in developing and expanding innovative technologies to overcome these challenges. For instance, in November 2022, Shadow Robot, a UK-based company, designed and developed the Haptic Telerobot to perform intricate tasks in the sterile manufacturing of drugs and vaccines.

Asia Pacific Pharmaceutical Robots Market Trends

The pharmaceutical robots market in Asia Pacific held the largest share of 66.7% in 2023. This can be attributed to the presence of a large number of local pharmaceutical companies in countries, such as Japan & India, and various emerging robotics startups developing innovative medical technologies that optimize patient care, enhance healthcare delivery, and reduce costs. Furthermore, the increasing interest in new technologies, including pharmaceutical collaborative robot systems, is anticipated to contribute to the market growth.

The China pharmaceutical robots market is anticipated to grow considerably over the forecast period, owing to the growing modernization of domestic production facilities and favorable government initiatives, which are boosting the demand for pharmaceutical collaborative robots. For instance, in August 2023, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology announced that it would be creating a USD 1.4 billion robotics fund to promote the development of robotics technology in the city. This fund aims to position Beijing as the international industrial hub. It will provide financial assistance to local companies in the industry, including promoting the latest innovations, developing commercial breakthroughs, and financing M&As.

The pharmaceutical robots market in India held a significant market share in 2023, owing to the increasing deployment of collaborative robots in the pharmaceutical sector and the launch of new products. According to the Draft National Strategy on Robotics, there was a notable surge of 54% in robotics installations, reaching a total of 4,945 units in 2021. This positioned India as the country with the 10^th highest annual industrial robot installations globally. Furthermore, growing support from the government and private investors in the form of funding is anticipated to impel growth over the forecast period.

Latin America Pharmaceutical Robots Market Trends

The pharmaceutical robots market in Latin America is anticipated to grow at the second-fastest CAGR over the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to rapid technological advancements and research breakthroughs in emerging nations, such as Brazil and Mexico. These countries present lucrative opportunities due to their evolving healthcare landscape and expanding pharmaceutical industries.

The pharmaceutical robots market in Brazil accounted for a significant market share in 2023. Pharmaceutical manufacturing in Brazil has been witnessing a significant shift toward automation. Collaborative robots are gaining traction in this industry due to their ability to work alongside human operators, boosting productivity and improving worker safety. The benefits of collaborative robots, such as accuracy, high speed, and error-free operation, are expected to drive their adoption in the pharmaceutical industry. According to IFR, Brazil observed a steady increase in robot imports, growing at an annual rate of 5.3% since 2012, with 961 robot shipments recorded in 2017 and 1,200 by 2021.

MEA Pharmaceutical Robots Market Trends

The MEA pharmaceutical robots market holds a significant market share due to growing awareness & adoption and developing healthcare infrastructure. However, the lack of skilled professionals in this region is expected to boost the need for robot-assisted surgeries. Furthermore, the development of new products, the growing number of FDA approvals, and rising partnerships among international players for product refinements are expected to boost the market over the forecast period.

The pharmaceutical robots market in UAE holds a significant market share due to the growing need for increased productivity and operational agility. With the demand for pharmaceutical products increasing due to rapid population growth and healthcare advancements, manufacturers are under pressure to scale up production while maintaining high standards of quality & safety. Cobots enable companies to achieve this balance by automating repetitive and labor-intensive tasks. Thus, the adoption of such robots is boosting the market in the country.

Key Pharmaceutical Robots Company Insights

Some of the key players in the pharmaceutical robots market are ABB Ltd., Universal Robots A/S, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. Key players are focusing on devising innovative business growth strategies such as expansion of product portfolios & business footprint, partnerships & collaborations, and mergers & acquisitions (M&As).

Recent Developments

• In March 2024, Olis Robotics entered into a new partnership with Kawasaki Robotics, Inc. This partnership is expected to provide customers the capability to restart production at a faster rate, significantly reduce troubleshooting & downtime expenses by up to 90%, and swiftly access expert support. Olis users can directly connect to their robots through an on-premise device via a secure connection.

• In December 2023, Mitsubishi Electric India launched an advanced Factory Automation Systems facility in India. This is expected to expand the company’s global presence and meet the evolving needs of Indian and international markets. The facility aims to optimize delivery efficiency and supply chain capabilities, ensure cost-effectiveness, and empower customers & the wider manufacturing sector with enhanced efficiency & precision.

• In December 2023, ABB Robotics and XtalPi formed a strategic partnership to manufacture automated laboratory workstations in China. These automated labs are expected to enhance R&D productivity in biopharmaceuticals, chemistry, chemical engineering, and new energy materials. XtalPi Intelligent Automation utilizes the GoFa cobots to create preparation, filtration, dilution, and reaction, along with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV), streamlining lab research and development for improved efficiency.

• In July 2023, YASKAWA India launched its advanced Robotic Experience Centre in India. This cutting-edge facility highlights the latest advancements in industrial automation, featuring six robotic cells that include articulated and collaborative robots, along with drives and motion control products.

• In March 2023, ABB announced an expansion of its North American robotics headquarters and manufacturing facility in Michigan. This USD 20 million investment is expected to generate 72 skilled jobs. It marks a significant advancement in ABB Robotics' dominance in pioneering and manufacturing state-of-the-art robotic solutions in the U.S.

Pharmaceutical Robots Market Report Scope

Global Pharmaceutical Robots Market Report Segmentation

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

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

  • Traditional Robots

    • Articulated Robots

    • SCARA Robots

    • Delta/Parallel Robots

    • Cartesian Robots

    • Dual-arm Robots

  • Collaborative Robots

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

  • Picking and Packaging 

  • Inspection of Pharmaceutical Drugs 

  • Laboratory Applications

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Pharmaceutical Companies

  • Research Laboratories

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

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • France

    • Sweden

    • Denmark

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • Thailand

    • South Korea

    • Australia

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • MEA

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait