Global Collaborative Robots (Cobot) Market Size, Share & Growth and Trend Analysis Report, 2032

Summary
Market Landscape
Methodology
Table of Contents

Global Collaborative Robots (Cobot) Market Size, Share & Growth and Trend Analysis Report, By Application Type, By Payload Capacity, By End-User Industry, and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa) and Forecasts 2024 – 2032

The global collaborative robots market represents a transformative segment within industrial automation, where robots are designed to work safely alongside human operators in shared workspaces. These cobots combine advanced sensing technologies, sophisticated control systems, and user-friendly programming interfaces to enable human-robot collaboration across various industrial applications.

The global collaborative robots’ market was valued at USD XX billion in 2024. It is projected to reach USD XX billion by 2032, experiencing a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of estimated 34% from 2025 to 2032.

Industry Trends

The cobot industry is experiencing a paradigm shift from traditional industrial robotics to more flexible, intelligent, and human-friendly automation solutions. This transformation is particularly evident in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking cost-effective automation solutions. The market is witnessing increased adoption across diverse industries, driven by the need for flexible manufacturing, worker safety, and operational efficiency.

The collaborative robotics sector has seen significant technological advancements, including improved force-sensing capabilities, enhanced vision systems, and more intuitive programming interfaces. Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities to enable more sophisticated human-robot interactions and adaptive operations.

However, challenges such as initial implementation costs, technical expertise requirements, and safety certification complexities continue to influence market growth.

Industry Expert’s Opinion

Rick Faulk, Chief Executive Officer, Locus Robotics

“We’re still growing significantly, and our picks have increased exponentially to more than 2.6 billion,”. “We’re growing the number of robots deployed significantly year over year, both in volume and in fleets.”

Alka Sachdeva, Vice President, All India Council for Robotics & Automation

“Cobots improve task accuracy, minimize downtime, and enhance product quality by reducing human errors. They increase productivity and efficiency by integrating seamlessly into existing workflows and operating continuously. Cobots also improve workplace safety by handling delicate tasks and reducing injury risks. Additionally, they allow employees to focus on more complex tasks, thereby enhancing workforce skills and satisfaction."

TT Consultants’ Perspective

The collaborative robots market shows exceptional growth potential, driven by technological advancement, increasing labor costs, and the need for flexible automation solutions. The market is expected to benefit from the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies, improved human-machine interfaces, and expanding applications across various industries. Key growth drivers include rising demand for automation solutions that can safely operate alongside human worker, Increasing adoption in previously underserved sectors such as healthcare and food processing, Technological advancements in sensors, AI, and control systems & Growing awareness of the benefits of human-robot collaboration in manufacturing. The market's future success will depend on continued innovation in safety features, ease of programming, and the development of application-specific solutions that address real-world industrial challenges.

Market Segmentation

1. By Application Type (Material Handling, Assembly, Inspection & Testing, Welding, Painting, Dispensing & Others)

The material handling segment dominated with a XX% revenue share in 2024, driven by increasing demand for flexible logistics solutions and warehouse automation. Whereas the assembly segment is projected to show the highest growth rate between 2025 and 2032, fueled by the rising need for precise and consistent assembly operations in electronics and automotive industries.

2. By Payload Capacity (Up to 5kg, 5-10kg, Above 10kg)

The 5-10kg segment held the largest market share of XX% in 2024, offering an optimal balance between capability and flexibility for most industrial applications. On the other hand, the above 10kg segment is expected to demonstrate a significant CAGR of XX% during the forecast period, particularly in heavy manufacturing and automotive applications.

3. By End-User Industry (Automotive, Electronics, Healthcare, Food & Beverage, and Others)

The automotive sector led the market in 2024 with a revenue of USD XX billion and is expected to maintain its dominant position throughout the forecast period. This leadership is attributed to the industry's early adoption of collaborative robots for tasks like assembly, welding, and quality inspection. The electronics manufacturing segment shows the highest growth potential, driven by increasing demand for precise handling and assembly of electronic components.

4. By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa)

Europe dominated the global collaborative robots’ market with a value of USD XX billion in 2024, supported by strong manufacturing bases in Germany, Italy, and France. The Asia Pacific region is projected to exhibit the fastest growth with a CAGR of XX% during the forecast period, driven by rapid industrialization in countries like China, South Korea, and India, coupled with government initiatives promoting smart manufacturing.

Competitive Scenario

The global collaborative robots market features a mix of established industrial robotics companies and innovative technology startups. Key market players include Universal Robots (Teradyne), FANUC Corporation, ABB Ltd., KUKA AG, and Techman Robot, among others. These companies focus on technological innovation, safety certifications, and application-specific solutions to maintain market position.

Strategic Activities

In December 2024, Universal Robots announced, "Collaborate North America 2025," the largest collaborative robot (cobot) expo and conference in the U.S., scheduled for January 28, 2025, in Novi, Michigan. This free, one-day event aims to unite over 500 manufacturing professionals, automation specialists, educators, and industry leaders to explore advancements in cobot technology. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on demonstrations of more than 30 cobot-powered solutions across various applications, including welding, quality inspection, material handling, machine tending, assembly, painting, and palletizing. The event will feature keynote presentations from prominent figures in robotics and automation, providing insights into industry trends and practical applications.
In September 2024, ABB has launched Ultra Accuracy for its GoFa™ cobot family, delivering 10x greater path accuracy (0.03 mm) compared to other cobots, targeting industries like electronics, automotive, aerospace, and metal fabrication. This feature enables precise tasks such as gluing, laser welding, composite layering, and 3D printing. The GoFa cobots combine precision with speed, full 6D motion, and factory calibration for quick deployment without additional setup. They are compact, portable, and easily integrated into existing production lines, with offline programming via RobotStudio® ensuring 99% simulation accuracy. Ultra Accuracy is available for new GoFa cobots and as a retrofit for existing models.
In September 2024, Premier Tech introduced TOMA™, a new product line utilizing collaborative robot (cobot) technology to expedite packaging automation projects. This initiative combines Premier Tech's 35 years of expertise in packaging and palletizing with advancements in user experience, industrial design, and smart manufacturing software. TOMA™ offers a user-friendly, do-it-yourself automation experience, eliminating the need for coding or specialized skills. The proprietary MOVN™ software powers TOMA™, providing an intuitive interface for configuration and operation. Additionally, the integrated Necton™ technology delivers real-time insights to optimize equipment performance. This launch reflects Premier Tech's commitment to making automation more accessible and efficient for businesses.
In November 2023, TECHMAN ROBOT INC. (Taiwan) introduced the TM AI Cobot TM25S at iREX 2023, highlighting its 25kg payload capacity and advanced precision capabilities. The cobot's integration with NVIDIA's Isaac Sim platform optimized production line inspections, cutting programming times by 70% and cycle times by 20%.
In June 2023, Universal Robots A/S (Denmark) partnered with SICK AG (Germany) to develop an innovative safety solution for human-robot collaborative applications. This SICK safety extension, co-designed with Universal Robots, creates a protective volume around the robot tool and handled objects, streamlining deployment. Unveiled at Automatica in Munich, Germany, the system seamlessly integrates into the UR robot system via a PolyScope update, enhancing cobot safety accessibility.