ISMR October 2025 | Page 39

AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS

“ The global industrial robotics market is poised to grow at a substantial CAGR of 11.40 % from 2025 to 2034, driven by applications across a wide range of segments. Industrial robots are integral to operations such as arc welding; materials handling; painting; picking; packing; assembly and mechanical cutting. Major growth regions include North America, Asia and Europe, with Asia leading as the largest market,” commented analyst, Research and Markets, on 22 September 2025.
Industrial robots, as a flexible automation solution, are increasingly utilised in enhancing productivity, producing high-quality products and reducing costs. Vertical; delta; SCARA; polar cylindrical and Cartesian robots are among the common configurations deployed in industries.
“ Asia accounts for the largest share of the industrial robot market, with over 70 % of robots deployed in the region by 2020. Japan and China are at the forefront while Germany, Italy and France represent key markets in Europe. The demand in Europe is fuelled by the modernisation of manufacturing sectors, tax incentives and the necessity for cost-effective robotics solutions outside manufacturing. In the Americas, the U. S. leads with significant demand in the automotive, electrical and electronics segments,” continued the analyst.
According to analyst Fortune Business Insights, the global industrial robot market was valued at US $ 19.89 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from US $ 21.94 billion in 2025 to US $ 55.55 billion by 2032( exhibiting a CAGR of 14.19 % during the forecast period). Asia Pacific dominated the industrial robot market, with a share of 48.72 % in 2024, it confirmed.
“ Industrial robot manufacturers plan to implement several technologies in robots such as AI, machine learning, cloud robotics, edge computing, additive manufacturing and advances in sensors and vision systems,” said the analyst.
“ The articulated robot held the largest market share in 2024, with a valuation of 40 %. It is projected to grow substantially owing to its wide adoption in various industrial applications such as welding, painting, packaging, heavyduty lifting and material handling. Moreover, it offers features such as high flexibility and is capable of complex movements in multiple industrial plants,” continued the analyst.
Traditional rigid automation systems are being replaced by adaptable robotic solutions that can quickly adjust to changing production demands
Cylindrical and SCARA robots are projected to grow at a steady rate during the forecast period, owing to larger adoption from industries such as automotive, electronics and pharmaceuticals. This type of robot has a payload capacity of 5kg, 5-15kg and over 15kg.
Cartesian / linear robots and parallel robots are projected to grow at moderate growth during the forecast period, owing to factors such as increased automation in the manufacturing sector. They offer special features such as being cost-efficient, customisable and flexible, and are able to integrate with other systems. These systems are widely adopted in warehouses, logistics centres, distribution centres and manufacturing facilities.
Delta robots are anticipated to grow during the forecast period due to rising automation in manufacturing and increased growth in the e-commerce sector. Delta robots are small and found in various industrial settings.
Application analysis
Based upon application, Fortune Business Insights segments the robotics market into welding & soldering; pick and place; assembly; material handling; cutting & processing; and others.
“ Material handling dominates market share with 33 % in 2025 and is expected to be the dominant force in the market. The segment is projected to experience the highest growth during the forecast period. This is due to the expansion of the food and beverage, pharmaceutical and electrical sectors. Material handling plays a crucial role in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries for the handling and transportation of hazardous compounds. In these industries, robots are often utilised to reduce accidents and ensure the safety of staff,” explained the analyst.
“ Welding & soldering, material handling and pick and place applications are expected to experience a consistent growth rate during the forecast period, driven by the increasing demand for these robots in the automotive, electrical, electronic and metal industries. The cutting & processing segment is projected to experience moderate growth during the forecast period. The rising trend of automotive personalisation and the growing emphasis on precision cutting in various applications are expected to significantly boost the cutting and processing industry in the coming years,” continued the analyst.
“ Painting robots are anticipated to grow steadily as there is a growing demand for them from industries such as automotive, glass, aerospace, smartphones, shipyards and household product manufacturing. The assemby segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of 14.80 %, during the forecast period. Material handling segment is poised to exhibit a CAGR of
ISMR October 2025 | ismr. net | 39