The global collaborative robots (cobots) market was valued at USD 1.23 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow significantly at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32.0% from 2023 to 2030. This growth is largely driven by the increasing adoption of cobots in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), where companies are investing in these robots to work alongside humans in shared spaces and automate manufacturing tasks. Technological advancements in cobot capabilities further fuel this growth, making them an appealing solution for SMEs.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in cobots is enhancing their adaptability, enabling cobots to learn from human operators and improve over time, which is greatly enhancing productivity and efficiency in various industries. Additionally, the advent of 5G technology is poised to stimulate cobot adoption, especially in manufacturing. An example of this is Nokia’s industrial-grade 5G wireless network designed to meet Industry 4.0 requirements. The low-latency connectivity of 5G enables Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to improve robotic automation, leading to significant gains in productivity, quality, and efficiency.

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Cobots also contribute to workplace safety by reducing the number of workplace accidents, as they can handle repetitive or dangerous tasks, minimizing human exposure to hazardous conditions. Furthermore, cobots significantly improve product quality, which is driving their demand across multiple sectors. Industries such as electronics, automotive, logistics, machine tooling, packaging, and assembly are increasingly adopting cobots, positioning the market for sustained growth.

Retailers and e-commerce giants are also embracing robotic technologies, particularly in logistics and supply chain management. These companies are leveraging robotics to support warehouse operations, which helps improve speed, accuracy, and efficiency in managing logistics. The rising demand for cobots in logistics is anticipated to offer lucrative growth opportunities for the market in the coming years.

Application Segmentation Insights:

In terms of applications, the gluing and welding segment is expected to experience the highest CAGR over the forecast period. Cobots are gaining popularity in this segment due to the advantages they offer, such as reduced material waste, consistent quality, and increased output. This appeal is attracting attention from marketers and industry leaders. Meanwhile, the assembly segment captured a significant revenue share of approximately 23.0% of the collaborative robots’ market in 2022. The growth in this segment can be attributed to the use of cobots in handling simple and repetitive tasks as well as in supporting complex assembly operations.

The increasing demand for assembly-related activities, such as nut driving, bolting, insertion, and part fitting, from SMEs and large enterprises is driving growth in this segment. The use of cobots in assembly not only enhances productivity but also reduces the risk of injuries, making them a valuable asset for businesses aiming to streamline assembly processes safely.

The pick and place segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 31% over the forecast period. This growth is driven by the rising need for precision and efficiency in inventory handling, as cobots are widely used in pick-and-place applications across multiple industries to increase accuracy and minimize shrinkage. Cobots’ compact size and lightweight structure make them an ideal choice for facilities with limited space, further boosting their demand in this segment.

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