Automotive Robotics Market Report

Market Insights

The Automotive Robotics Market was estimated at USD 8.46 billion in 2022 and is likely to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% during 2023-2029 to reach USD 12.99 billion by 2029.

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What is Automotive Robotics?

Automotive robotics refers to the use of robots in the manufacturing process of automobiles. These robots are typically used in assembly lines to perform tasks that are either too dangerous or difficult for humans to perform, or to improve the efficiency and precision of the manufacturing process.

Automotive robots are often used for tasks such as welding, painting, and assembly. Welding robots use sensors to ensure that they are precisely positioning and welding the correct components, while painting robots use advanced algorithms to ensure a uniform finish across the entire surface of the car. Assembly robots can pick and place components with precision, reducing the risk of human error.

The use of automotive robotics has revolutionized the automobile manufacturing industry, allowing for greater efficiency, precision, and safety in the manufacturing process. With the continued advancement of technology, automotive robotics is expected to play an even greater role in the future of automobile manufacturing.

Key Players

The major players operating in the global automotive robotics market are:

• Kuka AG
• ABB Ltd.
• Yaskawa Electric Corporation
• Fanuc Corporation
• Kawasaki Heavy Industries
• Denso Wave Incorporated
• Comau SPA
• Nachi-Fujikoshi Corp.
• Rockwell Automation, Inc.
• Seiko Epson Corporation

Market Dynamics

The market growth was negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as leading companies paused their production operations due to the lockdowns imposed by governments worldwide in the first half of 2020. Nevertheless, the demand for new vehicles began to pick up momentum after the pandemic, thanks to government relaxations and policies put in place to restart production and meet the rising demand.

Automotive robots are specifically developed to assist in the manufacturing of automobiles within the automotive industry. With the remarkable surge in electric vehicles, there has been a notable increase in the utilization of robots to meet the growing consumer demands in this market. The automotive industry has relied on industrial robotics in their production processes for several years.

Articulated robots make up a significant portion of automotive robots, and welding is the most commonly performed function using robots in the automotive industry. Robotic systems have proven to be cost-effective, efficient, and safe in the automotive industry, as they are capable of completing tasks more quickly than their human counterparts.

The automation industry is being propelled by several companies that place a strong emphasis on cost reduction, time savings, high-quality product manufacturing, and productivity enhancement with minimal error rates. Automotive robots are employed in production plants to automate internal processes, reduce employee workload, and improve efficiency through collaborative work with workers.

Ford Motors Co., BMW, and other companies are integrating technology into their production plants. The market is also experiencing growth due to rapid technological advancements such as the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud solutions, and autonomous intelligent vehicles (AIVs) for safe transfer of components and materials from one place to another.

Robots have significantly increased their potential as flexible automation tools due to the rapidly increasing power of microprocessors and artificial intelligence techniques. There is currently a surge of robotics in applications that demand advanced intelligence. Robotic technology is merging with a diverse range of complementary technologies, such as machine vision, force sensing (touch), speech recognition, and advanced mechanics.

Segment Analysis

The automotive manufacturing segment is making swift progress in the field of industrial automation and has become a role model for other industries by demonstrating how automation can be leveraged to enhance the value chain and achieve zero-defect manufacturing. The automotive industry has been an early adopter of robotics for several applications, including welding, painting, and glue dispensing. Nevertheless, the industry has a multitude of robotic applications to choose from.

The automotive industry is witnessing a new trend in the use of autonomous intelligent vehicles (AIVs) or mobile robots for transporting materials and intermediate goods. Robots are also becoming a crucial component of end-to-end traceability automation solutions. Additionally, there is a recent trend towards collaborative robots that are designed to be human-friendly and work alongside humans on assembly lines. These robots typically have two arms and collaborate with humans to leverage the best of human and robotic capabilities. Collaborative robots are also portable and can be placed on worktables, allowing humans to work alongside them.

Articulated robots are robots that have rotary joints that can range from a simple two-joint mechanism to a complex ten or more joint mechanism. These robots are the most commonly used type of robot in the automotive industry due to their high flexibility, which allows for easy process changeovers. This flexibility has led to an increase in demand for articulated robots among small and medium-scale enterprises globally. Currently, the automotive industry is shifting its focus towards new technology trends, such as compact robots and controllers, higher communication speeds, low spatter, and high-speed welding.

Asia-Pacific to dominate the automotive robotics market during the forecast period. The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing a significant increase in the adoption of robotics technology, driven by rising demand for process automation, improved efficiency and productivity, and the reduction of human errors. Various sectors, including automotive, healthcare, defense, and aerospace, are adopting robotics technology for process automation and efficient resource management. The dominant automotive industry and low-cost manufacturing units have led to the major use of industrial robots in the Asia-Pacific region. The rapid expansion of small and medium-scale industries across the Asia-Pacific region is expected to drive significant growth for the automotive robotics market during the forecast period.

Know the high-growth countries in this report. 

The Asia-Pacific region is currently the fastest developing region globally, with countries like India, China, Taiwan, and South Korea emerging as leaders in this region. Leading vendors, such as ABB and KUKA, are establishing their operations base in the region. Additionally, government regulations and funds have empowered infrastructure improvement projects, making Asia Pacific the preferred automotive manufacturing hub, which is expected to drive significant growth in the automotive robotics market.

China and India are two of the leading countries in Asia-Pacific in terms of development, and many industries, including automotive, electronics, and aviation, are opening factories in these countries. This has generated a significant demand for the automotive robotics market, making Asia-Pacific an emerging region in this industry.

Research Methodology

This report offers high-quality insights and is the outcome of a detailed research methodology comprising extensive secondary research, rigorous primary interviews with industry stakeholders, and validation and triangulation with Stratview Research’s internal database and statistical tools.

More than 1,000 authenticated secondary sources, such as company annual reports, fact books, press releases, journals, investor presentations, white papers, patents, and articles, have been leveraged to gather the data.

We conducted more than 15 detailed primary interviews with the market players across the value chain in all four regions and industry experts to obtain both qualitative and quantitative insights.

Report Features

This report provides market intelligence in the most comprehensive way. The report structure has been kept such that it offers maximum business value. It provides critical insights into the market dynamics and will enable strategic decision making for the existing market players as well as those willing to enter the market.

What Deliverables Will You Get in this Report?

Customization Options

With this detailed report, Stratview Research offers one of the following free customization options to our respectable clients:

Company Profiling

• Detailed profiling of additional market players (up to three players).
• SWOT analysis of key players (up to three players).

Competitive Benchmarking

• Benchmarking of key players on the following parameters: product portfolio, geographical reach, regional presence, and strategic alliances.

Custom Research: Stratview research offers custom research services across the sectors. In case of any custom research requirement related to market assessment, competitive benchmarking, sourcing and procurement, target screening, and others, please send your inquiry to sales@Stratviewresearch.com.

Recent Developments

• In April 2022, ABB launched new robots, codenamed as IRB 5710 and 5720, that come in eight variants and give options for payloads from 70 kg to 180kg and a reach from 2.3 to 3 metres for EV makers.
• In June 2022, FANUC Corporation introduced three new SCARA robot models which include the SR-3iA/U ceiling mount, and the SR-3iA/C and SR-6iA/C variants. This new model help companies to automate their assembly, packaging, pick and place, and inspection processes.
• In November 2022, Kawasaki Heavy industries introduced the first two battery electric vehicles and a hybrid motorcycle in prototype form with an aim to strengthen the Kawasaki brand by offering environmentally friendly, carbon neutral products and services to meet customer and societal needs.