When traditional inflexible robots operate near humans, safety problems frequently arise. Soft robotics solves these issues by offering a safer working environment for collaboration because of its compliant and pliable nature. This element is especially important in sectors where close human-robot interaction is becoming more widespread, such as healthcare and logistics. The acceptance of soft robotic solutions is fueled by the need for robots that can collaborate with people without endangering them. The importance placed on human-robot safety is another important market factor.
Soft robotics are an appealing option for companies looking to boost productivity and cut expenses because of their versatility. The capacity of soft robots to maneuver in chaotic environments and carry out complex tasks adds to their integration in numerous sectors, boosting market expansion, from production procedures to logistics and beyond.
These materials combine strength and pliability, making it possible to build robots that can stretch, bend, and take on different shapes. The ongoing investigation and assimilation of novel materials enhances soft robotic capabilities, impacting market dynamics and stimulating technical innovation. Technological developments in materials are a major factor influencing the soft robotics marketplace. Materials research advancements have produced pliable, supple materials that form the basis of soft robotic components.
Intelligent algorithms and soft robotics work together to produce a synergistic impact that increases the market's likelihood for applications in smart robotics and autonomous systems. Additionally, the market is impacted by the continuous developments in machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). Soft robotics' cost hurdles should drop as manufacturing techniques and efficiencies of scale advance, accelerating the technology's market adoption across industries.
Support from regulations increases end users' trust and promotes the broad deployment of soft robots in situations where upholding safety and high standards of quality is crucial. The creation of a legal structure is essential to promoting a favorable atmosphere for market expansion and guaranteeing the responsible application of soft robotic technology.
The next phase of automation and robotics will be shaped in large part by the soft robotics industry as market dynamics and technology continue to change. A wide range of interrelated issues, such as the need for automation, safety concerns, material innovations, AI integration, cost considerations, legal frameworks, and cooperative initiatives, have an impact on the soft robotics market.
Report Attribute/Metric | Details |
---|---|
Market Size Value In 2022 | USD 0.35 Billion |
Market Size Value In 2023 | USD 0.45 Billion |
Growth Rate | 30.70% (2023-2032) |
Soft Robotics Market Size was valued at USD 0.45 billion in 2023. The soft robotics market industry is projected to grow from USD 0.58 Billion in 2024 to USD 3.89 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.64% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). The growing need for automation in food processing, e-commerce, and other end-user industries is the key market driver enhancing market growth.
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
The growing need for automation in the food processing, e-commerce, and other end-user industries is one of the factors propelling the growth of the soft robotics market. The market for soft robotics is expanding due to the rising investments and funding made in R&D by numerous nations.
Exoskeletons are a newly developed technology that could shield and save factory and warehouse workers from shoulder, back, and neck pain and injuries brought on by heavy and repetitive lifting. Researchers are creating soft, wearable robots that mimic muscle movements. An exoskeleton that lowers the metabolic cost of walking was created in May 2021 by a research team at Queen's University in Canada. The research aims to develop an exoskeleton that can overcome some of the brakings that happen while walking, thereby lowering the metabolic cost of walking overall.
Exoskeletons used for both medical and non-medical purposes must adhere to international safety regulations that have been published by the ISO/IEC. The manufacturers of these products must abide by these rules to successfully commercialize them. Additionally, the likelihood of approval is arbitrary. Only if there is a reasonable assurance that the device is suitable for its application can it be accomplished. The commercialization process is delayed due to these factors and the absence of a single, centralized regulatory body, which limits the market's potential growth.
The focus of several players is the development of flexible pneumatic grippers that are ideal for delicate foods that would otherwise be harmed by rigid robotics. Due to labor shortages and concerns over disease transmission, the automation of the food industry has received much attention during the pandemic. In June 2021, the Soft Robotics company raised USD 10 million for research and development in its ground-breaking soft grasping, 3D perception, and AI technologies, citing pandemic-related demand. Thus, driving the soft robotics market revenue.
The soft robotics market segmentation, based on type, includes soft grippers, co-robots, inflated robots, wearable robots, edible robots and others. The wearable robots segment dominated the market, accounting for 35% of market revenue. The market growth for wearable robots will be inflated. The healthcare and packaging sectors have widely adopted wearable robots for process automation.
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Based on application, the soft robotics market segmentation includes medical and healthcare, food and beverages, logistics, entertainment & gaming, automotive, survey & exploration and others. The medical and healthcare category generated the most income. The increase in urology, gynecology, orthopedic, and other chronic diseases is anticipated to be favorable for the robotic surgery market. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, are to blame for nearly 71 percent of all fatalities worldwide, according to the most recent World Health Organization (WHO) report. It explains the 41 million NCD-related deaths per year.
By Region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Rest of the World. The North American soft robotics market will dominate this market. The adoption of Soft Robotics globally, particularly in North America, is driven by the rise in gynecology, urology, and orthopedic-related disorders, along with improvements in medical facilities.
Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The U.S., Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Europe’s soft robotics market accounts for the second-largest market share, mainly due to market growth in domestic production and widespread technology adoption. Regional vendors are playing a significant part in the innovation and advancement of soft robotics. Further, the German soft robotics market held the largest market share, and the UK soft robotics market was the fastest-growing market in the European region.
The Asia-Pacific Soft Robotics Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032. This is due to the technology's widespread adoption and rising domestic production in the market. The innovation and advancement in soft robotics are also greatly influenced by the local vendors. For instance, the SIPRI estimates that China spent 252 billion dollars on its military in 2020, or 17% of its GDP and 13% of the total amount spent worldwide.
The budget for India's defense in 2002 was USD 72.09 billion. By 2023, India expects to have deployed advanced robotic soldiers thanks to investments in military robotics. Such a proclivity for robotic deployment is likely to expand the market in the area. Moreover, China’s soft robotics market held the largest market share, and the Indian soft robotics market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.
Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the soft robotics market grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking various strategic activities to expand their footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, soft robotics industry must offer cost-effective items.
Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics manufacturers use in the soft robotics industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. The soft robotics industry has offered some of the most significant advantages recently. Major players in the soft robotics market, including KAWADA Robotics Corporation (Japan), F&P Robotics AG (Switzerland), Ekso Bionics Holdings Inc. (US), Soft Robotics Inc. (US), RightHand Robotics Inc. (US), ReWalk Robotics Ltd. (Israel), Rethink Robotics (Germany), Kawasaki (Japan), Yaskawa Electric Corporation (Japan), AUBO Robotics Inc. (US), KUKA AG (Germany), ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), Techman Robot (Taiwan), FANUC Corporation (Japan), Universal Robots A/S (Denmark), and others, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.
Kawada Robotics Corporation is a Japanese company specializing in the development, manufacture and sale of advanced robotics technology. The company was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Kawada Robotics is famous for its HRP series of humanoid robots used in various applications such as research, education and entertainment.
The company also makes industrial robots designed to work alongside humans, such as the DUO collaborative robot. Kawada Robotics is committed to advancing the field of robotics through research and development, and the company works with the world's leading research institutes and universities to develop advanced robotics technology. Overall, Kawada Robotics Corporation is a well-respected company in the robotics industry, and its innovative products and technologies continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with robotics.
ABB Corporation is a multinational corporation headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It is a leading technology company specializing in the development and manufacture of robotics, energy and automation solutions for a variety of industries, including utilities, transportation and manufacturing. The company was established in 1988 as a result of the merger between the Swedish company ASEA and the Swiss company Brown, Boveri & Cie. ABB operates in more than 100 countries and has approximately 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB's products include a range of industrial robots, such as the IRB 360 FlexPicker, for high-speed picking and packaging applications in the food, pharmaceutical and consumer goods industries.
The company also manufactures power systems such as transformers and switchgear and offers a range of automation solutions including control systems and software. In addition to focusing on technology, ABB is committed to sustainability and has set ambitious goals to reduce its environmental impact and increase the use of renewable energy in its operations. The company was also recognized for its efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
January 2022: Soft Robotics Inc. proclaimed that it had raised a USD 10 million Series B expansion to increase its commercial operations and meet the demand brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the money will be used to launch the business' robotics solution powered by SoftAI. Industrial robots can now mimic human hand-eye coordination thanks to SoftAI's 3D vision and artificial intelligence technology on IP69K certified soft grips from Soft Robotics.
February 2021: Rightpick 3, which features dense packing, damage-free item handling, and handles an even wider range of items, was just released, according to Righthand Robotics Inc. The announcement is also in line with ProMatDX's virtual material handling automation showcase.
Soft Grippers
Co-Robots
Inflated Robots
Wearable Robots
Edible Robots
Others
Medical and Healthcare
Food and Beverages
Logistics
Entertainment & Gaming
Automotive
Survey & Exploration
Others
North America
US
Canada
Europe
Germany
France
UK
Italy
Spain
Rest of Europe
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