Professional Service Robots Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Autonomous Mobile Robots, Humanoid Robots), By End Use (Logistics, Healthcare), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Report Overview

The global professional service robots market size was valued at USD 33.44 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.3% from 2024 to 2030. The rapid adoption of robotic technologies across various industries, including logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, and customer service, is the primary driver of market expansion. The extensive use of these robots has resulted in numerous benefits, such as improved service quality, operational reliability, reduced operational costs, and lower error rates. It has led to growing enterprises incorporating service robots into their workflows. These technologies can effectively address companies' challenges, such as staff shortages and lower productivity, leading to enhanced efficiency and long-term profitability. Additionally, continuous advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, crucial industry components, further contribute to market growth.

The growing shortage of skilled workforce and a constant need to invest in upskilling employees and workers across enterprises have compelled organizations to deploy professional service robots. According to a report published by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), sales of service robots for professional applications grew by 48% in 2022, reaching 158,000 units, with agriculture, hospitality, professional cleaning, and logistics showing a steady increase in demand for these solutions. For instance, in the transportation and logistics segment, sales of robots grew by 44%, with a higher number of robots being designed for cargo and goods transportation. On the other hand, in the agriculture sector, sales reached around 8,000 units, growing by 18% over the previous year. Of these, around 75% of the robots were used in tasks such as barn cleaning and milking, highlighting an increasing preference of farm owners to optimize their productivity while reducing labor costs and mitigating the ecological impact of modern agricultural practices.

The emergence and rapid proliferation of AI chipsets and 5G technology are anticipated to provide a strong impetus to market growth. The use of 5G technology addresses the requirement of a constant, stable, and seamless connection in industrial settings, offering improved reliability, reduced latency, and higher connection densities that optimize the functioning of robots. Furthermore, the rising deployment of AI-enabled robots that can collaborate with humans, interact with customers, and perform administrative activities efficiently has generated significant market demand. These service robots can effectively streamline backend processes, respond to data-related questions, and support compliance requirements, enabling humans to conduct customer-facing tasks.

Small- and medium-sized businesses are incorporating service robots in their overall functioning through the Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, which offers the benefit of leasing these devices and leveraging cloud-based subscriptions, negating the need to invest heavily in buying them. Several emerging companies offer the RaaS model to different industries, further propagating awareness regarding the benefits of professional service robots. For instance, Bluewhite, an agricultural RaaS company, announced in January 2024 that it had secured USD 39 million in Series C funding led by Insight Partners and other investors. This financing is expected to enable the company to scale up its autonomous tractor and farming solutions and expand its geographical footprint. Such developments are anticipated to drive competition in the industry and boost sales of these products.

Type Insights

The articulated robots accounted for a leading revenue share of 35.7% in 2023. These robots are extensively deployed in industries to perform critical tasks, owing to their high efficiency, safety, and accuracy. They are designed to conduct hazardous and repetitive activities that can prove challenging for humans to carry out, thus reducing the risk of workplace accidents and improving productivity. Articulated robots are manufactured using a number of interconnected segments called links, which are connected via joints. These joints have been designed to enable the robot to move and function with a high degree of precision, flexibility, and dexterity. In the manufacturing sector, they can perform welding, painting, assembly, material handling, and packaging tasks with speed and precision. They are also used in healthcare institutes to perform surgical procedures with better accuracy than human surgeons, improving patient outcomes. Thus, the wide scale of use of such service robots drives their demand in the global market.

The unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) segment is expected to witness fastest growth during the forecast period. These robots are widely deployed in the agriculture and defense sectors and have also shown great potential in logistics applications in recent years. Additionally, increasing modernization in the construction sector and a constant need to improve site safety by identifying weak structures or dangerous materials have led to a rapidly growing usage of advanced UAVs that can provide remote alerts and carry out extensive scans. The presence of several established companies such as Elbit Systems, AeroVironment, and DJI, along with emerging start-ups, is expected to increase competition in this segment, leading to the launch of more innovative solutions for companies. UAVs are being widely studied for their ability to map agricultural fields, manage crop growth, spray insecticides and herbicides on crops, and monitor livestock. For instance, in June 2024, a team of researchers at Virginia Tech initiated a project to standardize the use of UAVs in herbicide spray applications, which would reduce the overuse of herbicides in fields and control weed growth effectively.

End Use Insights

The healthcare segment accounted for a leading revenue share in 2023. Professional service robots are widely used in hospitals to improve the level of patient care offered by assisting the medical staff and enhancing operational efficiencies. Mobile medical robots are being deployed to deliver medications and sensitive materials, such as chemicals and medicines, in hospitals. Additionally, increasing complexities in surgical procedures that can endanger patient lives have also popularized the approach of robot-assisted surgeries. In the space of rehabilitation, robots are helping patients regain their motor functioning after treatment for spinal cord injuries or stroke. Moreover, these solutions are finding applications in the transportation of meals, medical supplies, and other materials, thus lessening the burden on medical staff and improving their productivity. Products such as the da Vinci Surgical System, the Xenex disinfecting robot, the PARO therapeutic robot, and the TUG mobile robot have helped in optimization of workflows in medical institutes and improved patient outcomes.

The inspection & maintenance segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. Industrialization and modernization of existing infrastructure have resulted in the establishment of large-scale projects, which require frequent inspection procedures to prevent any potentially dangerous situation for operators. Furthermore, the growing pace of mining activities globally has increased the risk of workers being exposed to dangerous gases that may prove life-threatening. The launch of gas detecting robots such as the A5 Gas Detector robot, the Boston Dynamics Spot, the S5 G robot, and the RoboGasInspector has helped mining companies improve the safety of their operations and increase worker productivity. A report published by Rho Impact and Gecko Robotics in January 2024 stated that frequent monitoring and maintenance of critical industrial infrastructure could result in a reduction of emissions by around 853 million metric tons of C02 annually. Growing awareness regarding such benefits of deploying service robots is expected to propel segment expansion.

Regional Insights

Europe led the market with 33.7% of the global revenue share in 2023. The well-established industrial and automotive sectors in regional economies such as the UK, Germany, and France have encouraged the adoption of advanced solutions, including service robots. The region has a highly competitive professional service robots market, while constant expansion of the logistics industry has presented several growth opportunities for developers of service robots. The presence of various robotics laboratories in the region, such as the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, has further propelled research & development initiatives in this industry in recent years.

Germany Professional Service Robots Market Trends

Germany held a dominant share of the regional market in 2023. The economy is known for its highly advanced manufacturing and automotive industries, which has resulted in the increased deployment of professional service robots to improve process efficiency. Increased automation trends have further created a positive perception regarding robots among employees. The presence of several leading robotics companies, such as SIKA AG and Fraunhofer IFF, in the economy has helped in boosting awareness regarding the beneficial features of robotic technologies, resulting in a higher demand for such solutions. Constant R&D initiatives to integrate recent technologies and innovations in robots and enhance their efficiency are anticipated to drive market growth in Germany.

North America Professional Service Robots Market Trends

North America accounted for a notable share of the global market in 2023. Increased awareness regarding the features of professional service robots and constant technological advancements have enabled market expansion in the region. The healthcare sector has witnessed the proliferation of several innovative solutions to streamline processes in these facilities and improve patient outcomes. Organizations such as the ARM Institute are conducting extensive research in the field of robotics and AI to improve the functioning of the manufacturing sector, driving strong growth potential of this market.

U.S. Professional Service Robots Market Trends

The U.S. held a dominant revenue share of the North American professional service robots market in 2023. The development of various infrastructural projects in the economy, coupled with the expansion of the energy & power sector, has led to increased sales of service robots for inspection and maintenance purposes. Additionally, the country’s agriculture sector has seen significant modernization, leading to the use of robotic devices such as UAVs in farms to ensure proper crop growth and optimum distribution of water and other nutrients to crops. Constant investments in the country’s defense infrastructure have also led to the introduction of drones to counter terrorist threats and keep the borders secure. For instance, in May 2024, AeroVironment was selected by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency for its AdvaNced airCraft Infrastructure-Less Launch And RecoverY (ANCILLARY) program. The company would develop its Wildcat vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAS to efficiently carry out challenging naval operations.

Asia Pacific Professional Service Robots Market Trends

Asia Pacific is expected to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The presence of economies such as China, Japan, and South Korea, which have made extensive advancements in their robotics and AI sectors, is expected to aid regional expansion. Besides, a steady rise in disposable income in fast-growing developing countries such as India and Thailand are anticipated to increase the demand for professional service robots in the coming years in households as well as commercial settings. Moreover, Asia Pacific has witnessed strong growth in the oil & gas sector in recent years, leading to the high demand for inspection robots such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The fast-growing trend of automation in Australia, India, and China has further presented positive growth prospects for the regional market.

The professional service robot market in China accounts for a significant contribution to the regional market and is expected to further witness strong growth in the coming years. The fast pace of expansion of the manufacturing sector in the economy, coupled with an increasing focus on incorporating automation solutions across major industries, is expected to aid industry growth. China has developed various programs and initiatives to encourage the development of advanced robotic components that leverage technologies such as AI and machine learning to ensure optimum productivity. Furthermore, the introduction of subsidies by the Chinese government to drive the adoption of manufacturing robots is anticipated to provide several growth avenues to emerging companies, ensuring stronger competition in this market.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Some key companies involved in the professional service robots market include KUKA AG, iRobot Corporation, and Boston Dynamics, among others.

• KUKA AG is a leading provider of automation solutions that operates through five business segments - Systems, Robotics, Swisslog, Swisslog Healthcare, and China. The company develops and manufactures a range of products and services, including robotic components, cells, turnkey systems, and networked production by leveraging cloud-based IT tools. In its Robotics division, the company deals with the development of Industrial, collaborative, and autonomous mobile robots (AMR) to automate production processes. KUKA’s product portfolio includes traditional 6-axis robots, as well as DELTA and SCARA robots that cover a payload range from three to 1,300 kg. The company caters to several important verticals, including automotive, electronics, consumer goods, healthcare, and e-commerce.

• iRobot Corporation is a global consumer robot organization that designs and manufactures advanced intelligence robots and home innovation products. The company introduced the first robot vacuum, ‘Roomba’, in 2002 and, as of today, has sold over 50 million robots globally. iRobot’s product portfolio includes advanced concepts and technologies in areas such as cleaning, mapping, and navigation. The company’s primary products include robotic vacuums and mops under the Roomba, Roomba Combo, and Braava jet names. It has also developed the iRobot OS, which helps users efficiently manage their robots during cleaning activities.

Recent Developments

• In September 2024, KUKA AG has expanded its four-axis robotic solutions with the launch of the KR SCARA in the 20kg payload class and the upcoming release of the 60kg payload class. The KR 20 model, available in three reaches (800mm, 1000mm, 1200mm), incorporates high-precision planetary gears for high-accuracy applications and improved efficiency. The KR 60 features a higher payload capacity of 60kg, increased speed, and a payload-to-weight ratio of 1:2, making it suitable for heavy-duty manufacturing applications.

• In June 2024, Intuitive announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had cleared a labeling revision for the da Vinci Xi and X specific to radical prostatectomy. The issued clearance was based on real-world historical data that highlighted similar cancer survival rates for patients undergoing open surgery and those receiving robotic prostatectomies. For this initiative, the company undertook a public-private collaboration with the healthcare analytics firm Aetion, the FDA, and the National Evaluation System for health Technology (NEST), using its NEST Mark process.

Professional Service Robots Market Report Scope

Global Professional Service Robots Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global professional service robots market report based on type, end use, and region.

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

  • Articulated Robots

  • Humanoid Robots

  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

  • Others

• End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Logistics

  • Healthcare

  • Military & Defense

  • Inspection & Maintenance

  • Customer Service

  • Field Robots

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • India

    • China

    • South Korea

    • Australia

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE