The articulated robots market was evaluated at US$11.194 billion for the year 2019 growing at a CAGR of 17.10% reaching the market size of US$33.797 billion by the year 2026. An increase in the transformation of industries towards automation has led to increasing demand for articulated robots.

It has at least two rotary joints and is mostly used in different manufacturing procedures, such as handling components, welding, dispensing, assembling, loading/unloading, cutting, and painting. Articulated robots increase operating efficacy in complex activities, and can handle harsh or dangerous heavy goods or materials. These robots are also extremely robust and economical and require minimum rest. Owing to these advantages, they are commonly used in diverse industries like the automobile, aerospace, and electronics industries.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Articulated Robots Market

The outbreak of COVID-19 had a significant impact on the market of articulated robots. The lockdown restrictions across various countries affected production activities. A fall in revenue and profits led to the laying off various employees and factory workers. The decline in production in the end-user industries impacted the adoption of articulated robots to an extent. The revival of the economies post-COVID will lead to an increase in production activities thereby boosting the demand for these robots over the forecast period. 

Market Drivers

• Articulated robots are used in various industries like painting, packaging, metal casting, and various other industries. 
• The use of articulated robots reduces the operation cost of the industry and provides operational efficiency thereby encouraging its use in various industries.
• There has been an increase in investments by the automation industry in articulated robots. For tedious and risky tasks that people cannot perform, articulated robots are used. Manufacturing firms in their operations have used robotics to increase their vehicles' efficiency and quality. Companies, like Tesla and Ford, are investing heavily in robots.
• The demand for automobiles has been increasing due to an increase in the disposable income of consumers thereby leading to an increase in the production process and indirectly increasing the demand for articulated robots in the industry.
• The labour-intensive workload of the food and beverage industry provides perfect opportunities for industrial robotic use, particularly when robots are increasingly equipped to follow high standards of safety and health. The use of articulated robots will prevent the workers from doing repetitive tasks and getting injured, rather it will help them focus on value-adding activities.
• According to FM&T, there will be an increase in the investment of robotics in the foundries. In the year 2021, 16.5% of the metal casting operations plan to invest in advanced robotic technologies. The fact that human employees are subject to extreme heat, noise, and chemicals in this industry gives robotics a highly added benefit. Robots, however, are specially designed for use in hot environments and can survive high-pressure sprays and chemical exposure.
• Initiatives taken by the government also help boost the market of articulated robots. For instance, Made in China 2025, this initiative has led to a shift in the manufacturing industry from low-end to a technologically innovative industry. There has been a push towards the use of robotics, clean energy, and information technology in various sectors.  

Market Restraints

• The high cost of articulated robots and their complex installations are some of the factors that will hinder growth in the market.
• Complicated programming and kinematics can be a major block hindering the demand for articulated robots.

North America region to witness lucrative growth

The articulated robots market is estimated to grow aggressively in the North American region. Owing to the increase in development and manufacturing activities, the demand for articulated robots will increase in North America. An increase in innovation and adoption of robotics in industrial activities has led to growth in the market. North America is one of the pioneers in adopting robots across various industries like automotive, electronics, metals and machinery, pharmaceuticals, and various others. 

On the other hand, the APAC region will also witness an upsurge in the demand for articulated robots. Countries like China, South Korea, India, and many others are automating the processes in manufacturing thereby increasing the demand for articulated robots in the region.     

Key Players

The key players in the articulated robots market are ABB Ltd., KUKA AG, FANUC CORPORATION, DENSO Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric Corp., Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., Nachi-Fujikoshi, Omron Adept Technologies, Seiko Epson, NIMAK GmbH, and many others. The companies compete with each other by investing heavily in research and development and launching new advanced robots.    

Articulated Robots Market Scope:

Segmentation

• By Payload
  • Up to 16 Kg
  • 16 – 60 Kg
  • 60– 225 Kg
  • More Than 225 Kg
• By Application
  • Handling and assembly
  • Welding
  • Processing
  • Others
• By End-User
  • Automotive
  • Electrical & Electronics
  • Food & Beverages
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Others
• By Geography
  • North America
    • The U.S.
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
  • Europe
    • U.K
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • France
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Israel
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Others
  • Asia-Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • India
    • Others