Flexible Automation Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Product (CNC Machine, Industrial Robots), By Component (Hardware, Software), By Application (Packaging & Labelling, Material Handling, Others), By End-User (Automotive, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Electronics, Food & Beverage, Others), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2023 To 2028

The flexible automation market is predicted to show constant growth during the forecast period.

Flexible automation is the implementation of automated procedures and systems that can adapt and adjust to changing conditions and requirements. Flexible automation achieves flexibility and responsiveness by utilizing advanced technologies such as robotics, computer control systems, machine learning algorithms, and artificial intelligence. They are frequently used in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, healthcare, electronics, and food and beverage. The new establishment of laboratories and technological advancements in robotics have contributed to the expansion of the flexible automation industry.

Market Driver

• Healthcare laboratories' establishment drives the flexible automation market growth.

Healthcare laboratories necessitate accurate and quick operations to handle the growing volume of samples and tests. Flexible automation helps to streamline laboratory workflows, reduce errors, and improve overall efficiency through advanced automated industrial robots. Investments and strategic collaboration for healthcare laboratories' establishment contribute significantly to the growth of the flexible automation market. For instance, in December 2023, ABB Robotics and XtalPi collaborated for the development and establishment of ABB Robotics' open innovation lab for life science and healthcare in Zhangjiang Robot Valley, Shanghai.

• Technology advancement in F&B bolsters the flexible automation market growth.

Technology advancements such as robotics and automation systems revolutionized the food and beverage industry. Machines perform repetitive operations with high precision and speed, such as packaging, sorting, and picking. Such high performance increases productivity and reduces the risk of errors, resulting in more efficient manufacturing processes. The ongoing technological advancement in robotics contributed to the growth of the flexible automation market. For instance, in July 2022, ABB launched the fastest five-axis Delta robot IRB 365 for lightweight product picking, packing, and re-orientation. This is the fastest in its category for reorienting packaged lightweight goods such as cookies, chocolates, peppers, candies, small bottles, and parcels. 

• PCB manufacturing plant establishment drives the flexible automation market growth.

Flexible automation in PCB (Printed Circuit Board) manufacturing plants enables the implementation of advanced robotic systems and machine technologies. These technologies boost the speed and accuracy of PCB production processes such as solder joints on PCBs and accurate circuit patterns. This results in increased efficiency and productivity. Booming demand for power electronics has bolstered the establishment of new PCB manufacturing plants thereby pushing the flexible automation market upwards. For instance, in August 2023, the Teltonika company group entered the next stage of growth with the construction of a cutting-edge PCB (printed circuit board) manufacturing plant in the future technology park of Liepkalnis, Vilnius.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow significantly.

Asia Pacific is expected to account for a significant share of the flexible automation market due to numerous initiatives implemented in the establishment of new healthcare production units. For instance, in June 2023, OMRON Healthcare Co., Ltd. announced plans to establish a manufacturing plant in Chennai at the origins of Mahindra. The factory will begin producing blood pressure monitors by 2025. Additionally, in March 2022, Wipro GE Healthcare, a global leader in medical technology, disclosed the official launch of a new manufacturing facility in Bengaluru under the Indian government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme. Likewise, booming automotive and consumer electronics manufacturing in China also paved the way for regional market growth.

Market Restraints

• Cost consideration will restrain the flexible automation market growth.

Implementing flexible automation systems can be expensive, owing to the large initial investments required for integrating advanced technologies such as robotics and automated machines. This may limit the adoption of flexible automation, especially for small businesses which may affect the market growth.

Market Development

• November 2023- ABB introduced the IRB 930 SCARA robot, revolutionizing pick-and-place, and assembly operations. It is developed to capitalize on growth opportunities in key markets such as electronics, automotive, and renewable energy production.
• January 2023- Hwacheon introduced seven new CNC machines, a new Gantry System GR-5, and a new CNC Control Harmony optional user interface. These new CNC machines and systems are improved and improved versions of the company's current machines.

Company Products

• IRB 360 FlexPicker- ABB's IRB 360 FlexPicker is designed for packing applications and is capable of the fastest picking applications. The robot has exceptional motion performance with the shortest cycle times and precision accuracy for payloads ranging from 1 to 8kg and reaches 1130 mm and 1600 mm.
• Motoman HC10DTP Classic- The MOTOMAN HC10DTP Classic is the perfect cobot for entry-level collaborative automation provided by Yaskawa. It offers a payload of 10 kg, an absolute reach of 1,379 mm (from the center of rotation S/L axis to the center of rotation R/T axis), and an effective reach of 1,200 mm (from the center of rotation S/L axis to the working point P).
• KR AGILUS- The KR AGILUS is a compact six-axis robot offered by KUKA AG that is designed for particularly high working speeds. The small robot is transformed into a precision artist by its various versions, installation positions, reaches, and payloads. It consists of a 6 to 11-kg capacity that enables customers to tap new fields of application.
• CNC Solution B Series- Delta's new general-purpose CNC controllers include a human-machine interface (HMI) for creating a user-friendly operating interface and meeting industry customization requirements. It consists of a 32-bit high-speed dual CPU for multitasking and high performance and implements data transmission and noise cancelation with Delta's high-speed servo drives. It also includes a high-resolution encoder with a precision of up to 0.1 um for effortless and precise motions.
• RA605-710-GC- RA605-710-GC is a compact-sized articulated robot offered by HIWIN Corporation. Its adaptable design and small footprint make it ideal for applications such as assembly lines. It can also be used in inverted applications such as pick-and-place, part handling, assembly, machine tending, light machining, dispensing, inspection, and scanning to save space.

Segmentation

• By Product
  • CNC Machine
  • Industrial Robots
• By Component
  • Hardware
  • Software
• By Application
  • Packaging & Labelling
  • Material Handling
  • Others
• By End-User
  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Manufacturing
  • Healthcare
  • Electronics
  • Food & Beverage
  • Others
• By GEOGRAPHY
  • North America
    • USA
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • UK
    • France
    • Spain
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • India
    • Indonesia
    • Others