Home > Electronics & Media > Delivery Robot Market
Delivery Robot Market size is anticipated to experience substantial growth during the forecast timespan due to increasing focus of e-commerce vendors on providing fast and reliable delivery to their customers. Last mile delivery is an expensive part of supply chain, representing around 50% of the total cost. Vendors are turning to robotics & automation for enhanced efficiency, reduced logistics expenses, on time delivery, and improved customer satisfaction. Amazon.com, Inc. has deployed around 200,000 robots in its centers across the U.S. Similarly, in March 2020, DHL International GmbH announced that it would deploy 1,000 robots from Locus Robotics for the fulfilment of goods delivery.
Technological advancements in delivery robots, such as AI and machine learning, have enhanced robot functionalities, propelling delivery robot market growth. Integration of AI with robotic systems enables delivery of more accurate results. AI can implement real-time analytics and natural language processing capabilities in robots. Companies, such as Starship Technologies, Boston Dynamics, and Canvas Technology, are offering AI-enabled robots to provide technologically advanced solutions to customers. The robots offered by Starship Technologies have completed over 150,000 autonomous deliveries. They use a combination of sophisticated AI, machine learning, and sensors to travel on sidewalks and navigate around obstacles.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has forced several government organizations to announce the temporary or partial closure of retail stores, shopping malls, and food delivery chains to maintain social distancing. This has led to increased focus on robots among several industry verticals to reduce the spread of virus from human contact. Restaurants and retailers are using robotics for minimizing human involvement while delivering goods to curb the spread of virus. For instance, Rappi, a Colombian startup, is using robots for contactless delivery during the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
Developments in sensors and cameras that enhance robots’ delivery capabilities will positively impact delivery robot market growth over the forecast time period. Sensor-based robotics implement a range of ultrasonic, infrared, and proximity sensors depending on the end use application. Advancements in sensor technologies provide real-time feedback to the centralized system. Proximity sensors incorporated in robots also aid in avoiding obstacles. Players manufacturing robots are embedding cameras in robots to facilitate a 360-degree view of their surroundings. Advancements in the electronics industry, which enable incorporation of miniaturized wireless cameras in robotics will aid in industry growth.
The retail segment will provide several growth opportunities to the market over the coming years as various online retailers, such as Amazon.com Inc. and Walmart Inc., are focusing on providing enhanced solutions to their customers. The market players are incorporating advanced sensors and GPS technologies in robots to streamline the delivery process and ensure customer satisfaction. GPS techniques enable robots to track the exact address, while sensors enable to avoid collisions on the path. In December 2019, Walmart Inc. collaborated with a robotics company, Nuro, to test autonomous delivery of grocery in Houston, U.S.
The North America delivery robot market will witness rapid growth over the forecast timeframe due to the advanced technological landscape of the region. The U.S. is amongst the earliest adopters of technologies. High labor cost in the region is also a key factor driving market growth, as these robots enable cost-effective and error-free delivery. The growing retail and e-commerce sector in the region will surge the demand for advanced solutions that ensure customer satisfaction. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has severely impacted the country, leading to implementation of several social distancing norms. The industry will gain traction due to the demand for contactless goods dispatch to reduce the spread of virus through physical contact.
The delivery robot industry is competitive, with players focusing on incorporating advanced technologies in robots to strengthen their product portfolios and market presence. They are undergoing strategic collaborations with retailers and e-commerce providers to expand their customer bases. In January 2019, Robby Technologies partnered with PepsiCo, Inc., for supplying Snackbot, a self-driving robot for delivering snacks and beverages from Hello Goodness to students of the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. Key players in the market include Panasonic Corporation, Starship Technologies, Nuro, Savioke, Amazon, Marble, and Kiwibot.
Market, By Component
Hardware
Market, By End Use
The above information has been provided for the following regions and countries: