Food Robotics Market - By Component (Robots, Software, Services), By Robots (Articulated, Cartesian, SCARA, Parallel, Cylindrical, Collaborative), By Payload (Low, Medium, High), By Application, By End Use & Forecast 2023 – 2032

Food Robotics Market Size

Food Robotics Market was valued at USD 3.2 billion in 2022 and is estimated to register a CAGR of over 12% between 2023 and 2032. The consumer demand for safe, high-quality, and convenient food products is on the rise. Additionally, the need for increased efficiency in food production and processing to meet this demand coupled with the advancements in robotics technology is driving the adoption of robotics in the food industry. Food robotics systems offer improved precision, consistency, and speed in tasks such as sorting, packaging, and quality control. The ongoing pursuit of sustainability and cost-effectiveness is allowing food manufacturers to explore automation solutions that reduce waste and energy consumption while enhancing productivity. For instance, in August 2023, UK based robotic fresh produce packing machine maker Wootzano launched in the U.S. The company’s Avarai robot is able to carefully handle perishable fresh produce without causing bruising or damages.
 

Food robotics refers to the applications of robotics and automation technologies in the food industry. It encompasses a wide variety of tasks, ranging from food processing & packaging to quality inspection & handling. Food robotics systems can include robotic arms, pick & place robots, automated sorting & packaging equipment, as well as the autonomous vehicles used in agricultural settings.

The integration of robotics into existing food production facilities can be complex & time-consuming. It is quite a hurdle to ensure that the new robotic systems work seamlessly with legacy equipment and processes. The maintenance and servicing of food robotics systems also require technical expertise. Companies need qualified personnel or partnerships with robotics specialists to efficiently run their systems.
 

COVID-19 Impact

The pandemic disrupted global supply chains, leading to the shortage of critical components as well as delays in the manufacturing & delivery of robotics systems. This affected the availability and deployment of food robotics solutions. The economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic compelled businesses to be cautious about their spending. Some companies postponed or canceled planned robotics projects to conserve their capital. The implementation of food robotics systems often requires significant adjustments to the existing workflows, infrastructure, and training. Businesses had to deal with numerous challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, making it difficult to focus on the complex process of integrating new technologies.
 

Food Robotics Market Trends

The food industry is facing labor shortage, especially in repetitive and physically demanding tasks. Robots can perform these tasks consistently and efficiently, thereby reducing labor costs and the dependency on human workers. Food robotics solutions are capable of handling high production volumes, making them ideal for scaling up operations. This scalability allows food manufacturers to meet the growing demand and expand their market reach.
 

The robots equipped with sensors and vision systems ensure consistent product quality. They can detect defects, measure ingredients precisely, and maintain uniform cooking temperatures, thereby resulting in high-quality products. Robotics can optimize food production processes, reducing wastes and energy consumption. By minimizing overproduction and ensuring accurate portion control, they contribute to the sustainability efforts in the food industry.
 

Food Robotics Market Analysis

Based on robots, the market is segmented into articulated, cartesian, SCARA, parallel, cylindrical, collaborative, and others. The SCARA segment is estimated to grow significantly over the forecast period and account for a revenue of over USD 1.5 billion by 2032.
 

• Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arms (SCARA): These robots have gained prominence in the food industry for their unique capabilities. SCARA robots are known for their exceptional speed & accuracy in tasks such as pick & place, sorting, and packaging.
   
• In the food robotics market, SCARA robots are often employed in tasks such as the placing toppings on pizzas, arranging confectionery products, and handling delicate bakery items. Their ability to work quickly and consistently makes them ideal for use in high-speed production lines.
   
• SCARA robots enhance productivity, reduce production costs, and ensure precise food item placement, thereby meeting the industry demand for efficiency & quality.
   

Based on component, the market is segmented into robots, software, and services. The robots segment accounted for a dominant market share of over 70% in 2022 and is anticipated to grow over the forecast period.
 

• Stringent food safety and quality regulations are driving the adoption of food robots. The food industry is subject to rigorous standards to ensure consumer safety and product quality. Robotics technology can achieve compliance by minimizing human contact with food items and reducing the risk of contamination.
   
• Robots equipped with sensors and vision systems can detect anomalies and foreign particles, ensuring that food products meet the highest standards, which is crucial for both consumer trust and regulatory compliance.
   
• Consumers are increasingly seeking customized and personalized food options, leading to the adoption of food robotics solutions. Robots can be programmed to create tailored dishes and food items, thereby catering to individual preferences and dietary requirements.
  
   

North America dominated the global food robotics market in 2022, accounting for a significant share of over 32%. The region's food industry is characterized by innovations and the high demand for automation. Factors, such as labor costs, food safety regulations, and the need for consistent product quality, are driving the adoption of food robotics. In the U.S., food manufacturers, restaurants, and quick-service chains are increasingly integrating robots into their operations. The presence of prominent food robotics companies and research institutions is also contributing to market growth in North America.
 

Food Robotics Market Share

The food robotics industry is highly competitive owing to the presence of key players such as:

• ABB Group
• KUKA AG
• Fanuc Corporation
• Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd.
• Rockwell Automation Inc.
• Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
• Yasakawa Electric Corporation

Significant investments in R&D to augment technological strength and aggressive business strategies including product launches, mergers & acquisitions to capture market share are positively impacting market growth.
 

Food Robotics Industry News

• In April 2023, Doosan Robotics launched its E-SERIES, an NSF-certified collaborative robot line created for the food & beverages industry. The line has the flexibility to make a wide range of food & beverage items while offering high safety and hygiene standards.
   

The food robotics market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD million) from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments:

Click here to Buy Section of this Report

by component

• Robots
• Software
• Services

by robots

• Articulated
• Cartesian
• SCARA
• Parallel
• Cylindrical
• Collaborative
• Others

by payload

• Low
• Medium
• High

by application

• Palletizing
• Packaging
• Repackaging
• Pick & place
• Processing
• Others

by end use

• Beverages
• Meat
• Poultry
• Seafood
• Dairy
• Bakery
• Fruits & vegetables
• Confectionery
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • ANZ
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• MEA
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA