Here we explore how mobile cobots are transforming manufacturing with AI-driven automation, flexible production, and smart logistics across global industries.

Smart Automation with Mobile Cobots: Market Growth and Industrial Impact

The manufacturing landscape is witnessing a major shift, with mobile collaborative robots (mobile cobots) leading the charge in automation. In 2023, there were 541,302 industrial robots installed, of which 10.5% were Cobots.Unlike traditional fixed robots, these intelligent systems navigate factory floors autonomously, adapting to dynamic production lines and reducing human intervention. From streamlining logistics to improving precision in assembly, mobile cobots are redefining operational efficiency.

Here we see how mobile cobots are revolutionizing the different end sectors:

• Automotive Manufacturing

Mobile cobots optimize material handling and assembly processes in automotive factories. They transport components between workstations, reducing downtime and enhancing just-in-time production. Advanced vision systems enable them to assist in quality inspection, ensuring defect-free parts. For instance, in October 2024, Universal Robots introduced the UR AI Accelerator, enhancing AI-powered cobot applications, and driving innovation and efficiency in automotive manufacturing with the growing mobile cobots market.

• Electronics & Semiconductor Production

Electronics manufacturers leverage mobile cobots for intricate assembly tasks. These robots handle delicate components with high precision, minimizing errors in PCB soldering, chip placement, and display panel assembly. They also support cleanroom operations, where human involvement needs to be minimal.

• Metal & Machinery Fabrication

In metalworking plants, mobile cobots assist in welding, cutting, and polishing. Their ability to move between different machining centers improves workflow efficiency, especially in high-mix, low-volume production environments. They also automate tool and part transportation, reducing manual labor dependency.

• Food & Beverage Processing

Mobile cobots ensure hygiene and efficiency in food packaging and processing. They autonomously transport raw materials, sort products, and assist in quality control using AI-driven vision systems. This minimizes human contact, meeting strict food safety regulations. In This regard, FANUC debuted the CRX 30iA food-grade cobot at Pack EXPO 2024, enhancing food and beverage processing with automation for hygienic, wet, and high-precision environments.

• Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Manufacturing

In pharma and medical device production, mobile cobots manage material movement in sterile environments. They assist in filling, sealing, and inspecting medical products while complying with stringent regulatory requirements. Their integration with IoT systems enhances traceability across the supply chain. For instance, ABB Robotics and XtalPi partnered to develop automated lab workstations in China, using GoFa cobots and AGVs to enhance R&D productivity in biopharmaceuticals, chemistry, and new energy materials.

Regional Analysis: Who’s driving adoption?

The mobile cobots industry is expanding rapidly across key global regions. North America leads adoption, driven by automation in automotive and electronics manufacturing.  To accommodate rising demand and labor scarcity brought on by the pandemic, North American industrial companies invested over USD 2 billion in approximately 40,000 robots in 2021.

Europe, particularly Germany and France, is integrating mobile cobots into industry 4.0 initiatives for smart factories. Asia Pacific, the fastest-growing market, sees major deployment in China, Japan, and South Korea, fueled by demand in the automotive, semiconductor, and electronics industries. Latin America and the Middle East are emerging markets with increasing adoption in automotive, logistics, and food processing, supported by industrial automation investments and labor efficiency needs.

Market Overview: The Surge in Demand

The mobile cobot industry is experiencing rapid growth, with a market value of USD 700 million in 2024, and is projected to account for USD 10.8 billion in 2037, witnessing more than 23.3% CAGR during 2025-2037. The industry is propelled by rising labor shortages, the shift toward flexible automation, and increasing investments in AI-driven robotics. Leading players like ABB, KUKA, and Omron are enhancing mobile cobot capabilities with improved vision systems and machine learning algorithms. Battery advancements are also improving operational runtime, making mobile cobots more efficient.

For instance, in November 2024, collaborative robotics, founded by former Amazon robotics experts, launched Proxie, a highly adaptable cobot designed for demanding material handling tasks in industrial automation.

Latest Trends Shaping the Mobile Cobot Market

• AI-Powered Autonomy: Mobile cobots are integrating reinforcement learning to self-optimize movements and improve task execution without reprogramming.
• 5G-Enabled Connectivity: Real-time data exchange through 5G networks enhances cobot coordination in large-scale manufacturing plants.
• Collaborative Swarm Robotics: Manufacturing deploys fleets of mobile cobots that work in sync, increasing throughput and process adaptability.
• Edge Computing for Real-Time Decision-Making: Faster processing at the robot level reduces latency and enhances precision in tasks like welding and component placement.

The Future of Agile Manufacturing

Mobile cobots are revolutionizing smart manufacturing by making production lines more agile, efficient, and cost-effective. As AI, machine learning, and advanced connectivity continue to evolve, mobile cobots will become even more intelligent, bridging the gap between automation and adaptability. Manufacturers investing in these systems today are setting the foundation for the next era of industrial innovation.

Source: https://www.researchnester.com/reports/mobile-cobots-market/6967