Soft Robotics Market - By Type (Soft Grippers, Inflatable Robots, Exoskeletons, Wearables), By Component (Soft Actuators, Soft Sensors, Control Systems, Power Sources), By Material (Elastomers, Gels, Fabrics), By Application & Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Soft Robotics Market Size

Soft Robotics Market was valued at USD 1.52 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 30% between 2024 and 2032. The growing demand for automation across various industries is a significant driver for the market.
 

Businesses are seeking innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce labor costs, and improve safety in the manufacturing processes. Soft robotics provides flexible & adaptable solutions that can work alongside human operators in complex environments. As companies increasingly adopt automation technologies, the need for soft robotic systems continues to rise. This trend is particularly evident in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.
 

Recent advancements in material science have propelled the development of soft robotics, enabling the creation of more effective & versatile robotic systems. New materials, such as silicone, hydrogels, and flexible polymers, allow for the design of soft robots that can mimic natural movements and interact safely with delicate objects. These innovations expand the range of applications for soft robotics, making them suitable for industries such as food handling, agriculture, and healthcare. As material technology evolves, the capabilities and market potential for soft robotics are expected to grow significantly.
 

The rising interest in human-robot collaboration is driving the adoption of soft robotics in various settings. Soft robots are designed to be safe and compliant, allowing them to work alongside humans without posing risks of injuries. This compatibility is particularly beneficial in industries such as healthcare, where soft robotics can assist medical professionals/provide care for patients. The emphasis on collaborative robots (cobots) is fostering the demand for soft robotic solutions that enhance productivity while ensuring safety. This trend is reshaping workforce dynamics and driving growth in the market.
 

One significant challenge in the soft robotics market is the limited durability and strength of soft materials used in robotic systems. While soft robots are designed for flexibility and safety, they often struggle with robustness under harsh conditions/heavy loads. This limitation can restrict their applications in demanding industrial environments where durability is crucial. Manufacturers must continuously innovate to enhance the material properties while maintaining flexibility. Addressing this challenge is essential for increasing the reliability and adoption of soft robotics in various sectors.
 

Soft Robotics Market Trends

The soft robotics industry is experiencing significant trends, driven by advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). These technologies are enabling soft robots to enhance their adaptability and autonomy, allowing them to perform complex tasks in dynamic environments. Industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture, are increasingly adopting soft robotics to improve efficiency & safety in operations. Additionally, the integration of soft robotics with IoT devices is fostering smarter & more interconnected systems. As these trends continue to evolve, the market is poised for substantial growth and innovations.
 

For instance, in October 2022, ABB invested in Scalable Robotics to strengthen its portfolio of user-friendly welding systems. This investment aimed to integrate Scalable Robotics' innovative technology into ABB's offerings, enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of robotic welding solutions. By focusing on user-friendly designs, ABB intended to make advanced welding automation more approachable for manufacturers of all sizes. This strategy underscored ABB's commitment to advancing automation technology and expanding its capabilities in the robotics sector.
 

Recent developments in material science are also shaping the Soft Robotics landscape owing to the introduction of new flexible materials and fabrication techniques. Innovations, such as 3D printing and bio-inspired designs, are enabling the creation of more efficient & responsive soft robots. These advancements are expanding the range of applications, particularly in delicate tasks such as food handling and medical assistance. Moreover, increased investments & research funding in soft robotics are fostering collaborations between academia and industry. This collaborative environment is driving the rapid progression of soft robotics technologies and their market adoption.
 

Soft Robotics Market Analysis

Based on type, the market is divided into soft grippers, inflatable robots, exoskeletons, wearables, and others. The exoskeletons segment is expected to reach a value of over USD 5.12 billion by 2032.
 

• The soft grippers segment is witnessing a surge in demand, particularly in industries such as food processing and electronics, where handling delicate & irregularly shaped objects is crucial. Advances in material science and design have led to the development of more versatile and reliable grippers. These innovations enable safer and more efficient automation in applications that require gentle handling. The trend toward more adaptable and customizable soft grippers is driving significant growth in this segment.
   
• Inflatable robots are gaining popularity due to their lightweight structure and ease of deployment, making them ideal for search & rescue operations, as well as space exploration. Innovations in pneumatic and hydraulic systems are enhancing their functionality & control. These robots can be easily transported and deployed in challenging environments, offering flexible solutions for various applications. The trend toward more robust and versatile inflatable robots is expanding their usage and market potential.

Based on application, the soft robotics market is divided into medical & healthcare, food & beverage, logistics, automotive, agriculture, and other applications. The food & beverage segment is the fastest growing segment with a CAGR of over 35% between 2024 and 2032.
 

• In the medical & healthcare sector, soft robotics are increasingly used for rehabilitation, surgery, and assistive devices. Advances in soft materials and precision control are making these robots more effective in delicate medical procedures. Wearable soft robotics, such as exoskeletons and therapeutic gloves, are enhancing patient mobility & recovery outcomes. The trend toward integrating AI and real-time data monitoring is further improving the functionality & adoption of soft robotics in healthcare.
   
• The food & beverage industry is adopting soft robotics for tasks such as sorting, packaging, and handling delicate food items. Soft grippers and inflatable robots are particularly valuable for their ability to handle fragile products without causing damage. Innovations in hygiene and sanitation are making these robots more suitable for food processing environments. The trend toward automation and efficiency in food production is driving significant growth in the use of soft robotics in this sector. For instance, in April 2022, Soft Robotics partnered with Quest and Ossid to deliver a unique robotic solution for primary food packaging. This collaboration combined Soft Robotics' advanced gripping technology with Quest's automation expertise and Ossid's packaging solutions. The goal was to create a flexible & efficient robotic system that can handle various food products, ensuring high-speed and reliable packaging processes. This innovative solution aimed to enhance productivity & safety in the food industry, addressing the growing demand for automation in food packaging.

North America dominated the global soft robotics market in 2023, accounting for a share of over 33%. In North America, the market is experiencing robust growth driven by advancements in technology and strong investments in Research & Development (R&D). The region's focus on automation and robotics in manufacturing & healthcare sectors is fostering innovations & adoption of soft robotics. Major players and startups are collaborating with research institutions to develop cutting-edge solutions. The presence of a well-established robotics industry and favorable regulatory environment are further boosting market growth. Additionally, the increasing demand for assistive and rehabilitative robotics in healthcare is a significant trend in this region.
 

Europe is witnessing significant growth in the soft robotics industry, supported by government initiatives and funding for robotics R&D. The region's strong emphasis on industrial automation and Industry 4.0 is driving the adoption of soft robotics in manufacturing & logistics. European countries are also focusing on sustainable and eco-friendly robotics solutions, aligning with their environmental goals. Collaborations between academic institutions and industry players are leading to innovative applications in various sectors. The healthcare sector, in particular, is witnessing increased use of soft robotics for patient care and rehabilitation.
 

The Asia Pacific region is emerging as a major hub for the soft robotics market, driven by rapid industrialization and technological advancements. Countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea are investing heavily in robotics to enhance manufacturing efficiency and address labor shortages. The region's strong electronics & automotive industries are adopting soft robotics for precision tasks and automation. Additionally, the growing demand for healthcare solutions in countries with aging populations is boosting the adoption of soft robotics in medical applications. The agricultural sector is also leveraging soft robotics for tasks such as harvesting and crop monitoring.
 

For instance, in February 2024, OMRON Automation launched the TM S Series of collaborative robots (cobots) in India, featuring faster joints and enhanced safety features. These advanced cobots are designed to work alongside humans in various manufacturing environments, improving efficiency and productivity. The increased speed of the joints allows for quicker operations, while the expanded safety features ensure a safer working environment for human operators. This launch reflects OMRON's commitment to providing innovative automation solutions tailored to the needs of the Indian market, supporting businesses in their automation journeys.
 

Soft Robotics Market Share

The key market players in the soft robotics industry are focusing on strategic partnerships & collaborations to accelerate innovation and expand their product portfolios. They are investing heavily in R&D to enhance the capabilities & applications of soft robots, particularly in healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics. Companies are also leveraging advancements in AI & ML to improve the adaptability and intelligence of their robotic systems. Additionally, companies are expanding their presence in emerging markets and customizing their solutions to meet regional demands as part of their key strategies. These players are continuously seeking to improve the durability and performance of soft robotic materials to increase adoption across various industries.
 

Some of the other major players in the market are Yaskawa Electric Corporation, ABB Group, Kawada Robotics, Techman Robot Inc., Bionik Laboratories Corp., Righthand Robotics, Fanuc Corporation, Universal Robots, Cyberdyne Inc., SRT, and Pneubotics.
 

Soft Robotics Market Companies

Major players operating in the soft robotics industry are:

• Soft Robotics Inc.
• Festo AG
• Ekso Bionics Holdings, Inc.
• ReWalk Robotics
   

Soft Robotics Industry News

• In April 2024, Sanctuary AI forged a strategic partnership with Magna to develop embodied AI robots. This collaboration aimed to leverage Sanctuary AI's expertise in AI and Magna's experience in manufacturing and engineering to create advanced robotic systems. The focus will be on designing robots that can interact seamlessly with humans and perform various tasks across different industries. This partnership is expected to accelerate the development & deployment of sophisticated AI-driven robots, thereby enhancing automation and efficiency in various applications.
   

The soft robotics market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD million) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Soft grippers
• Inflatable robots
• Exoskeletons
• Wearables
• Others

Market, By Component

• Soft actuators
• Soft sensors
• Control systems
• Power sources
• Other components

Market, By Material

• Elastomers
• Gels
• Fabrics
• Others

Market, By Application

• Medical and healthcare 
  • Rehabilitation
  • Surgery
  • Assistive devices 
• Food & beverage
  • Food handling
  • Packaging 
• Logistics
  • Warehousing
  • Material handling 
• Automotive 
  • Manufacturing
  • Assembly 
• Agriculture 
  • Harvesting
  • Planting 
• Others

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

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • 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
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA