Mobile robots are poised to see a substantial increase in adoption across various sectors, according to a recent forecast by ABI Research. The technology intelligence firm predicts that mobile robot shipments will skyrocket from 547,000 units in 2023 to a staggering 2.79 million units by 2030. This predicted growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.1 percent, highlighting the increasing significance of mobile robot technology in diverse fields.
Warehousing and logistics currently dominate the application of mobile robots, a trend that is expected to continue due to the technology's transformative impact on these sectors. However, the use of mobile robots is rapidly expanding into other areas such as last-mile delivery, agriculture, and healthcare. From cleaning operations to security enhancements, mobile robots are becoming crucial tools, demonstrating valuable efficiency improvements across multiple applications.
As mobile robot shipments accelerate, associated revenue is also projected to swell from $18 billion in 2023 to $124 billion by 2030, translating into a CAGR of 23.6 percent. George Chowdhury, a robotics industry analyst at ABI Research, emphasizes the revolutionary potential of mobile robots, particularly in material handling and logistics. "Mobile robots are a very valuable category of robot which have completely transformed warehousing and logistics in recent years," Chowdhury states, noting the advancements in supporting technologies such as Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) that enable deployment in dynamic environments.
Beyond warehousing, sectors such as agriculture and last-mile delivery are expected to witness significant growth in mobile robot adoption. Shipments for agricultural applications are projected to increase exponentially from 7,000 units in 2023 to 129,000 units by 2030, with a CAGR of 45 percent. Last-mile delivery is also set to benefit, with shipments forecasted to rise from 14,000 to 147,000 units within the same period, marking a 37 percent CAGR.
Furthermore, mobile robots are gaining traction in public-facing applications. Restaurants, for instance, will see a rise in mobile robot deployments from 6,000 units in 2023 to 78,000 units by 2030, boasting a 43 percent CAGR. Benefitting from decreased costs, increased versatility, and easier programmability, mobile robots are becoming more accessible across diverse industries.
The market for mobile robots hosts a range of specialized vendors, each targeting different market verticals. Companies like MiR, Omron, Otto Motors, and ABB lead in manufacturing intralogistics, while others such as Zebra, Locus, and Safelog focus on marketing applications. In the retail sector, players like Simbe and Brain Corp excel, whereas Starship concentrates on the last-mile delivery market.
Chowdhury further explains that mobile robots will continue to be the most prevalent form of robotic technology as automation becomes an inherently beneficial component of business practices. He suggests an increasing trust in Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) technologies will expand their presence in public spaces, facilitating mass adoption in hospitals, agriculture, retail environments, and last-mile delivery operations.
As industries worldwide adjust to the potential of mobile robots, decision-makers are recognizing the strategic advantage provided by such advancements. With the groundwork laid for exponential growth, mobile robots are on track to redefine operational efficiencies across a broad spectrum of economic sectors.
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