Robots in the food industry

• Robots in restaurants

2023: Global Market Size of Robots for Food Industry Grows 20% to $4.89 Billion

In 2023, spending on robots for the food industry globally reached $4.89 billion. The indicator of the previous year, when costs in this area were estimated at $4.07 billion, was exceeded by 20%. This is stated in a study by Market Research Future, the results of which were published in early December 2024.

The industry is showing steady positive dynamics, which is explained by several factors. One of them is an increase in demand for automated food production, processing and delivery systems. We are talking about automatically controlled vehicles (AGV) and unmanned aerial vehicles UAV (), which are used to transport food and send it to customers. In addition, the introduction robots of collaborative ones capable of performing certain tasks side by side with human workers is gaining momentum to improve labor productivity.

Technological advances, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, have a stimulating impact on the industry. These systems increase the efficiency and accuracy of robotic platforms, as well as expand their functionality. AI algorithms allow machines to learn from the data they receive and improve their capabilities over time. AI robots are used in warehouses to automate the sorting and packaging of food, as well as in restaurants to prepare certain dishes. In addition, special machines can be used to clean and disinfect equipment and premises.

Another factor driving the rise in robot sales for the food industry is a labor shortage. By automating various tasks, machines can reduce the need for employees. At the same time, remote monitoring and management functions open up new opportunities for companies operating in the field of nutrition. Robots can help reduce the risk of food diseases and improve the overall safety of food supplies.

Geographically, North America and Europe were leading in 2023, driven by the widespread adoption of advanced technologies in the food industry, growing demand for automation, a focus on food safety and quality, and government support for innovation. At the same time, the Asia-Pacific region is showing high growth rates. South America, the Middle East and Africa have significant potential, as noted. The key players in the industry under consideration on a global scale are:

• ABB;
• Kuka;
• Omron;
• Ancora Robotics;
• Fanuc;
• Universal Robots;
• Techman Robot;
• Kawasaki;
• Stäubli;
• Festo;
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

From the perspective of end users of robots, the market is subdivided into food and beverage manufacturers, restaurants, supermarkets and distributors. Among them, manufacturers held the largest share in 2023, providing more than 35% of total revenue. This is due to the high level of implementation of automation technologies that help increase operational efficiency and optimize costs. Restaurants are another major customer for robotic complexes.

At the end of 2024, revenue in the segment of robots for the food industry is estimated at $5.87 billion. Market Research Future analysts believe that in the future, the CAGR will be 20.09%. As a result, by 2032, costs on a global scale could increase to $25.39 billion.^[1]

2020: Global Robot Market Exceeds $2 Billion

On June 2, 2022, ResearchAndMarkets analysts published a study according to which the global robotics market for the food industry at the end of 2020 was estimated at $2.05 billion. The cost of such equipment will grow by about 10.4% per year and reach $5.79 billion by 2031, experts predict.

According to them, increasing demand for increased productivity contributes to the introduction of robots to automate tasks, as a result of which robots become an integral part of various industries. Demand for packaged food is expected to grow at a moderate pace during the forecast period. This is expected to lead to an increase in demand for food robotics in the near future. In addition, it is expected that a sharp increase in safety rules and regulations in the food industry will contribute to the growth of demand for robotics during the analyzed period.

The global market for robots for food production exceeded $2 billion

The following companies are named as the market leaders in robots for the food industry:

• Mitsubishi Electric
• ABB
• Rockwell Automation
• Kawasaki Heavy Industries
• Kuka
• Fanuc
• Yaskawa Electric
• SeikoEpson
• Staubli International
• Universal Robotics

The food and beverage sector uses automated technology for packaging and palletizing to reduce costs, save time and ensure higher product quality. This technology improves storage capacity and vertical space efficiency. Automation in manufacturing plants and warehouses has become popular for loading/unloading, sorting, palletizing and shipping tasks, which has led to improved supply chain efficiency in the food industry and the production of natural products. Robotic systems help reduce the burden on employees by working collaboratively to improve efficiency. In addition, with the rise of strict occupational safety regulations, companies are now using robotic systems to operate in dangerous and harmful conditions.

Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on producing high-performance, low-cost robots to reduce operational complexity in the food industry, according to the report. The introduction of robotics in industry has led to cost savings, as machines can operate around the clock without interruption and do not experience fatigue unlike human workers. In addition, robots can be deployed in places with specific and limited space and still remain accurate, consistent and lift heavy loads without receiving damage. Thus, the need for robots compared to stationary automation makes them a cost-effective solution, thereby contributing to the growth of the global market.^[2]

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