The global food robotics market was valued at USD 1.9 billion in 2020 and is anticipated to reach USD 4.0 billion by 2026, with a notable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.1% during the forecast period. This remarkable expansion is attributed to the increasing demand for food production to cater to the growing population and the need for improved productivity in food processing. Furthermore, the heightened investments in automation within the food industry are expected to create significant growth prospects for the food robotics market.
Drivers:
Packaging Demand and Automated Processes The surge in demand for packaged food products, driven by the necessity to extend their shelf life and meet the requirements for ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat items, has propelled the market for food robotics. Automation is being extensively adopted in large-scale food production facilities to ensure consistent quality across various Stock Keeping Units (SKUs). The implementation of food robotics is notably witnessed in the production of processed, frozen, dried, and chilled packaged food products. The expansion of the packaged dairy and baked goods industries has also contributed to the growth of the food robotics market.
Restraints:
Skill Shortage in Emerging Economies The deployment of food robotics necessitates a skilled workforce, particularly in disciplines such as electrical, embedded, software, and mechanical engineering. However, emerging economies like China, India, and Brazil face a scarcity of proficient professionals with expertise in these specific areas. Limited availability of qualified faculty and a lack of dedicated engineering branches focusing on robotics act as direct constraints for the food robotics market, hampering the development of skilled manpower in the short term.
Opportunities:
Enhanced Functionality and Automation Robots are now increasingly equipped with advanced functionalities, expanding their applications beyond heavy payload tasks to include activities such as packaging, repackaging, and palletizing. In response to compliance with stringent health regulations, the food processing industry, especially segments like dairy and bakery, is minimizing human involvement in production processes. This shift toward increased functionality of robots presents a significant opportunity for the growth of the food robotics market.
Challenges:
High Installation Costs The high initial costs associated with installing a comprehensive robotic system, including peripheral equipment, safety systems, and engineering expenses, pose a challenge for small- and medium-scale food manufacturers. Many are hesitant to adopt automated processes due to the prolonged period required to achieve the break-even point, thus impeding the overall growth of the global market.
Asia Pacific’s Growth Trajectory With its large population and evolving lifestyles, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth in the food robotics market. The rising demand for Ready-to-Eat (RTE) foods is driving the automation of production and processing within the region, presenting significant opportunities for market growth.
Key Market Players
Leading participants in the food robotics market include ABB Group (Switzerland), KUKA AG (Germany), Fanuc Corporation (Japan), Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. (Japan), and other prominent global players, actively contributing to the market’s advancement and innovation.
