Soft Robotics Market Trends

The growing need for automation in food processing, e-commerce is driving the market growth

The growing need for automation in the food processing, e-commerce, and other end-user industries is one of the factors propelling the growth of the soft robotics market. The market for soft robotics is expanding due to the rising investments and funding made in R&D by numerous nations.

Exoskeletons are a newly developed technology that could shield and save factory and warehouse workers from shoulder, back, and neck pain and injuries brought on by heavy and repetitive lifting. Researchers are creating soft, wearable robots that mimic muscle movements. An exoskeleton that lowers the metabolic cost of walking was created in May 2021 by a research team at Queen's University in Canada. The research aims to develop an exoskeleton that can overcome some of the brakings that happen while walking, thereby lowering the metabolic cost of walking overall.

Exoskeletons used for both medical and non-medical purposes must adhere to international safety regulations that have been published by the ISO/IEC. The manufacturers of these products must abide by these rules to successfully commercialize them. Additionally, the likelihood of approval is arbitrary. Only if there is a reasonable assurance that the device is suitable for its application can it be accomplished. The commercialization process is delayed due to these factors and the absence of a single, centralized regulatory body, which limits the market's potential growth.

The focus of several players is the development of flexible pneumatic grippers that are ideal for delicate foods that would otherwise be harmed by rigid robotics. Due to labor shortages and concerns over disease transmission, the automation of the food industry has received much attention during the pandemic. In June 2021, the Soft Robotics company raised USD 10 million for research and development in its ground-breaking soft grasping, 3D perception, and AI technologies, citing pandemic-related demand. Thus, driving the soft robotics market revenue.

The Global Soft Robotics Market Industry is poised for substantial growth, with projections indicating a rise from 0.58 USD Billion in 2024 to 7.9 USD Billion by 2035. This growth trajectory suggests a compound annual growth rate of 26.8% from 2025 to 2035. Such figures highlight the increasing recognition of soft robotics across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing. The anticipated expansion underscores the potential for soft robotics to revolutionize traditional practices and introduce innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and productivity.

The Global Soft Robotics Market Industry is witnessing a surge in the adoption of soft robotics within the agricultural sector. Soft robots are utilized for tasks such as harvesting delicate crops, monitoring plant health, and automating labor-intensive processes. Their ability to handle fragile produce without causing damage is a key advantage. As the global population continues to rise, the demand for efficient agricultural practices is expected to increase. This trend is reflected in the market's projected growth from 0.58 USD Billion in 2024 to 7.9 USD Billion by 2035, indicating a significant opportunity for soft robotics to enhance agricultural productivity.

The Global Soft Robotics Market Industry is propelled by the rising trend of automation in manufacturing processes. Soft robots offer unique advantages in handling complex tasks that require a gentle touch, such as assembling fragile components or packaging delicate products. Their adaptability makes them suitable for various manufacturing environments. As industries increasingly adopt automation to enhance efficiency and reduce labor costs, the demand for soft robotics is expected to grow. This trend aligns with the market's forecasted expansion from 0.58 USD Billion in 2024 to 7.9 USD Billion by 2035, reflecting the transformative impact of soft robotics on manufacturing.

The Global Soft Robotics Market Industry is significantly influenced by the increasing demand for soft robotics in healthcare applications. Soft robots are particularly advantageous in surgical procedures, rehabilitation, and assistive devices due to their inherent flexibility and safety. For example, soft robotic exoskeletons are being developed to aid patients in regaining mobility after injuries. This trend is likely to continue as the healthcare sector seeks innovative solutions to improve patient outcomes. The anticipated growth from 0.58 USD Billion in 2024 to 7.9 USD Billion by 2035 underscores the potential of soft robotics in transforming healthcare practices.

The Global Soft Robotics Market Industry experiences robust growth driven by rapid technological advancements. Innovations in materials science, such as the development of soft actuators and sensors, enhance the capabilities of soft robotic systems. These advancements enable robots to perform delicate tasks in various sectors, including healthcare and agriculture. For instance, soft robots are increasingly utilized in minimally invasive surgeries, where precision is paramount. The market is projected to expand from 0.58 USD Billion in 2024 to an impressive 7.9 USD Billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 26.8% from 2025 to 2035.

The Global Soft Robotics Market Industry benefits from heightened investment in research and development initiatives. Governments and private entities are increasingly funding projects aimed at exploring the potential of soft robotics across various applications. This investment fosters innovation and accelerates the development of new technologies, which could lead to breakthroughs in soft robotic capabilities. For instance, research into bio-inspired designs is paving the way for more efficient and adaptable soft robots. As the industry evolves, the influx of funding is likely to contribute to the anticipated market growth from 0.58 USD Billion in 2024 to 7.9 USD Billion by 2035.

Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the soft robotics market grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking various strategic activities to expand their footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, soft robotics industry must offer cost-effective items.

Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics manufacturers use in the soft robotics industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. The soft robotics industry has offered some of the most significant advantages recently.

Major players in the soft robotics market, including KAWADA Robotics Corporation (Japan), F&P Robotics AG (Switzerland), Ekso Bionics Holdings Inc. (US), Soft Robotics Inc. (US), RightHand Robotics Inc. (US), ReWalk Robotics Ltd. (Israel), Rethink Robotics (Germany), Kawasaki (Japan), Yaskawa Electric Corporation (Japan), AUBO Robotics Inc. (US), KUKA AG (Germany), ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), Techman Robot (Taiwan), FANUC Corporation (Japan), Universal Robots A/S (Denmark), and others, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.

Kawada Robotics Corporation is a Japanese company specializing in the development, manufacture and sale of advanced robotics technology. The company was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Kawada Robotics is famous for its HRP series of humanoid robots used in various applications such as research, education and entertainment. 

The company also makes industrial robots designed to work alongside humans, such as the DUO collaborative robot. Kawada Robotics is committed to advancing the field of robotics through research and development, and the company works with the world's leading research institutes and universities to develop advanced robotics technology. Overall, Kawada Robotics Corporation is a well-respected company in the robotics industry, and its innovative products and technologies continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with robotics.

ABB Corporation is a multinational corporation headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It is a leading technology company specializing in the development and manufacture of robotics, energy and automation solutions for a variety of industries, including utilities, transportation and manufacturing. The company was established in 1988 as a result of the merger between the Swedish company ASEA and the Swiss company Brown, Boveri & Cie. ABB operates in more than 100 countries and has approximately 110,000 employees worldwide.

ABB's products include a range of industrial robots, such as the IRB 360 FlexPicker, for high-speed picking and packaging applications in the food, pharmaceutical and consumer goods industries. 

The company also manufactures power systems such as transformers and switchgear and offers a range of automation solutions including control systems and software. In addition to focusing on technology, ABB is committed to sustainability and has set ambitious goals to reduce its environmental impact and increase the use of renewable energy in its operations. The company was also recognized for its efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.