Gantry Industrial Robots Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (1-Axis, 2-Axis, 3-Axis, 4-Axis, & Others), By Application (Handling, Palletizing, Welding & Others), By Industry (Packaging, Automotive, Pharmaceuticals, Food & Beverage, Semiconductors & Electronics, Heavy Engineering Machinery, Aerospace & Railway, & Others), and Regional Forecast, 2022-2029

The global gantry industrial robots market size was valued at USD 2.53 billion in 2021. The market is projected to grow from USD 2.76 billion in 2022 to USD 5.17 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.4% during the forecast period. The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with this industry experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, the global market had witnessed a decline of -5.4% in 2020 compared to 2019.

Gantry industrial robots are machines retrofitted with a manipulator placed on an aerial system that allows them to move between parallel planes. Cartesian and linear robots are other names for these gantry robots. The robots are easy to program because they use the X, Y, and Z coordinate systems. Furthermore, they are not constrained by a lack of floor space. Cartesian gantry robots are developed with applications like grasping technology and axis choices in mind, allowing for optimum flexibility and production. Because Cartesian robots work above or below the work envelop, they may run in parallel with other activities, lowering operational costs and freeing up floor space for other duties.

Gantry industrial robots have a wide range of operational applications, including manufacturing and material handling in various sectors. Gantry robots also have the benefit of being able to reach machinery and items from above, allowing for a more efficient procedure.

The Cartesian gantry system uses Cartesian coordinate systems (X, Y, & Z), which implies that the robots travel in a straight line along three axes (side to side, in and out & up & down). These are the most often used industrial machines because they offer fast speeds, a wide range of stroke lengths, accuracy, and the ability to vary the size of the operation.

COVID-19 IMPACT  

Disruptions in Manufacturing Sector to Hinder Growth Prospects during COVID-19 Pandemic

Many organizations have seen a drop in market growth due to the Covid-19 pandemic. During this time, industrial robots is seen as critical in overcoming the obstacles that the epidemic has posed over the world.

Manufacturing industry lockdown and shut-down regulations are projected to lead to increased deployment of industrial robots in the near future. This compliance has caused problems in many regions of the world and across economies and production units, scattering laborers. Despite the fact that automation and the usage of gantry industrial robots have a significant application and expansion in this pandemic, the unemployment aspect will be adversely impacted since automation will reduce the need for human manual labor. Minimal human contact may have a favorable effect in reducing virus spread, but it will also increase unemployment among people.

 Major sectors such as electronic/electrical, food & beverages, and others are expected to employ industrial robots to increase market growth and expand product categories. They will achieve a significant market share while also producing a high-quality product by utilizing advanced technology. The most powerful companies in major nations have already invested in new technology and industrial robots on a regional level. Due to the pandemic, other nations that lack technological advancements may turn to industrial robots to adapt their goods and maintain competitiveness.

However, in this scenario, the large initial expenditure required to deploy industrial robots might stifle market expansion, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses. However, after a few months, the money will be recouped. During this emergency period, the key manufacturers employ a variety of business methods to keep their businesses afloat. In the forecast period, modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things are likely to drive the development of industrial robots, resulting in additional investment opportunities.

Furthermore, government agencies are aiding businesses in prospering after the COVID-19 crisis by implementing big programs to stimulate industrial sectors and assist businesses in thriving. Also, the increased productivity of the assembly lines is anticipated to enhance gantry industrial robots' demand over the forecast period.

LATEST TRENDS

Huge Initial Investments by Automotive Players & Venture Capitalists to Amplify Market Growth

The major companies are focusing more on R&D for AI and sophisticated sensors integration, which will significantly influence the market throughout the forecast period. For instance, the Madrona Venture Group, a venture investor, has invested heavily in the cloud-based management business VNDLY. In the near future, robust market growth will be fueled by increased venture capital financing for creating and producing industrial robots. Furthermore, the rising partnerships and deals with significant key players would enhance the market's potential. The growing need for automated technology and robots in the food and beverage sector will provide new economic growth opportunities in the next years.

However, the significant capital cost required for integration, procurement, accessories, programming, and maintenance, on the other hand, might be a stumbling block to expansion. The market's development would be hampered further by small and medium firms' consistent return on investments (ROI) and low-volume manufacturing. The adoption of automation in the automotive production process and the incorporation of AI and digitalization are boosting demand for industrial robots in the automobile industry. These industrial robots help to reduce wastage and product failure costs.

Due to the rising average labor cost, automobile businesses prefer to use industrial robots. Additionally, with the automation of manufacturing units, these robots can lower the amount of human labor necessary, increasing in robot demand.

Automobile makers are also putting more money on manufacturing flexibility. They are utilizing technology to increase flexibility in manufacturing processes which enhances safety, further contributing towards gantry industrial robots industry growth.

DRIVING FACTORS

Continued Innovation & Ongoing Automation to Augment Market Growth

The swift production and delivery of customized components at competitive pricing are the major reasons for automating the production process. Due to automation, manufacturers can keep manufacturing in established economies without sacrificing cost-effectiveness. By boosting precision and accuracy, automation in the production process enhances output consistency. These robots boost total productivity in addition to consuming fewer resources.

Intelligent systems in automation have enhanced the manufacturing process while also making it more human-friendly by reducing the complexity of machine controls. This factor will allow the manufacturing process to be localized and regionalized, allowing customers in local markets to be catered to with short production lead times and fewer political concerns.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Initial High Investment & Required Daily Maintenance to Impede Market Growth

A robot automation project for small-medium businesses can challenge those with no prior experience. Programming, integration, maintenance, and robot location, maintenance, and robot location, necessitate a large investment and considerable expense. Furthermore, some businesses demand bespoke integration, which may raise the entire cost. Space and infrastructure are necessary for robot deployment.

Small-medium businesses are typically involved in low-volume production. As a result, obtaining a Return on Investment (ROI) might be difficult. These industrial robots cost a lot of money for purchase, integration, programming, accessories, and maintenance, which some SMEs may not be able to pay. Furthermore, excessive automation might be problematic for businesses. Since it might result in cost overruns & product lines growth may change over time, rendering many robots outdated or superfluous.

However, it is anticipated that these industries will have a significant boost in the next years, with sales volumes expected to increase in the near future. They will overcome obstacles and increase the gantry industrial robots market growth.

SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

4- Axis Robots to Hold Significant Market Share Owing to its Increasing Applications

In type segment, the market is segmented into 1 – axis, 2 – axis, 3 – axis, 4 – axis and others. 

The linear 4- axis robots are likely to have a significant share as every industry uses these robots for diverse reasons ranging from production to material handling. Along with 3 – axis robots, the rise of these types of robots is predicted to enhance the market as they are not limited to one application hence the market for gantry robots is expected to be dominated by 4-axis robots. This factor is due to demands from the industry from the automobile, packaging, aerospace, and railway sectors, among others.

1 – axis and 2 – axis robots are likely to expand steadily during the forecast period owing to their restricted use. Since they are generally recognized in welding, semiconductor & electronics, and the plastic industry, 2 – linear axis robots are expected to have a considerable market share. These robots are projected to significantly influence small and medium-sized businesses since they execute restricted jobs with more accuracy and control. Therefore, it allows the businesses to improve their overall productivity and increase the gantry industrial robots market share globally.

The Cartesian 6 - axis robot trend is expected to gradually rise due to its use in palletizing, material handling, and others. Despite the large reach of these axis types of robots, installation and operation costs are significantly greater. Furthermore, these are typically deployed in locations with big areas and operations, restricting the potential for development.

By Application Analysis

Palletizing Application to Exhibit Major Growth during the Forecast Period

In the application segment, the market is segmented into palletizing, handling, welding, and others (dispensing).

Palletizing is installed in Packaging, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and plastic industries, making it one of the most important applications. Handling is expected to develop significantly, as it is necessary for practically every big, medium, and small business. Pick and place, product movement from one location to another, and other responsibilities are included in the handling.

Since welding and other (dispensing) have a specified range of applications, they are expected to increase steadily during the forecast period. In addition, the welding industry is experiencing modest growth and is predicted to increase significantly throughout the projection period, resulting in consistent growth for its connected industries.

By Industry Analysis

Automotive Segment to Exhibit Significant CAGR during Forecast Period

In the industry segment, the market is segmented into automotive, packaging, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors & electronics, heavy engineering machinery, aerospace & railway, and others (plastic industry, and others).

The automobile industry's advantage is expected to boost demand for gantry industrial robots. The passenger automobile industry has become increasingly complex over the last decade, with a significant share of production methods requiring robot-assisted automation. Hybrid and electric car producers, like traditional car manufacturers, are seeing strong demand for a wider choice of models. This shift is projected to fuel demand for gantry robots during the forecast period.

Semiconductors and electronics are expected to grow at a significant rate, owing to factors such as increased production and demand for electronic components and integrated circuits. Furthermore, throughout the forecast period, the packaging, heavy engineering machinery, and food & beverage industries are expected to rise significantly, boosting the growth of the linear industrial robots market.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The report's scope comprises five major regions, namely North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and South America.

Asia Pacific is expected to emerge as the leading region in the cartesian industrial robots market during the forecast period. China continues to be the world's largest robot market, with Europe and the Americas together having a similar number of robots deployed. This outcome is consistent with China's strategy of promoting homegrown producers.

Countries like China & Japan are likely to see increased demand for these robots due to several local and global robot manufacturers in the region. These companies offer a diverse product range that focuses on meeting growing countries like Vietnam, India, Malaysia, and other MEA and South American markets. Furthermore, since these nations' economies grow faster than developed economies, important firms in the market are focused on manufacturing and expanding their consumer base and chances.

North America is expected to increase steadily during the forecast period. It is attributed to the continuous trend of automated manufacturing to enhance the U.S. industries in both home and international markets.

Furthermore, Europe as a whole is largely advanced in terms of automation. The high gantry industrial robots’ density in the automobile sector demonstrates this. Moreover, looking at the industrial business reveals the highly developed nature of automation in Europe.

Moreover, The Middle East and Africa, & Latin America, are anticipated to have moderate growth. The government's measures to enhance output quantity, along with increased public sector investments, have contributed to the expansion.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Prominent Players Focus on Innovative Application for Robotic Systems

The market is moderately fragmented as this is a relatively new market compared to other markets in the power electronic solutions domain. The market is growing with increasing technological advancements, and there are many well-known brands in the market, along with some regional players, to cater to the increasing demands.

The leading players such as Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., TOSHIBA MACHINE CO., LTD, Liebherr, ABB Ltd., Kuka AG, and FANUC CORPORATION have a dominant position acquiring ~45% of the market size. These gantry robot manufacturers focus on setting up their plants in emerging and developing economies to maintain their market share. These economies are proven to be cost-effective and high output regions as they have an abundance of resources and government initiations to boost the manufacturing sector.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Japan)


• TOSHIBA MACHINE CO., Ltd. (Japan)


• Liebherr (Germany)


• ABB Ltd. (Switzerland)


• Kuka AG (Germany)


• FANUC CORPORATION (Japan)


• PARKER HANNIFIN CORP (U.S.)


• Sage Automation Inc. (U.S.)


• Bosch Rexroth AG (Germany)


• Gudel Group AG (Switzerland)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• April 2021: KUKA AG presented the first look at its new operating system, iiQKA.OS that will significantly simplify robot use. This new operating system provides a base of an entire ecosystem & includes access to a robust selection of components, programs, apps, services, and equipment that are easy to install, operate and use to enhance the system.


• March 2019: Liebherr's launched LP 200 gantry robot. This robot is mostly appropriate for handling smaller and agiler components.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global gantry industrial robots market research report analyzes the type, application, and industries. It provides information about along with leading companies and their business overview, types, and leading applications of the product. Besides, it offers insights into the competitive landscape, SWOT analysis, and current market trends and highlights key drivers and restraints. In addition to the aforementioned factors, the report encompasses several factors contributing to the market's growth in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation

ATTRIBUTE	DETAILS
Study Period	2018-2029
Base Year	2021
Estimated Year	2022
Forecast Period	2022-2029
Historical Period	2018-2020
Unit	Value (USD billion)
Segmentation	Type, Application, Industry, Region
By Type	1-Axis 2-Axis 3-Axis 4-Axis Others (6 Axis)
By Application	Handling Palletizing Welding Others (Dispensing)
By Industry	Packaging Automotive Pharmaceuticals Food & Beverage Semiconductors & Electronics Heavy Engineering Machinery Aerospace & Railway Others (Plastic Industry, and others.)
By Region	North America (By Type, By Application, By Industry) U.S. (By Application) Canada (By Application) Europe (By Type, By Application, By Industry) Germany (By Application) U.K.  (By Application) France (By Application) Italy (By Application) Rest of Europe Asia Pacific (By Type, By Application, By Industry) China (By Application) Japan (By Application) India (By Application) Southeast Asia (By Application) Rest of Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa (By Type, By Application, By Industry) GCC (By Application) South Africa (By Application) Rest of the Middle East & Africa Latin America (By Type, By Application, By Industry) Brazil (By Application) Mexico (By Application) Rest of South America