Global Robot End-Effector Market Forecast to 2031: Key Insights
According to our latest study on "Global Robot End-Effector Market – Global and Regional Share, Trend, and Growth Opportunity Analysis – by Type, Application, Industry, Robot Type, and Geography," the market was valued at US$ 5.47 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 13.76 billion by 2031. The robot end-effector market size is estimated to register a CAGR of 14.5% during 2025–2031. AI-driven gripping and automation act as a robot end-effector market trend.
Mobile collaborative robots (cobots) fit the needs of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) well, in terms of cost, usability, flexibility, and easy integration into existing processes. Traditional industrial robots not only require high levels of capital investment, but also require complex infrastructure. Mobile cobots provide a scalable automation solution that aligns with the funding and work processes of smaller businesses. They also provide user-friendly designs, often through tabletop sized and intuitive programming interfaces. The mobility and versatility of cobots for different workflows gives access for companies with limited technology engagement. To perform a range of manual handling operations or jobs, cobots need flexible end effectors (e.g. grippers and suction cups, or tool changers) to use for diverse tasks such as assembly, packaging, material handling and quality inspection and the growing interest in application-specific and customizable end effectors is driving innovation and sales in these markets. In addition, the plug-and-play systems and ease of use of modern end effectors are another good fit for SMEs which may not be functionally adept at implementing manufacturing innovations.
Corresponding industries, including manufacturing, packaging, and logistics, are utilizing mobile cobots to optimize process efficiency, decrease error rates, and manage the complexities of consumer needs and modern manufacturing processes. Additionally, cobots enhance productivity and provide a strategic approach to labor shortages by providing a consistent, reliable solution without hiring more staff. In 2023, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), launched a project in the Measurement Science for Manufacturing Robotics (MSMR) program to help SMEs dissolve the barriers to robotics implementation, which may include dynamic work environments, lack of in-house technical talent, or other issues with integration. In 2023, the United States made significant strides in addressing cobot implementation in SMEs through NIST's Measurement Science for Manufacturing Robotics (MSMR) program. NIST developed the tools, metrics, and standards, including digital twins and sensor-based end effectors that SMEs often need for the capabilities that manufacturers such as small manufacturers would benefit from for addressing issues around technical capabilities, or need for flexible automation. The Brazilian SMEs sector composes a large share of the national economy. According to the OECD, in December 2023, micro and small enterprises (MSEs) constituted roughly 93.7% of all formally registered businesses in Brazil, which becomes nearly 20.3 million businesses. As this segment is growing, there are increasing demands for low-cost mobile cobots, in turn increasing competitiveness and innovation in Brazilian SMEs.
Scaling of Industrial Robotics Across Industries Drives Global Robot End-Effector Market Growth
Industrial robots have proliferated in industries such as manufacturing, construction, medical, and food and beverage, which has subsequently led to demand for robot end effectors. As stated by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR.), in the World Robotics report released in September 2024, there are currently 4,281,585 units in factories around the world. This was an increase of 10%. Also, their report showed annual installations surpassed half a million units for three straight years. By region, 10% of all newly commissioned robots in 2023 were installed in the Americas.
The key industrial robotics companies are taking initiatives to improve this bright outlook for industrial robotics. In June 2025, ABB Robotics announced three new models of large industrial robots, including the IRB 6730S, the IRB 6750S, and the IRB 6760, a further expansion of its portfolio. These large robot introductions and next-generation robots introduced since 2022 give ABB a claim to arguably one of the most extensive robot lineups in the industry. ABB now offers a total of 11 different families of next-generation robots, totalling 60 variants, providing outstanding flexibility, performance, and sustainability across the spectrum of requirements for a modern manufacturer. As the industrial robot penetration expands across the industrial landscape, the manufacturers of robot end-effectors are beginning to increase as a result, improving their market outlook.
Global Robot End-Effector Market: Segmental Overview
By type, the market is segmented into welding guns, clamps, grippers, suction cups, tool changers, vacuum, and others. The grippers segment held the largest robot end effector market share in 2024. Based on application, the robot end effector market report is divided into handling, assembly, welding, processing, dispensing, and others. The handling segment dominated the robot end effector market share in 2024. As per industry, the market is segmented into automotive, metals and machinery, electrical and electronics, food and beverages, retail and e-commerce, and others. The automotive segment is expected to dominate the market over the forecast period. Welding is the most common robotic application in manufacturing industries. Welding guns/torches have become very efficient end-effectors that could be used to control the process more effectively. Some torches even come with a wire feeder to allow for improved control over the process. Companies offering welding guns/torches include Tregaskiss, Binzel, SKS, and Fronius. The worldwide activities related to maintenance, repair and overhaul have significant market opportunity for welding torch manufacturers. This factor contribute to the robot end effector market share.
Global Robot End-Effector Market Analysis: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments
The global robot end-effector market report emphasizes the factors driving the market expansion and the prominent players' developments. ABB Ltd., SMC Corporation, DESTACO, Festo AG and Co. KG, Schmalz GmbH, KUKA AG, Piab AB, Staubli International AG, SCHUNK GmbH and Co. KG, and ZIMMER GROUP GmbH are among the prominent players profiled in the global robot end-effector market report. The market players focus on new product launches, expansion and diversification, and acquisition strategies, which allow them to access prevailing business opportunities.
- In April 2025, Festo SE & Co. KG unveiled the Incredible Machine for its 100th anniversary. To mark its 100th anniversary, Festo SE & Co. KG has designed an extraordinary application, the Incredible Machine. Inspired by a Rube Goldberg machine, it illustrates the evolution of automation technology by linking sequential movements. This installation showcases Festo SE & Co. KG’s expertise across automation technologies. The Incredible Machine demonstrates motion technologies, including pneumatic, electric, and digital systems, as well as their integration. It showcases industries where Festo SE & Co. KG operates and explores potential future developments in automation.
- In June 2025, ABB Robotics expanded its large robot portfolio with the launch of the IRB 6730S, IRB 6750S, and IRB 6760. The introduction of these new robots, alongside the wider portfolio of next-generation robots launched since 2022, now means the company can offer its customers the most comprehensive lineup of industrial robots and variants on the market. The lineup of 11 next-generation robot families comprising 60 variants offers customers new levels of flexibility and choice as well as performance and sustainability benefits.
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