In 1954, George Devol of the United States first introduced the concept of industrial robots and filed a patent for it. The core idea behind this patent was to use servo technology to control the robot's joints and teach the robot through manual guidance, allowing it to record and reproduce movements. This type of robot is known as a "teaching and playback" robot, and it remains one of the most commonly used control methods in modern robotics.
Industrial robots are essential automation tools in contemporary manufacturing, combining mechanical engineering, electronics, control systems, computer science, sensors, and artificial intelligence (AI). Since the development of the world’s first industrial robot by the U.S. in 1962, the field of robotics has seen rapid growth. Today, they are key components in flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), automated factories (FA), and computer-integrated manufacturing systems (CIMS).
[Image: Talking about the trend of industrial robots in the next 10 years]
The widespread adoption of industrial robots has significantly improved product quality and production efficiency. They also enhance workplace safety, reduce physical strain on workers, improve working conditions, and help lower costs by minimizing material waste and labor expenses.
According to data from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the global robot market shows great potential. Since the second half of the 20th century, the industry has experienced steady growth, with an average annual increase of around 10% during the 1990s.
[Image: Talking about the trend of industrial robots in the next 10 years]
Recent reports from the International Robotics Federation and Loup Ventures indicate that the global industrial robot market reached $14 billion this year, showing a 13% year-on-year growth. The number of robots sold increased by 20% compared to the previous year. By 2025, the market is expected to grow to $33.8 billion, tripling its current value since 2016, when it was valued at $12.3 billion.
As robotic technology advances and becomes more intelligent, its applications have expanded beyond traditional manufacturing sectors like automotive to electronics, electrical appliances, mining, construction, and even hydropower maintenance. Robots are now playing a crucial role in enhancing the overall quality of life.
In many developed countries, industrial robot technology is well-established and widely adopted as standard equipment across industries. Major companies such as ABB Robotics in Sweden, FANUC and Yaskawa in Japan, KUKA in Germany, and Emerson Industrial Automation in the U.S. have become leading players in the field. In China, the industry started later, beginning in the 1980s during the “Seventh Five-Year Plan.†Although research and development were initially limited, recent years have seen significant growth, with companies like Shenyang Xinsong achieving notable success.
Globally, industrial robot technology is evolving toward greater intelligence, modularity, and system integration. As demand increases, the industrial robot market for equipment manufacturing is expected to expand rapidly. According to the International Robotics Federation and Loup Ventures, the market is projected to grow by 175% over the next nine years.
However, much of this growth will not come from traditional industrial robots but from a new generation of collaborative robots. These robots are designed to work safely alongside humans in shared environments, offering enhanced flexibility, precision, and ease of use.
Although the term "collaborative robots" is relatively new, having emerged around 2014, the market has experienced rapid expansion. Initially, there were few products available, but today, many manufacturers have entered the space, responding to growing market demand.
Currently, besides Rethink Robotics, the so-called “four big families†in the collaborative robot sector—such as ABB, Universal Robots, and others—have made significant progress. For example, ABB launched the Yumi robot and later introduced lightweight models, while Universal Robots has developed a range of collaborative robots. Companies like Shenyang Xinsong have also entered the market with innovative solutions.
Loup Ventures predicts that by 2025, collaborative robots will account for 34% of total industrial robot sales, up from just 3% in 2016. These robots are smaller, equipped with more advanced sensors, and capable of reacting quickly and intelligently when near humans or objects. As a result, they offer even broader market potential than traditional robots.
Nickel Iron Battery,Nickel Iron Alkaline Battery,Solar Battery,Nickel Iron Battery For Solar
Henan Xintaihang Power Source Co.,Ltd , https://www.taihangbattery.com