In the rapidly evolving fields of robotics and automation, the demand for sophisticated components that enhance robotic capabilities is surging. A key element in this technological wave is the robotic sensor, an indispensable device that enables dynamic interactions between machines and their environments. As automation spreads across industries, the market for robotic sensors is reaching new heights, reflecting the increasing need for advanced robotics.
The global market for robotics, which reached USD 59.7 billion in 2022, is projected to soar to over USD 200 billion by 2030, growing at a compounded annual growth rate of 16.1% from 2023 to 2030. Concurrently, a report from Interact Analysis reveals those revenues for key components in industrial robots topped $12.1 billion in 2022, growing on a year-on-year increase of 14.7%. Key components included in the market size statistics include motors, servo drives, precision gearboxes, encoders and sensors, robot controllers, end effectors, machine vision hardware, and teach pendants used in industrial robots, and collaborative robots.
What are robotic sensors? What do they do?
Robotic sensors translate physical world attributes into digital signals, enabling robots to "perceive" their surroundings akin to human senses. This capability is essential for robots to make informed decisions and perform precise and efficient actions. In environments like manufacturing, sensors are crucial for robots to interact safely and effectively, enhancing productivity and ensuring quality control.
Robotic sensors are integral across various functions:
Interact Analysis indicates that the growth of the market for robotic components, including sensors, is driven by a surge in collaborative robots and SCARA robots.
The increasing demand for collaborative robots, known for their ability to work alongside humans safely, is a primary driver of market growth. These robots are predominantly utilized in industries where human-machine interaction is frequent, enhancing productivity and safety. The surge in industrial applications of collaborative robots has notably boosted the sensor market, as these applications often require sophisticated sensing to operate effectively.
Demand for SCARA robots has been affected by the weak semiconductor and consumer electronics sectors since 2021, but this negative impact has been offset by demand from the surging new energy industry, such as lithium-ion battery manufacturing and photovoltaics. Similar to trends in the collaborative robot market, SCARA robots are also moving toward larger payloads to meet the efficiency requirements of battery manufacturing applications.
Combined with the still increasing demand for industrial automation, the global robotic sensor market is experiencing a robust expansion. In 2023, the global market for robotic sensors was valued at approximately USD 1.9 billion, with forecasts suggesting a growth of around USD 4.9 billion by 2033. This growth is characterized by a CAGR of approximately 10.35%.
The robotic sensor market is segmented by various types of sensors, each serving unique functions and applications. Apollo Research Reports differentiated the market into seven segments that include: torque sensors, vision sensors, ultrasonic sensors, tactile sensors, laser sensors, proximity sensors, and others.
Leading the growth are torque sensors, which are projected to more than double in value from USD 489.5 million in 2023 to USD 1.2 billion in 2033, with a CAGR of 9.69%. These sensors measure the torque on a rotating system, such as motors and gearboxes, crucial for applications requiring precision force control. With a market share of over 26%, torque sensors constitute the largest segment of the robotic sensor market.
| Type of sensor | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2033 | CAGR % (2024-2033) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torque | 489.5 | 533.2 | 581.5 | 1225.7 | 9.69% |
| Vision | 372.8 | 406.5 | 443.9 | 944.4 | 9.82% |
| Ultrasonic | 296.3 | 326.6 | 360.3 | 834.0 | 10.98% |
| Tactile | 224.2 | 246.7 | 271.8 | 622.0 | 10.82% |
| Laser | 167.8 | 184.9 | 204.1 | 472.5 | 10.98% |
| Proximity | 120.7 | 132.5 | 145.8 | 329.6 | 10.65% |
| Other | 193.8 | 212.9 | 234.1 | 528.3 | 10.63% |
| Total | 1865.2 | 2043.3 | 2241.5 | 4956.6 | 10.35% |
Source: Statzon/ Apollo Research Reports
Vision sensors follow in second position, expected to grow from USD 372 million to USD 944 million, and ultrasonic sensors from USD 296 million to USD 834 million, both exhibiting significant growth rates. With 20% market share these sensors, often referred to as cameras, convert visual information into electronic data that robots can process. They are expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.82%.
Next in the market is ultrasonic sensors which hold 15.89% market share. Utilizing sound waves to detect the distance to objects, these sensors are essential for navigation purposes in confined spaces like warehouses. Ultrasonic sensors not only hold a significant market share but also are the fastest-growing segment, with a projected CAGR of 10.98% to reach USD 834 million by 2030.
Tactile sensors hold a 12.02% market share and are projected to grow from USD 224.2 million in 2023 to USD 622 million by 2033, with a CAGR of 10.82%. These sensors measure pressure and force, providing critical data for applications that involve handling delicate objects, and ensuring that robots apply the correct amount of force.
Laser sensors, which capture an 8.99% market share, are expected to increase from USD 167.8 million in 2023 to USD 472.5 million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate of 10.98%. Employing laser technology to measure distances, these sensors are pivotal in precision manufacturing environments, where exact measurements are crucial.
Proximity sensors, accounting for 6.47% of the market, are anticipated to rise from USD 120.7 million in 2023 to USD 329.6 million by 2033, with a growth rate of 10.65%. These sensors detect the presence or absence of nearby objects without physical contact, which is essential for collision avoidance in automated settings.
Other sensors, encompassing a diverse range including temperature, chemical, and gas sensors, hold a 10.39% market share. This segment is expected to grow from USD 193.8 million in 2023 to USD 528.3 million by 2033, at a CAGR of 10.63%.
Source: Statzon, Apollo Research Reports study on Robotic Sensor Market, Interact Analysis