The worldwide market for professional service robots reached a turnover of US$6.7bn (£5.5bn) in 2020, up by 12%, according to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR).
Detailed in its World Robotics 2021 – Service Robots report, the IFR found that the five top application trends for professional service robots were driven by the extra demand created by the global pandemic.
Its report highlights that one out of three units were built for the transportation of goods or cargo. Turnover for Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and delivery robots grew by 11% to over US$1bn (£742m). Most of the units sold operate in indoor environments for production and warehouses.
Demand for professional cleaning robots grew by 92% to 34,400 units sold. In response to increasing hygiene requirements due to Covid-19, more than 50 service robot providers are developed disinfection robots, spraying disinfectant fluids, or using ultraviolet light, according to IFR.
Furthermore, unit sales of professional floor cleaning robots are expected to grow by double-digit rates on average each year from 2021 to 2024.
In terms of value, the sales of medical robotics accounts for 55% of the total professional service robot turnover in 2020. The report stated this was mainly driven by robotic surgery devices. Turnover increased by 11% to US$3.6bn (£2.7bn), with around 75% of medical robot suppliers from North America and Europe.
Additionally, hospitality robots’ growing popularity generated a turnover of US$249m (£185m). Turnover for robots for food and drink preparation almost tripled to US$32m (£23m), an increase of 196%. The report added the Covid-19 pandemic created increased awareness to avoid contact with food products. There is still a huge potential for hospitality robots with medium double-digit annual growth predicted.
At the same time, turnover of new consumer service robots also grew 16% to US$4.4bn (£3.2bn).
