Overview:

Modular robotic systems are self-configurable modular robots or self-configuring robotic units that can reconfigure themselves to adapt to the changing environment. These robots are capable of performing different functions or roles such as designing, controlling, fabricating and motion controlling on the basis of their different shapes. Modular robotics uses 3D patterned lattice architecture for assembling various components of the robot. The parts keep in connection by transmitting electrical and mechanical power. While performing operations if any part or module gets damaged, these robots can discard the damaged part and replace it with a new identical one and continue with the further operations. The self-healing capabilities of modular robotics provides a critical functionality for real-world applications like welding, drilling, pick and drop, etc. in industries including automation, electronics, machinery and metals.  

Modular robotics provides speed and accuracy in the manufacturing and production processes. It helps in increasing the production volume, which thereby helps in meeting the market demand with great precision, flexibility and agility. High demand of the product from the automotive, electronics, machines and metals, and pharmaceuticals industries is driving huge demand for modular robots to upgrade their current manufacturing unit.   

In terms of geography, Asia-Pacific led the overall modular robotics market in 2018. Strong presence of well-established players such as Yamaha Motors Co. Ltd., Yaskawa Electric Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, and Fanuc Corporation across the region is driving the regional growth. Moreover, according to World Robots 2018 International Federation of Robots Industrial Report, automotive and electronics industry is amongst the leading end-users of modular robotics technology worldwide, particularly in Asia Pacific.

On the other hand, though the demand for modular robots is increasing, the complications occurred while designing robots and electronic controllers are hindering the growth of this market. Inter-operation of various components and integration with other robotics frameworks into existing facilities coupled with safe handling of industrial grade operations are some of the factors restraining the market growth. Moreover, high initial costs incurred for installing modular robotics assemblies for low volume production plant is another significant challenge impeding the growth of modular robotics market worldwide. 

The global modular robotics market is segmented on the following basis:

Component

• Hardware
• Software
• Services

Robot Type

• Articulated Modular Robots
• Cartesian Modular Robots
• SCARA Modular Robots
• Parallel Modular Robots
• Collaborative Modular Robots
• Others (Spherical robots, cylindrical robots, etc.)

Industry Vertical

• Automotive
• Electrical and Electronics
• Machinery and Metals
• Chemical
• Food & Beverages
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others (Precision Engineering and Optics, Oil and gas, Paper and Printing, etc.)

Geography

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Rest of North America
• Europe
  • U.K.
  • Germany
  • France
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia-Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Rest of the World
  • Middle East & Africa
  • Latin America 

Key Players Identified in the Modular Robotics Market Include:

ABB, Kuka AG, Fanuc Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Robosynthesis, Yaskawa Electric Corporation, Comau Group, OTC Daihen Inc., Denso Corporation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., Rethink Robotics, Nachi-Fujikoshi Corp, Staubli International AG, Toshiba Machine Co. Ltd., Universal Robots, and Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. among others.