Prospects for service robots remain positive, as it is also a primary field for start-ups. This is according to the 2018 World Robotics Report – Service Robots, issued by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR).

FRANKFURT, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sales value of service robots for professional use increased by 39 percent to 6.6 billion U.S. dollars. The total number sold in this robot category rose by 85 percent (2017). Logistic systems show the strongest demand, accounting for 63 percent of the total units and 36 percent of the total sales (in value) of professional service robots. Prospects for service robots remain positive, as it is also a primary field for start-ups. This is according to the 2018 World Robotics Report - Service Robots, issued by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR).

"In terms of value, the sales forecast 2019-2021 indicates a cumulative volume of around 46 billion U.S. dollars for the professional service segment," says Gudrun Litzenberger, General Secretary of the IFR. "Robots for logistics, medical and field services are the most significant contributors."

PROFESSIONAL USE - market overview

69,000 logistic systems were installed in 2017 - this is 162 percent more than the number of units in 2016 (26,300). The value of logistic systems sales is estimated at about 2.4 billion U.S. dollars - an increase of 138 percent compared with 2016.

Medical robots are also well-established service robots with a considerable growth potential. The total value of sales of medical robots increased to 1.9 billion U.S. dollars, accounting for 29 percent of the total sales value of the professional service robots in 2017.

The sales value of field robots, which mostly comprise milking robots, account for about 15 percent of the total value of professional service robot sales. Their share slightly decreased by 2 percent to 966 million U.S. dollars.

PERSONAL and DOMESTIC USE - market overview

At the same time, the market for personal service robots, which assist or entertain humans in their everyday lives, is progressing rapidly. Value was up by 27 percent to 2.1 billion U.S. dollars.

Service robot manufacturers by regions

About 300 out of the more than 700 registered companies supplying service robots come from Europe. North America ranks second with about 250 manufacturers and Asia third with about 130. About 30% of the service robot suppliers are considered as start-ups with a maximum age of five years.