Forecast
Period
|
2027-2031
|
Market
Size (2025)
|
USD
148.82 Million
|
Market
Size (2031)
|
USD
689.08 Million
|
CAGR
(2026-2031)
|
29.10%
|
Fastest
Growing Segment
|
Metals & Machining
|
Largest
Market
|
South
India
|
Market Overview
India Collaborative Robot Market was valued at
USD 148.82 Million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 689.08 Million by 2031 with a
CAGR of 29.10% during the forecast period. Collaborative robots, also known as cobots, are advanced
robotic systems designed to work safely alongside human operators.
Unlike traditional industrial robots,
cobots are equipped with sensors, force-limiting technology, and safety
features that allow them to interact with humans without physical barriers.
These robots are used across applications like assembly, packaging, quality
inspection, and machine tending, making them highly suitable for dynamic and
space-constrained environments like those found in Indian small and medium
enterprises (SMEs).
In India, the demand for collaborative
robots is rising steadily due to the country’s shift towards Industry 4.0 and
smart manufacturing practices. With increasing labor costs, skill shortages,
and the need for consistent production quality, Indian manufacturers—especially
in sectors such as electronics, automotive, and pharmaceuticals—are adopting
cobots to enhance productivity while maintaining safety and flexibility.
Government initiatives like “Make in India” and the push for domestic
manufacturing are further fueling the demand for cost-effective automation
tools like cobots.
The India Collaborative Robot Market is
expected to grow robustly as awareness about cobot benefits spreads beyond
large enterprises to SMEs. The ability of cobots to be deployed without major
infrastructure changes, coupled with falling costs and rising technological
advancements (such as AI integration and plug-and-play software), positions
them as an ideal solution for India’s diverse manufacturing landscape. Local
production, education programs, and partnerships with global automation
companies will further accelerate market expansion.
Key Market Drivers
Surge
in Manufacturing Automation and Industry 4.0 Adoption
India’s
manufacturing sector is entering a transformative phase, embracing automation
technologies to increase output, consistency, and competitiveness.
Collaborative robots, or cobots, are emerging as the preferred automation tools
because they can work safely alongside human operators, eliminating the need
for costly safety fencing. The flexibility of cobots allows manufacturers to
redeploy them across multiple tasks—such as assembly, machine tending, and
material handling—thus reducing idle time and enhancing labor productivity. As
Indian factories modernize to meet global benchmarks, cobots offer a scalable,
efficient way to automate without disrupting existing production floors.
Small
and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which constitute over 45 percent of
India’s industrial output, are adopting cobots to upgrade traditional
operations. Unlike conventional robots, cobots do not require major
infrastructure investments or specialized programming skills; they can be
installed quickly with minimal interruption. This lowers the barrier to entry
for automation, while still delivering measurable improvements in throughput
and product quality. Furthermore, as Industry 4.0 initiatives gain momentum,
manufacturers are integrating cobots with cloud-based analytics, smart sensors,
and quality control systems, thereby boosting overall operational effectiveness
and reducing scrap rates. A mid-sized automotive parts factory in
Pune installed six cobots between 2022 and 2024. As a result, assembly
throughput increased by 27 percent and product defects dropped by 18 percent.
The company fully recovered the investment within 15 months, highlighting the
cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency benefits of deploying
collaborative robots in mid-scale Indian manufacturing.
Rising
Labor Costs and Workforce Skill Constraints
India’s
economic expansion has been accompanied by rising labor costs and a growing
shortage of skilled operators in sectors like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and
fast-moving consumer goods. The collaborative robot market responds directly to
this challenge. Cobots augment human labor by taking over repetitive,
ergonomically taxing, or precision-critical tasks—allowing the workforce to
focus on oversight, quality control, and innovation. This human–robot pairing
enhances operational flexibility, reduces dependency on unskilled labor, and
helps manufacturers optimize labour utilization in the face of demographic
shifts and urban wage pressures.
Cobots
are increasingly deployed in high-variation production environments, such as
limited-run product lines or custom-built goods, where dedicated automation can
be cost-prohibitive. Their low setup time and intuitive teaching interfaces
make them ideal for human-machine collaboration in real time. Employees with
minimal training can redeploy cobots across multiple stations, rapidly
adjusting workflows to meet changing production needs. This flexibility helps
manufacturers maintain high levels of output despite seasonal fluctuations or
labor shortages, and positions India’s workforce for more value-added roles. A textile
factory in Tirupur adopted eight cobots in 2023 to automate yarn handling and
lint removal. This led to a 30 percent reduction in physical strain on workers,
a 22 percent jump in output per hour, and a 40 percent drop in operator
turnover—showing cobots can enhance both productivity and workforce stability
in labor-intensive sectors.
Growth
of Service and Maintenance Ecosystem
One
critical factor in accelerating cobot adoption is the growth of servicing,
support, and integration networks across India. Collaborative robots require
specialized setup—such as force-torque calibration, application-specific
tooling, and connectivity integration. Leading global cobot manufacturers have
partnered with local systems integrators to establish dedicated service hubs
and training centers in industrial clusters. This rise in local support
capabilities has reduced implementation delays and improved system uptime,
making cobots a viable option for Indian firms wary of overseas lead times.
After-deployment
operational support is emerging as a complementary revenue stream. Service
companies now offer performance monitoring, preventative maintenance, and
on-site training—managed digitally through remote diagnostics and predictive
analytics. This reduces downtime risks and spreads utility investments over
time. Together, these support ecosystems ensure tangible returns on cobot
investments and spur confidence among mid-tier enterprises. As these ecosystems
mature, cobot deployments will accelerate across geographies and sectors in
India. By
late 2024, five Pune-based integration firms managed over 140 collaborative
robots, offering regular maintenance and predictive diagnostics. Maintaining
uptime above 96 percent and performing over 350 service visits, these providers
helped reduce annual cobot maintenance costs by 12 percent—making
post-deployment support a key enabler of sustainable cobot adoption in the
Indian industrial sector.

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Key Market Challenges
High
Initial Cost of Deployment and Integration
Despite
the long-term cost benefits of collaborative robots, the upfront capital
required for acquisition, installation, integration, and training continues to
be a significant barrier, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Unlike traditional industrial automation, collaborative robots require tailored
end-effectors, sensors, and safety configurations to suit specific
applications. These customizations increase the initial investment beyond the
base robot cost. Furthermore, integration with legacy machinery, production
management systems, and workflow software can incur additional expenses and
require expert technical support.
For
many Indian manufacturers—especially those operating with tight margins or
within unorganized sectors—this level of investment is difficult to justify
without assured return on investment within a short payback window. Financial
hesitation is further compounded by the limited availability of leasing models
or flexible financing options specific to collaborative robots. Even when
subsidies or tax incentives are available, the upfront nature of capital
expenditure can stall adoption, leading many firms to continue relying on
manual or semi-automated systems.
Lack
of Skilled Workforce for Programming and Maintenance
While
collaborative robots are often marketed for their ease of use, their
implementation still requires a foundational understanding of programming,
workflow design, and robotics logic. In India, there is a notable gap in the
availability of trained technicians and engineers who can configure, program,
and troubleshoot collaborative robots efficiently. This skills gap is
particularly visible in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where many industrial
clusters operate but lack institutional support for robotics training.
Without
adequate skill development infrastructure, companies often become dependent on
third-party integrators or foreign suppliers for deployment and maintenance.
This not only raises the long-term cost of ownership but also increases the
risk of downtime due to delays in technical support. Moreover, the shortage of
standardized training programs focused specifically on collaborative robot
technology has slowed industry-wide adoption. Until vocational education and
upskilling initiatives catch up with this evolving demand, the collaborative
robot market in India may continue to face talent-related bottlenecks.
Key Market Trends
Rising
Demand for Human-Robot Collaboration in Non-Traditional Sectors
India
is witnessing a noticeable shift in the application of collaborative robots
beyond traditional industrial manufacturing. Sectors such as healthcare,
pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and education are increasingly exploring
collaborative robots for use cases like laboratory automation, surgical
assistance, packaging, and even classroom demonstrations. These emerging
sectors value the safe, compact, and adaptable nature of collaborative robots,
especially in shared human environments.
This
broadening use case is encouraging new forms of collaboration between original
equipment manufacturers and sector-specific system integrators. Indian startups
are also innovating around locally adapted collaborative robot solutions to
serve these industries cost-effectively. This diversification is not only
expanding the market base but also driving greater awareness and acceptance of
collaborative robot technology across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities in India.
Integration
of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Collaborative Robots
Collaborative
robots in India are increasingly being enhanced with artificial intelligence
and machine learning capabilities. These technologies enable predictive
maintenance, adaptive motion planning, object recognition, and continuous
learning from human interactions. With these intelligent enhancements,
collaborative robots can better respond to complex tasks and variable
environments, reducing the need for reprogramming or manual intervention.
This
trend is particularly valuable in high-mix, low-volume production settings
common in Indian manufacturing, where flexibility is key. The ability of
collaborative robots to analyze performance data and adjust workflows
autonomously is creating a competitive edge for companies investing in such
smart automation. As Indian firms prioritize digital transformation and
data-driven decision-making, intelligent collaborative robots are expected to
play a central role in driving operational efficiency and production agility.
Segmental Insights
Payload Capacity Insights
In 2025, the Up to 5 Kg payload segment
emerged as the dominant force in the India Collaborative Robot Market. This
segment gained traction primarily due to its suitability for light-duty tasks
across a range of industries, including electronics assembly, packaging,
inspection, quality control, and education. Small and medium-sized enterprises,
especially in the consumer goods and electronics sectors, have shown a strong
preference for compact, flexible collaborative robots that can be quickly
integrated into existing workflows without extensive infrastructure changes.
These low-payload collaborative robots
are also cost-effective, both in terms of initial acquisition and ongoing
operation, making them ideal for businesses with limited automation budgets.
Moreover, their smaller footprint and lighter structure allow them to work
safely and efficiently alongside human workers, enabling partial automation of
repetitive or ergonomically challenging tasks. Their popularity in training
environments and academic institutions has also contributed to their widespread
adoption, fostering future-ready robotics skills across the Indian workforce.
The Up to 5 Kg segment is expected to
maintain its dominance due to its adaptability and alignment with the Indian
manufacturing ecosystem. As industries move toward lean production and flexible
automation strategies, these compact collaborative robots offer the agility
required to switch between tasks quickly. Additionally, the rising availability
of locally assembled or manufactured collaborative robots in this payload
category is expected to drive down costs further, making them more accessible
to smaller factories and service providers. With a clear combination of
affordability, usability, and scalability, the segment is well-positioned to
sustain its leadership in the Indian collaborative robotics landscape over the
forecast period.
Application Insights
In 2025, the Assembly segment dominated
the India Collaborative Robot Market by application and is expected to maintain
its leading position during the forecast period. This dominance is largely
driven by the collaborative robot’s precision, consistency, and adaptability in
performing repetitive assembly tasks in sectors like electronics, automotive
components, and consumer goods manufacturing.
Assembly tasks benefit significantly
from collaborative robots’ ability to work closely with human operators,
improving throughput without compromising safety. Indian manufacturers,
especially small and medium-sized enterprises, are adopting collaborative
robots for light-duty assembly processes to reduce cycle times, ensure product
consistency, and address labor shortages. The scalable and flexible nature of
these robots makes them ideal for diverse and evolving assembly-line needs
across multiple industries.

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Regional Insights
In 2025, South India emerged as the
leading region in the India Collaborative Robot Market, driven by a strong
industrial ecosystem and rapid adoption of automation technologies. Cities like
Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad have become innovation hubs, attracting
investments in manufacturing, electronics, aerospace, and automotive sectors.
These industries have increasingly integrated collaborative robots into their
operations to boost productivity, improve safety, and meet global manufacturing
standards. The region’s highly developed infrastructure, skilled workforce, and
concentration of technology parks have created an ideal environment for
collaborative robot deployment.
The presence of leading original
equipment manufacturers, system integrators, and robotics startups in South
India has accelerated innovation and accessibility in the collaborative robot
landscape. Favorable state-level policies, such as production incentives and
automation grants, have further propelled growth. Educational institutions and
research centers across South India have also played a key role by contributing
to robotics-focused training and R&D, ensuring a steady talent pipeline.
These combined factors are expected to help South India maintain its market
leadership during the forecast period.
Recent Developments
- In February 2025, Delta Electronics
launched its D-Bot series Collaborative Robots and a 240kW DC Fast EV Charger
at ELECRAMA 2025 under the theme "Smart Manufacturing." These 6-axis
cobots enhance industrial automation in electronics, packaging, and welding.
Delta also showcased smart infrastructure solutions, reinforcing its commitment
to India’s sustainable development, self-reliance in manufacturing, and energy
transformation through advanced, efficient, and resilient technologies.
- In October 2024, ABB Robotics and
NAMTECH signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish India’s first School
of Robotics. This initiative aims to bridge the skills gap in automation by
delivering hands-on, industry-relevant robotics education. Integrating ABB’s
robotics expertise with NAMTECH’s innovative pedagogy, the partnership supports
India’s industrial growth, emphasizing Industry 4.0, sustainability, and
future-ready engineering talent through globally guided curricula and
cutting-edge infrastructure.
- In June 2024, Universal Robots hosted
“Collaborate India 2024” in Pune, the region’s largest collaborative robot
(CoBot) expo. The event featured the launch of next-generation UR20 and UR30
robotic arms, the introduction of advanced software PolyScope X, and hands-on
technical workshops, highlighting the company’s commitment to automation
innovation and skill development in industrial robotics.
Key Market Players
- Universal
Robots A/S
- ABB
Ltd.
- KUKA
AG
- FANUC
Corporation
- YASKAWA
Electric Corporation
- Techman
Robot Inc.
- AUBO
(Beijing) Robotics Technology Co., Ltd.
- Doosan
Robotics Inc.
By
Payload Capacity
|
By Application
|
By Industry
|
By Region
|
- Up
to 5 Kg
- Between
5 and 10 Kg
- Above
10 Kg
|
- Assembly
- Pick & Place
- Machine Tending
- Others
|
- Automotive
- Electronics
- Metals & Machining
- Plastics & Polymers
- Others
|
- South India
- North India
- West India
- East India
|
Report Scope:
In this report, the India Collaborative Robot Market has been segmented into the following categories,
in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:
- India Collaborative Robot Market, By Payload Capacity:
o Up to 5 Kg
o Between 5 and 10 Kg
o Above 10 Kg
- India Collaborative Robot Market, By Application:
o Assembly
o Pick & Place
o Machine Tending
o Others
- India Collaborative Robot Market, By Industry:
o Automotive
o Electronics
o Metals & Machining
o Plastics & Polymers
o Others
- India Collaborative Robot Market, By Region:
o South India
o North India
o West India
o East India
Competitive Landscape
Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the India Collaborative
Robot Market.
Available Customizations:
India Collaborative Robot Market report with
the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a
company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for
the report:
Company Information
- Detailed analysis and profiling of additional
market players (up to five).
India Collaborative Robot Market is an upcoming report to
be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to
confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]