Food Robotics Market Size to Climb USD 2.81 Billion in 2025

Food Robotics Market Size, Growth, and Trends 2025 to 2034

The global food robotics market size is forecasted to reach from USD 2.81 billion in 2025 to USD 15.29 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 20.7% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. This growth is fueled by the increasing adoption of automation in food processing and packaging, the rising need for enhanced productivity and hygiene, and advancements in AI, machine vision, and collaborative robotics that ensure precision, safety, and efficiency across food manufacturing operations. 

Last Updated: 07 October 2025 Category: Food and Beverages Processing Equipment and Technology Insight Code: 5866 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

Food Robotics Market Size, Share and Regional Analysis

The global food robotics market size estimated at USD 2.33 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to increase from USD 2.81 billion in 2025 to an estimated USD 15.29 billion by 2034, witnessing a CAGR of 20.7% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. Market is driven by rising automation, demand for enhanced food safety, and advancements in AI.

Food Robotics Market Size 2025 to 2034

Key Highlights

  • By region, Asia Pacific dominated the global market with the largest share of 35% in 2024.
  • By region, North America is expected to grow at a notable CAGR from 2025 to 2034.
  • By robot type, articulated robot segment held the major market share of 38% in 2024.
  • By robot type, collaborative robots (cobot) segment is projected to grow at a fastest CAGR in between 2025 and 2034.
  • By function/application, packaging segment contributed the biggest market share of 30% in 2024.
  • By function/application, inspection & quality control segment is expanding at a significant CAGR in between 2025 and 2034.
  • By technology/capability, machine vision & optical sorting segment dominated the market by holding the share of 28% in 2024. 
  • By technology/capability, AI / ML & predictive analytics segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the projected period. 
  • By component, hardware segment held the major market share of 45% in 2024.
  • By component, software segment is expected to grow at a fastest CAGR in between 2025 and 2034. 
  • By end use industry, meat & poultry segment dominated the market with 22% share in 2024.
  • By end use industry, ready meals / frozen foods segment expected to grow at a fastest CAGR in between 2025 and 2034. 

Industry Coverage

Study Coverage Details
Growth Rate from 2025 to 2034 CAGR of 20.7%
Market Size in 2025 USD 2.81 Billion
Market Size in 2026 USD 3.39 Billion
Market Size by 2034 USD 15.29 Billion
Largest Market Asia Pacific
Base Year 2024
Forecast Period 2025 to 2034
Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa

What is Food Robotics?

Food robotics market is driven by factors such as labor shortages, increasing production costs, growing consumer demand for convenience and quality, and the need for enhanced food safety and hygiene.  Food robotics is the application of automated robots and systems to perform a wide range of tasks in the food industry, from manufacturing and processing to packaging, delivery, and even cooking. 

Food Robotics Market Outlook

  • Food Robotics Industry Growth Overview: The food robotics sector is expanding rapidly in the Food Processing and Food & Beverage industries, fueled by automation for activities such as picking, sorting, packaging, and palletizing to improve efficiency, guarantee food safety, and satisfy demands from increasing e-commerce and packaged food sectors. Sectors like dairy, bakery, meat processing, and convenience foods are incorporating robots for these purposes.
  • Sustainability Trends: An increasing movement is seen in the refurbishment and reuse of industrial robots, which aligns with sustainability objectives by prolonging the life span of these machines and fostering the circular economy. The aim is to satisfy the increasing consumer demand for sustainable food items by using robotics to improve hygiene, safety, and efficiency across the food supply chain.
  • Major Investors: Key investors in the food robotics sector comprise significant tech companies such as ABB, KUKA, FANUC, Kawasaki, and Mitsubishi Electric, in addition to venture capitalists supporting creative startups like Miso Robotics and Chef Robotics. Investments target the creation of AI-enhanced and highly effective robotics for food processing, packaging, and preparation, motivated by workforce shortages and rising consumer desire for processed foods.
  • Startup Ecosystem: Startups are developing fully self-sufficient restaurant units, utilizing robots for cooking, preparation, and delivery. Small Robot Company is an agricultural technology startup focused on achieving sustainable food production by utilizing robotics and artificial intelligence. Key participants consist of Chef Robotics, which emphasizes AI-driven cooking and ingredient management; Miso Robotics, recognized for its Flippy robotic arm designed for fryers and grills; CynLr, known for creating visual recognition robots for managing fragile food products

Key Technological Shifts in Food Robotics Market 

Improvements in artificial intelligence (AI), enhanced hardware, and the incorporation of intelligent systems. These advancements are pushing food robots from basic, repetitive roles to intricate, flexible, and cooperative tasks, fundamentally changing food production, packaging, and services. The incorporation of the Internet of Things (IoT) enables robots to link with various smart devices, sensors, and data analysis platforms. Advancements in 3D printing and materials science are opening avenues for creating edible robots and custom food production. 

  • For instance, Karakuri Studios Ltd. is recognized for its sophisticated customizable robotics designed for precise food assembly and handling. Karakuri enhances portioning, sorting, and plating processes using robots equipped with AI-powered vision and flexible grippers.

Trade Analysis of Food Robotics Market: Import & Export Statistics 

  • In 2023, the worldwide trade of Industrial Food Preparation Machinery achieved $15.8B, showing a 9.45% rise from 2022, when trade amounted to $14.4B. In the last five years, commerce in this sector has increased at an annual rate of 1.67%. 
  • In 2023, the top exporters of Industrial Food Preparation Machinery included Germany ($2.86B), Italy ($2.24B), and the Netherlands ($1.92B). The leading importers were the United States ($2.32B), Russia ($643M), and Canada ($579M). That year, the largest importers of Industrial Food Preparation Machinery included the United States ($2.32B), Russia ($643M), and Canada ($579M). (Source: OEC)

Government Initiatives 

  • In a significant partnership, the U.S. National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA) are working together to promote fundamental research in agricultural robotics. 
  • India's AI and National Robotics Strategy: This plan seeks to promote the overall development of India's robotics industry, which additionally supports the food sector. The government is creating AI Centers of Excellence, including one dedicated to agriculture.
  • Digitalization of the Food Industry Plan (2025): Announced by a coalition of seven ministries, this plan aims for an 80% digitalization rate in key food enterprises by 2027 and complete integration of next-generation information technology by 2030. 

Investment By Companies in Food Robotics

Company  Description Latest funding round Amount (USD) Key investors
Chef Robotics Develops AI-enabled robotic systems for automated meal assembly in the food service industry. Series A (Equity and debt) $43.1 million Avataar Ventures, Construct Capital, Bloomberg Beta, Silicon Valley Bank
Miso Robotics Provides autonomous robots, such as "Flippy" for assisting chefs with tasks like frying and grilling. Series E $137 thousand Acacia, Avista Investments, Juvo Capital
Dexai Robotics Manufactures a robotic arm that automates food assembly using utensils in commercial kitchens. Series A $6.7 million Rho Capital Partners, Alumni Ventures, Hyperplane
Hyphen Offers an automated kitchen operation platform to prepare meal bowls with the help of AI and sensors. Series A $34.4 million Tiger Global Management, AgFunder, Compound
Botinkit Provides AI-driven digital kitchen solutions with robots that automate cooking processes. Series B Undisclosed 5Y Capital, Forebright Capital, The Hina Group

Market Opportunity 

Integration of Advanced Technology 

The integration of AI, IoT, and collaborative robotics (cobots) offers significant opportunities for the food robotics market. These technologies allow smarter, adaptive systems capable of handling complicated processes such as quality inspection, sorting, and predictive maintenance. The rising adoption of Industry 4.0 practices enhances connectivity and real-time monitoring, further improving efficiency and reducing downtime. 

Market Challenge 

Shortage of Skilled Workforce 

The successful adoption of food robotics needs technical expertise for installation, programming, and maintenance. Various regions face a shortage of skilled professionals capable of handling advanced robotic systems, posing a hurdle for seamless integration. Additionally, technical complications such as system interoperability, software upgrades, and customization add to the operational hurdles. 

Food Robotics Market Regional Insights

Europe Held the Largest Share of the Market in 2024

The food robotics market in Europe  is witnessing substantial expansion, mainly propelled by the need for greater efficiency, better food safety, and lower labor expenses in the food processing and packaging sectors. Producers are progressively utilizing robotics to tackle issues like workforce shortages, the requirement for uniform product quality, and the growing need for varied, tailored food items. Moreover, the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced vision systems is enhancing the functionalities of food robots, enabling them to perform more intricate and delicate tasks. 

United Kingdom Food Robotics Market Trends:

The United Kingdom is undergoing considerable expansion driven by various important factors. Businesses are progressively embracing robotic technologies to improve production efficiency and lower labor expenses as automation optimizes food processing and packaging activities. Producers are incorporating AI and machine learning into robots, allowing them to execute intricate tasks like sorting, packaging, and quality control with great accuracy. With the increasing consumer demand for customized food items and quicker delivery, robotics is addressing these requirements by enhancing production speed and personalization.

Asia Pacific is Expected to Grow at the Fastest Rate in the Food Robotics Market During the Forecast Period

This can be linked to elements like increasing awareness about food safety, strict government regulations, and rising competition within the FMCG industry. A decrease in operational expenses and labor costs is expected to enhance the need for robotics within the food sector, which will, in turn, support the growth of the food robotics market in this area. The increasing disposable income of consumers in developing economies is boosting the demand for packaged and processed food, which consequently enhances the need for automation technologies to elevate food production capabilities. Elements like evolving lifestyles, increasing population, and the persistent craving for convenience food drive the expanding use of robotic systems in food processing facilities.

India Food Robotics Market

The growth of the food robotics market in India is fueled by the rising implementation of automation in food processing. Due to increasing labor expenses and the demand for uniform product quality, food manufacturers are adopting robotic technologies for sorting, packaging, and processing. The increasing popularity of ready-to-eat meals and packaged foods is further fueling the adoption of robotics in the sector. Collaborative robots, known as cobots, are becoming popular in India’s food robotics sector because they can effectively operate alongside humans. These robots are used for tasks like ingredient management, quality assurance, and secondary packaging. The need for clean and contamination-free food production is driving producers to adopt robotic systems that require little human involvement.

Food Robotics Market Share, By Region, 2024 (%)

North America expects the significant growth during the forecast period. The food robotics market in North America is witnessing substantial expansion, mainly propelled by the need for greater efficiency, better food safety, and lower labor expenses in the food processing and packaging sectors. Producers are progressively utilizing robotics to tackle issues like workforce shortages, the requirement for uniform product quality, and the growing need for varied, tailored food items. Moreover, the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced vision systems is enhancing the functionalities of food robots, enabling them to perform more intricate and delicate tasks.

United States Food Robotics Market

The United States is undergoing considerable expansion driven by various important factors. Businesses are progressively embracing robotic technologies to improve production efficiency and lower labor expenses as automation optimizes food processing and packaging activities. Producers are incorporating AI and machine learning into robots, allowing them to execute intricate tasks like sorting, packaging, and quality control with great accuracy. With the increasing consumer demand for customized food items and quicker delivery, robotics is addressing these requirements by enhancing production speed and personalization.

Segmental Insights 

Robot Type Insights

Why did the Articulated Robot Segment Dominate the Food Robotics Market in 2024?

Articulated robot segment led the food robotics market in 2024. The need for accuracy, high efficiency, and the capability to execute intricate tasks has resulted in a growing dependence on articulated robots in production and assembly operations. Articulated robots are preferred for their adaptability and lead in areas such as palletizing, packaging, and picking. Furthermore, the continuous progress in robotic technology has rendered articulated robots more attainable and affordable for food producers of various scales. The decrease in expenses, combined with greater payload capability and longer reach, guarantees that articulated robots continue to be a favored option for numerous food processing enterprises.

Collaborative Robots (Cobots) Segment is Observed to Grow at the Fastest Rate During the Forecast Period. 

Collaborative robots (cobots) are revolutionizing the food sector by providing inventive answers to workforce shortages, manufacturing adaptability, and safety issues. Cobots, the rapidly expanding category of industrial robotics, are engineered to collaborate with humans, enhancing efficiency while ensuring safe and effective workflows. Collaborative robots play a crucial role in smart factories, enabling seamless interaction between humans and robots through the integration of IoT, AI, and machine learning technologies.

Function/Application Insights

How did the Packaging Segment Dominate the Food Robotics Market in 2024?

Packaging segment held the dominating share of the food robotics market in 2024, due to increased consumer demand for Fs, a higher need for automation for efficiency and consistency, labor shortages, and the importance of strict hygiene and safety standards for packaged items. Packaging robots enhance speed, precision, and cleanliness, while also guaranteeing adherence to food safety standards, making them essential for large-scale food manufacturing. 

Inspection & Quality Control Segment is Seen to Grow at a Notable Rate During the Predicted Timeframe.

As it directly tackles essential industry concerns related to food safety, consistency, and traceability. Quality inspection robots can work tirelessly, manage dangerous conditions, and conduct complex evaluations that are difficult for human workers. This automation improves workplace safety while also guaranteeing uniform output quality, which is vital in sectors like food and beverage. Advancements in sensor technology, artificial intelligence, and connectivity have significantly contributed to the growth of capabilities and uses for quality inspection robots.

Technology/Capability Insights

Which Technology/Capability Segment Dominated the Food Robotics Market in 2024?

Machine vision & optical sorting segment dominated the market with the largest share in 2024. More stringent global government food safety regulations, like the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) in the U.S., require manufacturers to implement enhanced sorting technology. In addition to conventional cameras, systems now employ advanced sensors like short-wave infrared (SWIR) and hyperspectral imaging to identify a broader spectrum of contaminants and defects according to their chemical composition. Machine vision systems effortlessly blend with other robotic operations, like robotic arms for selecting and positioning items, to form a completely automated and smart production line. 

AI/ML & Predictive Analytics Segment is Expected to Grow at the Fastest Rate in the Market During the Forecast Period. 

The incorporation of artificial intelligence within the food sector has led to notable improvements in efficiency, safety, and sustainability. These technologies allow for immediate tracking and validation, thus improving transparency and confidence throughout the supply chain. Additionally, AI-based predictive analytics are employed to anticipate demand and decrease waste, enhancing inventory management and lessening the ecological footprint of food production and distribution.

Component Insights

What Made the Hardware Segment Dominant in the Food Robotics Market in 2024?

Hardware segment held the largest share of the market in 2024. Hardware encompasses a range of devices throughout the food value chain, including voice assistants, cooking robots, and self-ordering kiosks in restaurants, as well as robots and drones for deliveries. Additionally, IoT sensors can reduce waste by tracking temperature. The demand to achieve regulatory compliance, enhance customer experience, and boost efficiency throughout the supply chain is propelling segment expansion. Intricate manufacturing procedures and substantial upfront costs for these unique, durable parts reinforce the hardware segment's market presence in the food sector.

Software Segment is Observed to Grow at the Fastest Rate During the Forecast Period. 

Software is crucial for robots to perform complicated tasks such as detailed processing, accurate packaging, and high-precision material handling, which are challenging to automate solely with hardware. Cloud-based software improves immediate data exchange, facilitating remote oversight, anticipatory upkeep, and increased connectivity throughout the food supply network. Robotics powered by software assists food producers in satisfying the need for processed foods, packaged items, and ready-to-eat meals.

End Use Industry Insights

Which End Use Industry Segment Held the Largest Share of the Food Robotics Market in 2024?

Meat & poultry segment led the market in 2024, where precision and efficiency are crucial. Robotics in this field not only improve task speed and precision but also tackle labor-intensive issues, guaranteeing consistent product quality. Automated systems are adept at managing intricate tasks like deboning, trimming, and portioning, thus enhancing production processes. Upholding food safety and hygiene standards in poultry production is essential to avoid contamination and guarantee quality. The blend of intelligent technology and robotics enhances traceability and transparency in the meat supply chain, boosting consumer trust.

Ready Meals/Frozen Foods Segment is Seen to Grow at a Notable Rate During the Predicted Timeframe. 

Contemporary ways of living, marked by hectic routines and active workforces, are driving a significant need for fast and convenient meal options. Robotics improve productivity in the manufacturing of frozen food by automating routine tasks, minimizing human mistakes, and maintaining quality and uniformity. There is a necessity for robotic automation to guarantee reliable quality and efficiency in the bulk production of packaged foods to satisfy this requirement. Automation reduces operational expenses in food production, making it more viable to manufacture frozen meals in large quantities.

Recent Developments in the Food Robotics Market

DoorDash

  • Launch: In September 2025, DoorDash revealed an autonomous delivery robot named Dot, capable of speeds reaching 20 miles per hour while navigating through bustling streets, sidewalks, and parking areas. The firm has collaborated with Coco Robotics on self-driving sidewalk delivery. (Source: CNBC)

ABB Robotics

  • Launch: In April 2025, ABB Robotics presented the future of fast food with BurgerBots – an innovative restaurant concept introduced in Los Gatos, California. Engineered to produce flawlessly cooked, customized burgers consistently, the automated kitchen employs ABB’s IRB 360 FlexPicker® and YuMi® collaborative robot to meticulously prepare meals quickly, while effectively tracking inventory levels and allowing employees to concentrate on enhancing customer experience. (Source: ABB)

Top Companies in the Food Robotics Market 

  • ABB: ABB, a prominent supplier of robotic solutions tailored for the food and beverage industry, enhancing safety, quality, and efficiency via automation in tasks such as picking, packing, and food preparation. 
  • FANUC Corporation: FANUC Corporation stands as a worldwide leader in factory automation, featuring food robotics, providing food-safe robots and solutions for an array of food and beverage handling tasks, such as picking, packing, palletizing, and packaging. 
  • Yaskawa Electric Corporation: Yaskawa Electric Corporation is a leading Japanese robot producer that caters to the food sector by offering robots for different food processing activities. The company offers industrial, collaborative, SCARA, and delta robots designed for rapid operation. 
  • KUKA AG: KUKA AG is an international automation company that offers a wide array of robotic solutions for the food sector, featuring sanitary robots, mobile platforms, and smart software

Other Key Players in the Market  

  • Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
  • Kawasaki Heavy Industries (Robotics) 
  • DENSO Corporation
  • Stäubli International 
  • Universal Robots
  • Epson Robots 
  • Omron Corporation 
  • Marel 
  • JBT Corporation 
  • TOMRA Sorting Solutions 
  • Key Technology 
  • GEA Group 
  • Bühler Group 
  • Syntegon Technology 
  • Krones AG 
  • Nachi-Fujikoshi Corp 

Segments Covered in the Report

By Robot Type 

  • Articulated robots (multi-axis) 
  • SCARA robots 
  • Delta/parallel-kinematic robots 
  • Cartesian/gantry robots 
  • Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs)/AGVs 
  • Collaborative robots (cobots) 
  • Specialized food-grade manipulators (washdown/hygienic) 

By Function/Application 

  • Picking & placing (produce, trays, containers) 
  • Sorting & grading (size, color, defect) 
  • Portioning, slicing & cutting (meat, fish, bakery) 
  • Weighing, dosing & filling (liquid, powder, solids) 
  • Packaging (tray, flow wrap, shrink, vacuum pack) 
  • Palletizing / depalletizing 
  • Inspection & quality control (vision, X-ray, metal detection) 
  • Cooking, heating & process automation (industrial ovens, fryers, cookers) 
  • Mixing, batching & ingredient handling 
  • Trimming & deboning (meat/seafood) 
  • Cleaning, sanitation & CIP robotics 
  • End-of-line labeling & case forming 

By Technology/Capability 

  • Machine vision & optical sorting 
  • Artificial intelligence/ML/predictive analytics 
  • Force/torque sensing & tactile feedback 
  • Advanced end-effectors (vacuum, soft grippers, hygienic grippers) 
  • Motion control & path planning (vision-guided) 
  • Sterilizable/IP-rated hardware designs 
  • Food-safe material coatings & cleanability features 

By Component 

  • Hardware (robots, end-effectors, AMRs, conveyors) 
  • Software (control software, vision analytics, fleet management) 
  • Systems integration & controls (PLC/SCADA integration) 
  • Services (installation, commissioning, maintenance, spare parts) 

By End-Use Industry 

  • Meat & Poultry processing 
  • Seafood processing 
  • Fruits & Vegetables processing 
  • Dairy & Frozen Dairy 
  • Bakery & Confectionery 
  • Beverages (bottling, canning) 
  • Ready Meals / Frozen Foods / Prepared Foods 
  • Snacks & Savory Foods 
  • Ingredients & Additives processing 
  • Pet Food manufacturing 

By Region

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)
  • Latin America
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  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021-2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Vidyesh Swar, Senior Research Analyst at Towards Food & Beverages, specializes in market research, focusing on supply-demand evaluation, pricing analysis, alternative proteins, plant-based foods, and sustainable food technologies within the industry.

Learn more about Vidyesh Swar

Aditi Shivarkar, with 14+ years in Food and Beverages market research, specializes in food, beverage, and eco-friendly packaging. She ensures accurate, actionable insights, driving Towards FnB's excellence in industry trends and sustainability.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

Related Insights

FAQ's

The global food robotics market was valued at USD 2.33 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 2.81 billion in 2025 to USD 15.29 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 20.7% during the forecast period, driven by automation, AI advancements, and food safety demands.

Asia Pacific is the largest market in 2024, and it is expected to continue leading due to increasing food safety awareness, government regulations, and growing demand for packaged and processed foods in emerging economies.

Technological trends include the integration of AI, machine vision, optical sorting, IoT, and predictive analytics, leading to more efficient, accurate, and flexible food production processes, enhancing overall safety and reducing operational costs.

Challenges include a shortage of skilled workforce for installation and maintenance, technical complications like system interoperability, and the high initial costs associated with advanced robotics integration.

The packaging segment dominated the food robotics market in 2024, driven by the growing demand for automation to improve speed, accuracy, and hygiene in food packaging processes, especially in large-scale food manufacturing.

Collaborative robots (cobots) are expected to grow at the fastest rate, as they work alongside human workers, enhancing efficiency and addressing labor shortages in food production and processing.

Machine vision systems, along with optical sorting, have become integral in the food industry to enhance quality control, detect contaminants, and ensure food safety, especially in compliance with stringent global regulations.

Strict government food safety regulations, such as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), are driving the demand for robotic systems equipped with advanced technology for sorting, inspection, and ensuring food safety across the production line.