Report forecasts steady growth in industrial robotics and smart manufacturing investment

A new report says global demand for industrial robots and smart manufacturing technologies is expected to grow steadily over the next decade as companies invest in automation, artificial intelligence and digital supply chains.

Precedence Research says manufacturers worldwide are prioritizing smart factory initiatives and Industry 4.0 technologies to improve efficiency, increase adaptability and strengthen supply chain resilience.

The report says industrial robot manufacturing costs typically range from about US$15,000 for entry-level units designed for basic tasks to about US$107,000 for advanced robots capable of handling heavier payloads and complex precision applications. Selling prices can rise further when integration, software, installation and maintenance services are included, with entry-level automation systems starting at about US$20,000.

Precedence Research says the shift toward connected manufacturing is being driven by technologies such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, machine learning and cloud platforms, which allow companies to monitor production in real time, predict maintenance needs and improve inventory management.

The report notes companies including Hyundai and Walmart are investing in AI-driven automation, robotics and sensor technology to improve operational efficiency and supply chain performance.

Precedence Research says rising adoption of automation is reshaping global manufacturing and logistics networks by improving production speed, reducing manual labour and helping companies respond more quickly to disruptions.

The report also forecasts growth in health-care supply chain technology, estimating the global health-care supply chain management market will reach about US$3.95 billion in 2025 and grow to roughly US$6.32 billion by 2034. The projected expansion is driven by rising demand for medical products and increased use of AI, cloud computing, IoT and blockchain to improve transparency and security in supply chains.