Stratistics MRC에 따르면 세계의 식품 로보틱스 시장은 2025년 27억 달러를 차지하고 예측 기간 동안 CAGR 22.6%로 성장해 2032년까지 113억 달러에 이를 전망입니다.
식품 로보틱스란 가공, 포장, 조리, 배선 등의 작업을 수행하기 위해 식품 산업에서 로봇 공학과 자동화 기술을 응용하는 것을 말합니다. 작업을 빠르고 정확하게 수행할 수 있기 때문에 사람의 손을 줄이고 실수를 최소화할 수 있습니다. 식품 분야에서의 편의성, 안전성, 혁신성에 대한 수요 증가는 식품 로보틱스의 개발과 채용을 가속화하여 전 세계에서 식품의 조리, 가공, 소비 방법을 변화시키고 있습니다.
가공·포장 식품에 대한 수요 증가
도시화의 진전, 식생활의 기호의 변화, 페이스가 빠른 라이프 스타일에 의해 가공 식품이나 조리 끝난 식품의 소비가 대폭 증가하고 있습니다. 소비자는 품질이나 맛에 타협하지 않고 편리성을 요구하고 있기 때문에 식품 제조업체는 효율성과 일관성을 요구해 작업의 자동화를 진행하고 있습니다. 또한 자동화는 위생적인 취급과 정확한 소분을 보증해, 안전 규제를 채우는데 있어 매우 중요합니다.
운영 및 유지 보수를 위한 숙련 노동자 부족
식품 가공의 로보틱스 통합에는 자동화 시스템의 프로그래밍, 운영, 정기적인 유지보수를 위한 전문 기술이 필요합니다. 또한, 로봇 기술은 일진월보이기 때문에 계속적인 트레이닝이나 스킬 업이 필요해, 거기에 비용과 시간이 걸립니다.
일관된 품질과 사용자 정의에 대한 수요
다양하고 고급 식품에 대한 소비자 수요가 높아짐에 따라, 식품 제조에서의 커스터마이즈로의 현저한 시프트를 볼 수 있습니다. 또한, 섬세하고 반복적인 작업을 해내는 로봇 시스템의 능력은 품질을 희생하지 않고 제품 전체의 생산량을 향상시킵니다.
높은 초기 투자 비용
소프트웨어 통합, 인프라 업그레이드 등 로봇 시스템에 대한 초기 투자는 상당한 금액이 될 수 있습니다. 지속적인 비용도 경제적 부담에 박차를 가합니다.
COVID-19의 영향
COVID-19의 대유행은 사람과의 접촉을 줄여 생산의 연속성을 확보할 필요성에 힘입어 식품업계 전체에서 자동화의 채용을 대폭 가속시켰습니다. 룬의 혼란으로 인해 장비 조달과 시스템의 통합이 당초 과제가 되었습니다.
다관절 로봇 분야는 예측 기간 동안 최대가 될 전망
다관절 로봇 분야는 예측 기간 동안 최대 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예측됩니다. 또한, 기술의 진보에 의해 다관절 로봇은 보다 컴팩트하고 에너지 효율이 뛰어나, 바닥 면적의 최적화와 운용 코스트의 삭감을 목표로 하는 식품 제조업체에 어필하고 있습니다. 위생 기준을 유지할 수 있는 신뢰성도, 채용 확대에 박차를 가하고 있습니다.
예측기간 중 과일·야채 분야의 CAGR이 가장 높아질 전망
예측 기간 동안 과일 및 채소 분야는 가장 높은 성장률을 보일 것으로 예측됩니다. 공정과 포장의 신속화도 가능합니다. 소비자의 선호도가 보다 건강한 식품의 선택에 시프트함에 따라, 소매업체나 가공업자는 품질에 타협하지 않고 생산 규모를 확대하기 위한 로봇 솔루션에 투자하고 있습니다.
예측기간 중 아시아태평양은 중국, 일본, 인도 등의 국가에서 식품가공산업의 활황에 견인되어 최대 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예측됩니다. 또한, 주요 식품 로보틱스 제조자 및 기술 제공업체의 존재가, 이 지역의 우위성을 한층 더 지원하고 있습니다.
예측 기간 동안 북미가 가장 높은 CAGR을 보여줄 것으로 예측됩니다. 또한 가공된 유기농 식품과 특수 식품에 대한 소비자 수요 증가가 유연한 로봇 시스템을 사용하여 생산 규모를 확대하기 위해 제조업체를 뒷받침하고 있습니다.
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Food Robotics Market is accounted for $2.7 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $11.3 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 22.6% during the forecast period. Food robotics refers to the application of robotics and automation technologies in the food industry to perform tasks such as processing, packaging, cooking, and serving. These robots are designed to improve efficiency, hygiene, precision, and consistency in food production and handling. They are used in various sectors including agriculture, food manufacturing, restaurants, and food delivery services. Food robots can perform repetitive tasks with high speed and accuracy, reducing human labor and minimizing errors. Examples include robotic arms for sorting or cutting, autonomous mobile robots for delivery, and automated cooking machines. The growing demand for convenience, safety, and innovation in the food sector has accelerated the development and adoption of food robotics, transforming how food is prepared, processed, and consumed around the world.
Increasing demand for processed and packaged foods
The surge in urbanization, changing dietary preferences, and fast-paced lifestyles have significantly increased the consumption of processed and ready-to-eat foods. Consumers are seeking convenience without compromising on quality or taste, leading food manufacturers to automate operations for efficiency and consistency. Robotics solutions are being increasingly adopted in packaging, sorting, and palletizing to meet the high-volume demands of food production. Additionally, automation ensures hygienic handling and precise portioning, critical in meeting safety regulations. The rise in e-commerce grocery platforms is also accelerating the need for efficient food packaging and processing solutions powered by robotics.
Lack of skilled labor for operation and maintenance
The integration of robotics in food processing requires specialized skills for programming, operation, and routine maintenance of automated systems. However, many regions face a lack of adequately trained professionals, which hampers seamless adoption. Smaller and mid-sized enterprises, in particular, struggle to recruit and retain talent capable of managing sophisticated robotic equipment. Furthermore, the fast-evolving nature of robotic technologies necessitates ongoing training and upskilling, which can be costly and time-consuming. This talent gap poses a major hurdle in achieving the full potential of food robotics in the industry.
Demand for consistent quality and customization
With growing consumer demand for diverse and premium food products, there is a notable shift towards customization in food production. Robotics enables precise control over portion sizes, ingredient composition, and presentation, ensuring uniform quality across batches. This consistency is particularly valuable for brands aiming to maintain strong customer trust. Additionally, the ability of robotic systems to perform delicate and repetitive tasks enhances the overall product output without sacrificing quality. Companies are also leveraging robotics to offer personalized packaging and labeling solutions, further improving customer engagement.
High initial investment costs
Initial investments in robotic systems, including machinery, software integration, and infrastructure upgrades, are substantial. For many food processors, particularly small-scale manufacturers, these costs can be a deterrent. Beyond installation, ongoing expenses related to training, system updates, and maintenance also add to the financial burden. As technology evolves, the risk of obsolescence pushes companies to reinvest frequently to stay competitive. These financial challenges could limit widespread adoption, especially in emerging markets where funding and access to financing remain constrained.
Covid-19 Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the adoption of automation across the food industry, driven by the need to reduce human contact and ensure production continuity. With labor shortages and health safety concerns mounting, many manufacturers turned to robotic systems for food handling, sorting, and packaging. At the same time, supply chain disruptions posed initial challenges in equipment procurement and system integration. However, the crisis ultimately reinforced the importance of resilience in operations, with robotics emerging as a key enabler. The trend towards contactless production and hygienic processing is expected to continue post-pandemic, further bolstering the market.
The articulated robots segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The articulated robots segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period. These robots can handle diverse applications such as packaging, pick-and-place operations, and palletizing, making them indispensable in modern food production lines. Their multi-axis movement allows for greater dexterity and efficiency in tight or intricate environments. Furthermore, technological advancements have made articulated robots more compact and energy-efficient, appealing to food manufacturers aiming to optimize floor space and reduce operational costs. Their reliability in maintaining hygiene standards also adds to their growing adoption.
The fruits & vegetables segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the fruits & vegetables segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, owing to rising demand for fresh-cut, ready-to-eat produce with minimal manual handling. Automation in sorting, washing, peeling, and slicing ensures enhanced food safety and reduces spoilage. Robotics also enable faster processing and packaging, which is essential to maintaining the freshness of perishable goods. As consumer preferences shift toward healthier food choices, retailers and processors are investing in robotic solutions to scale production without compromising quality. Government support for modernizing agriculture and post-harvest infrastructure is also driving this segment's rapid expansion.
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share driven by the booming food processing industries in countries like China, Japan, and India. The region's rapidly expanding population, increasing disposable incomes, and evolving dietary habits are fueling demand for processed and packaged foods. Governments in the region are also promoting automation in manufacturing as part of industrial modernization initiatives. Additionally, the presence of leading food robotics manufacturers and technology providers further supports regional dominance. Local companies are increasingly embracing robotic solutions to enhance competitiveness and meet international quality standards.
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR. The U.S. and Canada are at the forefront of adopting robotics in the food and beverage sector, particularly for applications involving safety-critical and high-precision tasks. Rising labor costs and a push toward sustainable, efficient production are prompting companies to invest heavily in robotic solutions. Moreover, growing consumer demand for processed organic and specialty foods is encouraging manufacturers to scale production using flexible robotic systems. Supportive regulatory frameworks and innovation-focused investments further contribute to market growth in the region.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players profiled in the Food Robotics Market include ABB Group, FANUC Corporation, KUKA AG, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Yaskawa Electric Corporation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., Rockwell Automation Inc., OMRON Corporation, Ellison Technologies Inc., Moley Robotics, Flexicell Inc., Pudu Robotics, Picnic Technologies B.V., RightHand Robotics, Fetch Robotics Inc., Aethon Inc., Robotics and Kitchen Robotics.
In April 2025, ABB and BurgerBots unveiled robotic burger-making to revolutionize fast food prep. ABB Robotics is serving up the future of fast food with BurgerBots - a groundbreaking new restaurant concept launched in Los Gatos, California. Designed to deliver perfectly cooked, made-to-order burgers every time, the automated kitchen uses ABB's IRB 360 FlexPicker(R) and YuMi(R) collaborative robot to assemble meals with precision and speed, while accurately monitoring stock levels and freeing staff to focus on customer experience.
In May 2024, ABB Robotics has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Seoul-based food processing company Pulmuone Co Ltd to develop automation solutions in the research and production of a novel range of laboratory-grown foods. Pulmuone, which owns multiple food brands such as Nasoya tofu products and Monterey Gourmet Foods, is developing a new generation of seafood products using cell cultivation.