Abstract: Over the past decade, mobile robotics has been one of the fastest-growing segments in automation, spanning factory material handling, high-frequency e-commerce picking, and more. While global markets are projected to maintain 15-25% annual growth over the next five years, the structure of growth is shifting—competition is intensifying, technology barriers are rising, and companies are moving from expansion to value-driven strategies. This article examines global market trends, technological evolution, emerging business models, and the strategic moves Chinese companies must adopt to thrive internationally.

1. Global Landscape: Competitive Reshaping Amid Rapid Growth

According to Grand View Research, the global mobile robotics market reached approximately $25.4 billion in 2024 and is expected to surpass $73 billion by 2030, with a CAGR exceeding 20%. Allied Market Research forecasts the market may hit $99.2 billion by 2032.

Some analysts, however, have slightly lowered growth expectations. Interact Analysis recently reported that with market saturation and extended project payback periods, the CAGR may moderate to around 21% over the next five years. This adjustment reflects market maturation rather than pessimism.

Regionally, Asia has become the core engine of global growth. In 2024, the Asia-Pacific region accounted for over 35% of the market, with Chinese companies rising rapidly in hardware manufacturing, cost control, and deployment speed across warehousing, manufacturing, and retail scenarios.

2. Technological Evolution: From Hardware Breakthroughs to Software Dominance

Ten years ago, hardware performance was the competitive focus. Today, software and intelligent systems are decisive. The integration of SLAM navigation, AI perception, cloud scheduling, and data analytics transforms mobile robots from “autonomous movers” into “intelligent mobility nodes.”

Roots Analysis projects that software and services may account for two-thirds of the market value by 2025. Navigation technologies now commonly combine LiDAR and vision, while GPS and 5G enable outdoor positioning. Edge computing and AI chips empower robots to autonomously make decisions in complex environments, expanding automation possibilities in material transport, warehouse picking, and hospital delivery.

3. Industry Trends: From Customization to Modularization

Historically, mobile robots were highly customized, resulting in high costs, long lead times, and low replicability. As the market scales, modularity and standardization are emerging as key directions.

Leading companies, such as Stäubli with its PF3 3-ton platform and FL1500 counterbalance forklift, utilize a standardized chassis and plug-and-play components to enable mass production and flexible secondary development.

Modularity accelerates innovation. Standard interfaces and open software architectures allow manufacturers and system integrators to quickly develop deployable solutions, optimizing both cost and performance.

4. Business Models: From One-Time Sales to “Robotics as a Service” (RaaS)

Traditional one-time purchases are giving way to flexible service models. RaaS allows clients to access robots via monthly subscriptions or pay-per-task models, reducing upfront capital expenditure while providing manufacturers with recurring revenue and valuable operational data.

RaaS has scaled in North America and Europe and is emerging in China. Warehouse automation projects increasingly adopt “time-sharing + software subscription” models, enabling flexible deployment aligned with business needs.

5. Emerging Segments: New Growth Drivers

Cold Chain Logistics: Low-temperature AMRs enhance operational continuity by over 30% and reduce personnel exposure risks.

Outdoor and Campus Transport: 5G, RTK, and vision-based positioning enable autonomous outdoor logistics for campus and factory inter-site transport.

Lightweight Collaborative Robots: Under 100 kg AMRs for retail stores and small warehouses grow rapidly, offering short payback periods and flexible deployment.

Service Robotics: Hospital delivery, security patrol, and hotel room service are expanding steadily. ABI Research forecasts service robot shipments could reach 78,000 units by 2030, more than ten times 2023 levels.

6. Strategic Path for Chinese Companies

Chinese companies excel in manufacturing costs, supply chain integration, and rapid iteration but lag in global branding and software ecosystems. To achieve international competitiveness in the next three years, they should focus on:

Enhancing software capabilities: Develop autonomous fleet management, task scheduling, and AI vision algorithms to reduce dependency on external platforms.

Vertical specialization: Target high-barrier sectors such as cold chain, pharmaceuticals, and industrial parks to create differentiated advantages.

Exploring service-oriented transformation: Expand customer coverage via RaaS, leasing, and data subscriptions to improve repurchase rates and stabilize cash flow.

Conclusion: From “Growth” to “Value”

The mobile robotics industry is entering a stage where growth and value creation are equally important. Technological breakthroughs, market segmentation, and business innovation are redefining competitive rules. Future leaders will not necessarily be the largest or wealthiest, but those that balance technology, ecosystem, and business model innovation. Flexible, collaborative, and intelligent mobile robots are evolving from automation tools into bridges connecting the future industrial ecosystem.