AGRICULTURAL ROBOTS MARKET

Agricultural Robots Market size was estimated at USD 14.1 billion in 2023 and is forecast to touch USD 45.9 billion in 2031 and the market is expected to grow at a whopping 15.9% CAGR from 2024-2031 due to the growing labor shortage combined with the increasing demand for automation and the surge in global population.

Major Market Drivers

The rise in global population leads to an increasing need for food, the UN forecasts that by 2050, the population will reach almost ten billion. The rise in population along with young people moving from rural regions to urban centers has caused a decline in the farm worker supply. More farmers are therefore adopting agricultural robots to minimize their reliance on manual labor while improving yields for greater financial returns.

The aging farming workforce in several countries is a key catalyst for adopting agricultural robots as it emphasizes the pressing need for labor efficient solutions. As the older farming generation retires, a gap in younger workers willing to fill physically challenging and seasonal agricultural positions is emerging. This demographic change requires automation to fill the labor gap and maintain continuous food production.

Agricultural robots tackle this urgent challenge by offering consistent and effective labor support which functions all year long. In response to the labor gap, farmers are increasingly turning to these technologies to improve farm output and productivity especially in developed regions which further fuels the agricultural robots market growth.

Another key factor fostering the agricultural robots market size expansion is the rising use of agriculture-related software available on smartphones. The digital shift equips farmers with instant data and analytics which helps them to make informed choices regarding crop management while optimizing overall farm operations. Agricultural apps on smartphones are revolutionizing the sector with their simple interfaces and broad accessibility which equips farmers in even the most remote regions with tools to increase productivity and minimize costs.

Digital transformation and automation in agriculture are rapidly expanding worldwide fueled by considerable investments along with government policies that support end users. Robotics and innovative technologies are enhancing the overall efficiency of agricultural operations as they cut down operating costs and as a result drive global market growth. Drones and other robots are key players in land surveying and soil monitoring as they deliver important data and maximize resource efficiency for users.

Type Insights: Milking robots segment dominated the largest market share

The demand for milking robots is rising as they transform dairy farming by providing continuous milking and improving dairy cow welfare. Farmers value the efficiency and ability to maximize milk production that these machines provide as they help to boost milk yield while lowering labor costs. These milking robots are engineered to offer cows a comfortable milking experience by employing cameras and sensors to locate the animals and track the process. It minimizes the need for direct interaction with the cows which reduces discomfort and stress during the process.

UAVs or drones are also experiencing rapid growth due to their significant role in driving the technological revolution within the agricultural sector. Drones come with various sensors and cameras along with GPS receivers. Drones assist farmers by enabling targeted pesticide application while offering crucial field data and tracking livestock movement.

Solution Insights: Hardware segment registered the largest revenue share

The hardware segment is crucial in the market as it acts as the foundation for these innovative farming solutions. The segment covers the physical elements including motors and batteries which allow robots to carry out different functions within agricultural environments. The substantial market share held by this segment is due to the increasing implementation of livestock monitoring and management robots along with the rapid automation within farming tasks.

Many organizations are working to provide robotic hardware as a solution to the worldwide labor shortage. The high capital cost of agriculture robot components further plays a vital role in the hardware segment’s leading position. The expenses involved in research and manufacturing high-quality hardware are significant. Given their intricate design, these components need specialized technical expertise and strict quality control protocols.

The software segment is also crucial in the agricultural robot industry as it acts as the central control system that enables features such as data analysis and autonomous movement. While the services segment covers maintenance and support which ensures the smooth operation of the robots. It further offers farmers essential technical help and knowledge.

Application Insights: Dairy farming segment registered the largest market share

The dairy farming category led the market due to the expanding milk production sector. The rising global need for dairy products is encouraging more farmers to enter the sector and meet this growing demand. Dairy farmers are adopting robotic solutions for activities including milking and feeding to minimize manual labor while maintaining consistent operations. These robots help improve milk quality along with animal welfare while offering valuable analytics to improve farm management. The rising labor shortages and demand for sustainable farming methods are driving the continued use of agricultural robots in the dairy industry.

Regional Insights: North America is estimated to exhibit the highest CAGR

North America has been a major contributor to market revenue fueled by a shortage of labor and the growing need for meat and processed food items which positions the regions to lead the market in the years ahead. The growth is further driven by the presence of advanced technological infrastructure and the incorporation of AI in agricultural practices. The market in North America is also expanding due to the presence of numerous vendors and falling equipment prices as a result of technological improvements.

In the United States, farm automation is advancing at a fast pace with technology integration being crucial in boosting crop yield and improving its quality. Precision farming and automation are significantly contributing to the rising need for smart farming practices across the country. Government backing for agricultural innovation is also a key factor driving the market growth. Numerous programs and financial incentives are encouraging farmers to adopt technology which helps them integrate robots into their farming practices.

The market in Asia Pacific is set to experience the fastest growth driven by technological progress in countries like Japan and China which have paved the way for advanced robotics in agriculture. As the population grows and concerns over food security rise effective farming practices are becoming more crucial. Agricultural robots help by automating manual tasks and increasing crop production.

Top Market Players

Various notable players operating in the global agricultural robots market are Deere & Company, Trimble Inc., Agco Corporation, Agjunction, Inc., DJI, Boumatic, Lely Group, AG Leader Technology, Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc., AG Eagle LLC, Autonomous Solutions Inc among others. Companies in this sector are focusing on research to create more sophisticated robotic solutions which meet the changing demands. Furthermore, strategic collaborations and acquisitions help companies expand their product offerings while broadening their market presence.

Key Developments: 

• • In 2024 CNH Industrial revealed that it had made an investment in Bem Agro which is a Brazilian startup focused on agronomic mapping technologies powered by AI.
  • In 2023 Chipotle Mexican Grill is set to invest in Greenfield Robotics which is a regenerative farming firm from Kansas with the goal to increase global reach in agricultural robots.
  • In 2023, an agritech firm form New Zealand Robotics Plus unveiled Prospr which is a multifunctional autonomous robot created for harvesting crops in vineyards and orchards.
  • In July 2022, Yamaha Motor Company Ltd., a Japanese multinational company, announces its plans to invest Tier 4 Inc, to develop autonomous driving technology and promoting its automated transport solutions business for factory grounds.
  • In June 2022, Small Robot Company (SRC) an agriculture robotics start-up based out of United Kingdom unveils its plans to launch its agricultural robots at approximately 50 farms.
  • In August 2021, John Deere, a leading manufacturer of agricultural machinery and heavy equipment, based out of United States completes the acquisition of Bear Flag Robotics for USD 250 million. This acquisition will enable company to use Bear Flag’s technology to work in field autonomously.
  • In 2019, AGCO Corporation, major distributor of agricultural equipment, announced the launch of its next-generation telemetry solution, AGCO Connect, in North America. This product will provide customers information related to current status of their machines.
  • In 2019, Trimble Inc., introduced Farmer Core, a new entry-level Trimble Ag software, which allows farmers to connect their farming operations. This software is available online and can be used on any mobile device.

Segments covered in the Report:

The Global Agricultural Robots Market has been segmented on the basis of Type, Solution, Application and Regions. Based on the Type, the market is segmented into Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or Drones, Driverless Tractors & Automated Harvesters, Milking Robots, Automated Harvesting Systems, Others. Based on the Solution, the market is segmented into Hardware, Software, Service. Based on the Application, the market is segmented into Precision Agriculture, Livestock Farming, Dairy Farming, Harvesting & Threshing, Indoor Farming.

Market Segmentation

Global Agricultural Robots Market by Type

• • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or Drones
  • Driverless, tractors & automated harvesters
  • Milking robots
  • Automated harvesting systems
  • Others

Global Agricultural Robots Market by Solution

• • Hardware
  • Software
  • Service

Global Agricultural Robots Market by Application

• • Precision agriculture
  • Livestock farming
  • Dairy farming
  • Harvesting & threshing
  • Indoor farming
  • Others

Global Agricultural Robots Market by Region

• • North America Agricultural Robots Market (Option 1: As a part of the free 25% customization)

    • By Type
    • By Solution
    • By Application
    • US Market All-Up
    • Canada Market All-Up

  • Europe Agricultural Robots Market (Option 2: As a part of the free 25% Customization)

    • By Type
    • By Solution
    • By Application
    • UK Market All-Up
    • Germany Market All-Up
    • France Market All-Up
    • Spain Market All-Up
    • Rest of Europe Market All-Up

  • Asia-Pacific Agricultural Robots Market (Option 3: As a part of the free 25% Customization)

    • By Type
    • By Solution
    • By Application
    • China Market All-Up
    • India Market All-Up
    • Japan Market All-Up
    • Rest of APAC Market All-Up

  • RoW Agricultural Robots Market (Option 4: As a part of the free 25% Customization)

    • By Type
    • By Solution
    • By Application
    • Brazil Market All-Up
    • South Africa Market All-Up
    • Saudi Arabia Market All-Up
    • UAE Market All-Up
    • Rest of world (remaining countries of the LAMEA region) Market All-Up

Global Agricultural Robots Leading Market Players (Option 5: As a part of the free 25% Customization – Profiles of 5 Additional Companies of your Choice)

• • Trimble Inc.
  • Deere & Company
  • DeLaval
  • AGCO Corporation
  • BouMatic
  • DJI
  • AgJunction
  • Lely Group
  • AG Leader Technology
  • Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc.
  • AG Eagle LLC
  • Autonomous Solutions Inc