Manufacturing, Automation & Robotics Market Research

Competitive Intelligence, Business Analysis, Forecasts, Market Size, Trends, Companies, Statistics

Available Data Services: Custom Research Projects, Database Subsription or PDF eBooks

Manufacturing, Automation & Robotics OVERVIEW

    The manufacturing, automation and robotics industry is undergoing rapid transformation as technology, economics and global trade reshape the way goods are produced and delivered.  The future of manufacturing, automation, and robotics is being shaped by the convergence of AI, robotics, and shifting global trade dynamics.  While automation promises extraordinary efficiency and innovation, it also raises questions about employment and global competitiveness.
1.  1.  The Rise of Robotics and Factory Automation
Industrial robots have moved far beyond their early days as simple welders.  Today’s machines, guided by artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced sensors, perform highly complex tasks with precision and speed.  Global adoption is accelerating.  The International Federation of Robotics projects the worldwide base of industrial robots to grow from 4.3 million in 2023 to 5.4 million in 2024.  Collaborative robots, or “cobots,” are a particularly important development, designed to safely work alongside humans.  This hybrid approach improves efficiency and reduces downtime while keeping operations flexible.  Meanwhile, Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) models allow companies to rent robots for as little as $10–$12 per hour, making automation more accessible for smaller manufacturers.
2.  2.  Service and Humanoid Robots Enter Mainstream Use
Service robots are rapidly expanding beyond households and into industries like health care, logistics and hospitality.  Warehouse robots now rival human workers in efficiency, with Amazon nearing a one-to-one ratio of robots to employees in its fulfillment centers.  Humanoid robots are also progressing.  In China, the Tien Kung Ultra successfully completed a 13-mile course in 2025, demonstrating how humanoid designs can navigate environments built for humans.  Hospitals, hotels and farms are increasingly adopting service robots for cleaning, delivery and even milking dairy cows, reducing labor shortages and boosting productivity.
3.  3.  Global Supply Chains Shift: Reshoring, Nearshoring and Tariffs
Rising wages in China, demographic challenges and supply chain disruptions have led many companies to reconsider their dependence on offshore manufacturing.  Nations such as Vietnam, India and Mexico are emerging as major competitors for manufacturing investment, with Mexico particularly well-positioned due to proximity to the U.S. and trade agreements.  Tariffs are also reshaping trade.  U.S. levies on goods from the EU, China, Mexico and India are driving higher costs and strategic shifts in sourcing.  Companies are increasingly embracing reshoring and nearshoring to keep operations closer to key markets, while 3D printing and robotics are making local, flexible production more viable.
4.  4.  Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Industry Pressures
The automotive industry is under intense pressure to transition toward electric vehicles, but the road has proven bumpy. Despite government subsidies and infrastructure investment, consumer adoption has lagged due to high prices, charging challenges, and repair costs. As subsidies expired in 2025, automakers like Ford and GM began scaling back EV projects, even as they continue long-term investments in battery plants and retooled factories.
5.   5. The Future: AI, IoT and Advanced Manufacturing
AI, the Internet of Things (IoT) and additive manufacturing are set to redefine factories.  IoT-enabled equipment is already monitoring production lines in real time, improving efficiency and predicting failures before they happen.  Meanwhile, 3D printing is streamlining prototyping and enabling custom production at scale.  These technologies, paired with strong research and development and advanced education bases in developed nations, will ensure that manufacturing continues to evolve toward smarter, faster, and more resilient systems.
Read More

WE PROFILE HUNDREDS OF TOP COMPANIES:

See All

PLUNKETT PROVIDES IN-DEPTH STATISTICS TABLES COVERING THE FOLLOWING INDUSTRY TOPICS:

Top Companies Profiled

The following is a partial listing for this industry. As a subscriber, you will have access to the leading companies and top growth companies. This includes publicly-held, private, subsidiary and joint venture companies, on a global basis as well as in the U.S.


Hundreds of Top Companies Profiled, Including:

PLUNKETT PROVIDES UNIQUE ANALYSIS OF THE FOLLOWING TRENDS THAT ARE DRIVING THIS INDUSTRY:

Key Findings:

A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms within the Manufacturing, Automation & Robotics Industry. Gain vital insights that can help shape strategy for business development, product development and investments.

Key Features:

  • Business trends analysis
  • In-depth industry overview
  • Technology trends analysis
  • Forecasts
  • Spending, investment, and consumption discussions
  • In-depth industry statistics and metrics
  • Industry employment numbers

Additional Key Features Include:

Industry Glossary

Industry Contacts list, including Professional Societies and Industry Associations

Profiles of industry-leading companies

  • U.S. and Global Firms
  • Publicly held, Private and Subsidiaries
  • Executive Contacts
  • Revenues
  • For Public Companies: Detailed Financial Summaries
  • Statistical Tables

Key Questions Answered Include:

  • How is the industry evolving?
  • How is the industry being shaped by new technologies?
  • How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?
  • What is the size of the market now and in the future?
  • What are the financial results of the leading companies?
  • What are the names and titles of top executives?
  • What are the top companies and what are their revenues?

This feature-rich report covers competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis—everything you need to know about the Manufacturing, Automation & Robotics Industry.

Plunkett Research Provides Unique Analysis of the Following Major Trends Affecting the Manufacturing, Automation & Robotics Industry

  1. Major Trends Affecting the Manufacturing, Automation & Robotics Industry
  2. Introduction to the Manufacturing, Automation & Robotics Industry
  3. Industrial Robots and Factory Automation Advance Through Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  4. Humanoid Robots/Service Robots Are Boosting Efficiencies in Warehouses and More
  5. Tariffs Impact Manufacturing of All Types/Imports from the EU, China, Mexico and India Affected
  6. U.S. Electric Vehicle (EV) Subsidies Expire in 2025/U.S. Auto Manufacturers Change Strategies
  7. Global Growth in Manufacturing and Trade Require Investment by Emerging Nations
  8. Introduction to the Outsourcing & Offshoring Industry
  9. Pros and Cons of Outsourcing & Offshoring
  10. Nearshoring and Reshoring Keep Operations Closer to Home
  11. U.S. Apparel and Textile Jobs Reshore to Some Extent
  12. Vietnam, India and Other Countries Gain Manufacturing Market Share/Tariffs Alter Market Significantly
  13. The Vast Majority of Shoes Sold in the U.S. Are Made Elsewhere
  14. 3-D Printing and Robotics Revolutionize Manufacture of Shoes and Fabrics
  15. Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) Adds Value to Contract Electronics Manufacturing
  16. Trends in Manufacturing, such as Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs), Lead to Collaboration and Consulting-Like Services
  17. 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing), Rapid Prototyping and Computer Aided Design
  18. 3PL Logistics Services and Supply Chain Management Services Evolve and Consolidate
  19. Manufacturers Focus on High Performance Plastics and Specialty Chemicals
  20. Refineries Along with Chemicals and Plastics Plants Expand in the U.S.
  21. Telecom Equipment Makers Face Intense Competition from Manufacturers in China
  22. Boeing and Airbus Compete for New Orders
  23. U.S. Auto Manufacturers Ford, Stellantis and GM Compete Head-On with Foreign Manufacturers
  24. India Has a Significant Automobile Market, with Great Long-Term Potential
  25. Mexico Is a Leading Automotive Maker and Exporter
  26. Designers and Manufacturers Bypass the Middleman with Direct-to-Consumer Online Business Models
  27. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Deep Learning and Machine Learning Advance into Commercial Applications, Including Health Care and Robotics
  28. The Internet of Things (IoT) in Factories, Robotics and Equipment
  29. Health Care Robotics
  30. Robotics in Retailing and Ecommerce Fulfillment

Plunkett Research Provides In-Depth Tables for the Following Manufacturing, Automation & Robotics Industry Statistics

I. Overview of the Manufacturing, Automation & Robotics Industry

  1. Manufacturing, Automation & Robotics Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
  2. Sales & Net Income After-Tax, U.S. Manufacturing Corporations: 2016- 1st Quarter 2025
  3. Sales & Operating Profits, U.S. Manufacturing Corporations, by Industry: 1st Quarter 2024- 1st Quarter 2025

II. Output & Employment

  1. Value Added to U.S. Economy by Manufacturing Sector, as a Percentage of GDP: 1997-2024
  2. Employment in the U.S. Manufacturing Sector, as a Percentage of all Private Industry Employment: 1950 – July 2025
  3. Employment in the U.S. Manufacturing Sector, by Industry: 2019 – July 2025
  4. Manufacturing Output vs. Employment, U.S.: 1980- June 2025
  5. Gross Output in the Wood & Nonmetallic Mineral Products Manufacturing Industries: Selected Years, 2018-2023
  6. Gross Output in the Primary Metals & Fabricated Metal Products Manufacturing Industries: Selected Years, 2018-2023
  7. Gross Output in the Machinery Manufacturing Industry, U.S.: Selected Years, 2018-2023
  8. Gross Output in the Computer & Electronic Product Manufacturing Industries: Selected Years, 2018-2023
  9. Gross Output in the Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components Manufacturing Industries: Selected Years, 2018-2023
  10. Gross Output in the Motor Vehicles & Transportation Equipment Manufacturing Industries: Selected Years, 2017-2023
  11. Gross Output in the Food, Beverage & Tobacco Product Manufacturing Industries, U.S.: Selected Years, 2018-2023
  12. Gross Output in the Textile & Apparel Manufacturing Industries, U.S.: Selected Years, 2018-2023
  13. Gross Output in the Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber Products Manufacturing Industries, U.S.: Selected Years, 2018-2023

III. Shipments

  1. Annual Value of Manufacturers’ Shipments for Industry Groups, U.S.: 2018-2024

IV. Exports

  1. Value of Exports of All Manufactured Goods, U.S.: 2018 – 2024
  2. Exports of Durable & Nondurable Manufactured Goods, U.S.: 2018 – 2024
  3. Value of Exports of U.S. Vehicles: 2019-2024
  4. Exports, Imports & Trade Balance of Computers & Electronic Products, U.S.: 2018-2024
  5. Exports, Imports & Trade Balance of Chemicals, U.S.: 2018 – 2024
  6. Top 50 Destinations of U.S. Textiles & Apparel Exports: 2023-2024
  7. Top Ten Suppliers & Destinations of U.S. Computers & Electronic Products: 2018- 2024

Organizations that have used our research and products

hilton worldwide
Logo for HKTDC
Logo for Japan External Trade Organization
Logo for Johnson & Johnson
Logo for Mayer Brown
Logo for Microsoft
Logo for Purdue University
Logo for Stanford University
Logo for Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
Logo for FedEx

CUSTOM MARKET RESEARCH

We have deep experience in conducting market research projects and surveys (both B2B and B2C) for the world’s leading organizations. Competitive intel, market sizing, product opportunities validation, technologies analysis, economic and market forecasts. Both domestic and global markets—any industry, any geography.
More details

INDUSTRIES WE COVER

We cover all leading industry sectors, from retailing, healthcare and banking, to logistics, robotics/automation, digital technologies, wireless, travel and aerospace. Our proprietary data and reports keep you on the cutting edge of your industry of specific interest. Great for strategic, marketing, investment and consulting professionals, as well as business librarians.
More details

INDUSTRY ANALYTICS REPORTS

Industry-specific operating benchmarks, industry financial statement averages, revenue forecasts, market size, statistics, company ranks and comparisons. Choose from 550+ Industries. Updated regularly. Instant download. Our unique reports save you countless hours of research time and effort. Used by the world’s top consulting, strategy and investment pros.
More details

CORPORATE BENCHMARKS REPORTS

Company-specific operating benchmarks (current and historical), benchmarked against industry-peers’ averages. Revenue forecasts, market size, statistics, company ranks and comparisons. Choose from 4000+ companies. Updated regularly. Instant download. Our unique reports save you countless hours of research time and effort. Used by the world’s top consulting, strategy and investment pros.
More details

Related Products

Automobile Industry Market Research

The automobile industry is undergoing one of the most transformative periods in its history.  Driven by shifting consumer demand, technological breakthroughs and geopolitical changes, automakers are rethinking everything from how vehicles are built to how they are used.  1.  1.  Electric Vehicles: Progress and Challenges Electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids…
Automobile Industry Market Research

Plunkett’s Food Industry Market Research

The global food and beverage industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by shifting consumer preferences, technological innovation and sustainability concerns.  Valued at roughly $12 trillion globally, the industry represents about 11% of world GDP, making it one of the most influential sectors in the global economy.  Several key trends are…
Plunkett’s Food Industry Market Research

Chemicals, Coatings & Plastics Industry Market Research

The chemicals, coatings, and plastics industry is undergoing transformative shifts driven by innovation, environmental urgency and global economic dynamics.  With global revenues for chemicals (excluding pharmaceuticals) reaching approximately $4.9 trillion in 2025, this complex sector remains closely tied to energy markets, infrastructure expansion and consumer behavior.  Several critical trends are…
Chemicals, Coatings & Plastics Industry Market Research
 

Subscribe to Database:

All industries
Add To Cart

Multi-User Online, Enterprise-Wide (Library or Corporate)

Request a Quote and Free Trial

eBook or Book:

This industry onlyPublication date: Sep 2025
ISBN-13: 978-1-64788-579-3
ISBN-13: 978-1-64788-087-3
Custom Research Projects

What data challenge can we help you solve today?