In the world of automation, one big question often pops up: should your business invest in collaborative robots (cobots) or go with traditional industrial robots? Both have their place, but the way they’re used, adopted, and implemented is quite different. Below, we dive into the real stats driving the robotics industry and break them down with practical advice that’s simple and clear.
1. Cobots accounted for approximately 5% of total industrial robot sales in 2018, rising to over 10% by 2023
Back in 2018, cobots were a small part of the industrial robotics space. But things have changed quickly. In just five years, their share doubled. That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident. It’s driven by clear benefits: cobots are easier to use, more flexible, and safer to work alongside humans.
If you’re thinking about automation but not ready for massive investments or heavy infrastructure changes, cobots offer a practical path forward. Their growing adoption shows that more companies are choosing flexibility over brute force.
So what does this mean for you? If you’re just entering automation or looking to expand it, consider cobots not just as an option—but as a strategic move. Their growing popularity suggests they’re more than a trend. They’re becoming a key piece of modern manufacturing.
Action tip: Start small. Identify one repetitive task in your operations that involves human interaction and test a cobot. Use this pilot project to get your team comfortable with automation and see firsthand how cobots can help.
2. The global collaborative robot market was valued at around $1.2 billion in 2022
That’s a big number—and it shows how serious the world is about cobots. A $1.2 billion market means companies aren’t just talking about cobots; they’re spending real money on them. And when a market reaches this size, it attracts better products, more vendors, and faster innovation.
This stat also tells us that cobots are moving beyond experimental use. They’re becoming part of everyday operations for businesses across industries. Whether it’s packaging, assembly, or inspection, cobots are stepping in.
If your competitors are spending on cobots, that should tell you something: the playing field is changing. Standing still may actually put you behind.
Action tip: Monitor your industry for how competitors are using cobots. If others in your space are adopting them, it’s a sign you may need to follow suit—or risk falling behind in cost, quality, and efficiency.
3. Traditional industrial robot installations exceeded 500,000 units globally in 2021
While cobots are growing fast, traditional robots are still the big players. Over half a million units installed in one year—that’s a strong signal that traditional robots continue to dominate in heavy-duty, high-speed applications.
They shine in areas where consistency, strength, and speed matter most—like automotive manufacturing, metalworking, and mass production lines. If your operations deal with high volumes and limited variation, traditional robots still make the most sense.
This stat also tells us that traditional robots are far from obsolete. They’re being used more than ever. The key is knowing where they fit best—and where they don’t.
Action tip: Don’t assume one type of robot is better than the other. Evaluate your specific needs. If you’re dealing with repetitive, high-volume tasks in a structured environment, traditional robots may still be the right fit.
4. Cobots are expected to reach over 30% of the total robotics market by 2030
From just 5% to over 30% in a little over a decade—that’s explosive growth. And it tells us that cobots are not just for niche tasks anymore. They are becoming mainstream.
Why is this happening? Because businesses are starting to see cobots not just as automation tools, but as a way to solve workforce shortages, improve productivity, and lower costs without overhauling their entire factory.
This is especially important for small and medium businesses. Cobots give them a way to compete without needing the same resources as the big players.
Action tip: If you’re planning long-term investments, factor in the rise of cobots. Even if traditional robots are part of your setup today, cobots may play a key role in your next automation phase.
5. Average deployment time for cobots is 3–5 days, compared to several weeks for traditional robots
Time is money. And this stat shows how cobots can save a lot of both. While traditional robots can take weeks to install, set up, and program, cobots are usually up and running in just a few days.
That kind of speed means faster return on investment, less disruption to your operations, and quicker improvements in productivity. This is one of the key reasons businesses are turning to cobots.
You don’t need to shut down your line or call in a big team of engineers. Many cobots can be deployed by your existing staff with a little training.
Action tip: Use the fast deployment of cobots to your advantage. Plan installations over weekends or during slower shifts to minimize disruption and maximize output.
6. Cobots typically cost between $25,000–$50,000, while traditional robots can range from $100,000–$400,000
Let’s talk budget. Cobots are far more affordable than traditional robots—often just a fraction of the cost. That makes them ideal for businesses that need results without heavy upfront spending.
This lower cost also means it’s easier to experiment. You can try cobots in one area without betting the farm. If it works, you can scale. If not, you’ve lost much less than if you’d gone all in on a more expensive system.
Cost also affects who can adopt robots. Traditional systems are often out of reach for smaller businesses. But cobots open the door to automation for everyone.
Action tip: Treat cobots as a low-risk entry into robotics. Use them to test automation in new areas of your business before committing larger capital to full-scale automation.
7. Cobots have an ROI period of 6–12 months on average
A return on investment within a year? That’s a compelling argument. Many automation systems take years to pay off. But with cobots, companies are seeing returns fast.
That’s because the total cost of ownership is low, and the benefits—like fewer errors, faster production, and lower labor costs—start showing up quickly. When you combine low upfront cost with fast deployment, it’s easy to see how ROI comes quickly.
This makes cobots not just a good idea, but a financially smart one.
Action tip: Track your savings from day one. Measure productivity, scrap rate, and output before and after cobot installation. That’s how you’ll prove ROI quickly—and justify expansion.
8. Over 60% of cobot installations occur in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
This stat tells a powerful story: cobots are truly empowering smaller companies. In fact, the majority of cobot users are not massive corporations, but small and mid-sized firms.
Why? Because cobots are a perfect match for businesses that want to improve productivity but don’t have endless capital or tech teams.
For SMEs, cobots offer something special—accessibility. You don’t need a robotics engineer to program them. You don’t need to redesign your entire floor. And you don’t need to shut everything down just to install one.
This level of simplicity is exactly why SMEs are leading the way in cobot adoption.
If you’re in an SME and still relying heavily on manual labor for repetitive tasks, it’s time to rethink. Cobots can handle a lot of that work—and free your human team to focus on things that really require judgment and skill.
Action tip: Start with a simple use case like pick-and-place or machine tending. These tasks are easy to automate and can give immediate time savings with minimal disruption.
9. Traditional robots are primarily used in automotive (over 40%) and electronics industries
This stat shows where traditional robots really shine. They are the backbone of high-volume manufacturing in industries like automotive and electronics. These environments demand incredible precision, speed, and strength—qualities traditional robots are built for.
If you’re in one of these sectors, you probably already use robots or have plans to. But if you’re not, this stat still gives you insight. It means that traditional robots may be overkill in lower-volume, more flexible environments like food packaging or customized manufacturing.
Also, these industries often have very structured workflows. Everything is in a fixed place, and change is rare. That’s where traditional robots thrive. But if your processes change often, or if humans work nearby, cobots might be the better choice.
Action tip: Match your automation strategy to your environment. If your workflow is fixed and repetitive with high throughput, a traditional robot may deliver better performance.
10. Cobots are predominantly used in assembly (28%), machine tending (22%), and packaging (20%)
If you’re wondering where cobots actually work best, here’s your answer. Most cobots are used in three main areas: assembly, machine tending, and packaging. These are repetitive, physically tiring, and often tedious jobs—perfect for automation.
Assembly tasks, especially ones that involve lightweight components, are ideal for cobots because they often need a degree of human-like flexibility.
Machine tending involves loading and unloading parts into a machine, which cobots can do easily without needing to take breaks. Packaging is another win—it’s fast-paced, repetitive, and rarely requires complex decision-making.
The key here is this: cobots don’t just perform physical tasks. They also improve consistency, reduce errors, and help your human workers avoid injuries.
Action tip: Walk through your production floor. Look for any workstation where a person is doing the same thing over and over again. Those are your best candidates for cobot automation.
11. 77% of cobot users report increased productivity within 6 months of implementation
That’s a huge number. It means most companies that try cobots see real results—and fast. Increased productivity could come from faster cycle times, fewer mistakes, less downtime, or all of the above.
And it’s not just about speed. When cobots handle the repetitive parts of the job, your human team has more time to focus on higher-value tasks. That mix of automation and human effort often leads to better overall performance.
But this productivity boost doesn’t just happen on its own. It depends on choosing the right task, setting the cobot up properly, and supporting your team through the change.
Action tip: Define clear success metrics before installing your cobot. Know what you’re measuring—cycle time, error rate, throughput—and compare before and after. That’s how you’ll truly know if productivity is improving.
12. Cobots are designed to operate at speeds 30–50% slower than traditional robots for safety
One thing that sets cobots apart is their safety. They’re intentionally slower than traditional robots. That’s not a weakness—it’s a feature. Cobots are made to work next to people without needing safety cages or fences.
Slower movement reduces the risk of injury if there’s accidental contact.
This doesn’t mean cobots are inefficient. For many tasks, especially ones with high variation or human involvement, the speed trade-off is worth it. Safety enables flexibility. It lets your team work side-by-side with the robot instead of being isolated from it.
If you’re in an environment where human workers are nearby, safety should be your top concern. A traditional robot might be faster, but it could require you to separate workflows, invest in barriers, or add expensive safety systems.
Action tip: If you plan to deploy robots in shared workspaces, favor cobots. The speed difference is worth the added peace of mind and the reduced complexity around safety compliance.
13. Traditional robots often require safety cages or enclosures; over 70% of cobots do not
Here’s the thing: safety infrastructure adds cost. When you install a traditional robot, you often need metal fencing, light curtains, and special zones. That’s not only expensive but also takes up valuable floor space.
Cobots don’t need all that in most cases. Thanks to built-in force sensors and slower movements, they’re inherently safer. Over 70% of cobots operate without any additional cages. That means faster setup, more flexibility, and lower cost overall.
You also don’t have to redesign your entire layout. Cobots can be dropped right into your existing process with minimal changes. That kind of agility is gold when you’re trying to adapt quickly.
Action tip: Use cobots to automate processes that are close to human workstations. You’ll save space and avoid the costs of physical barriers and redesigns.
14. Cobots have built-in force sensors to stop when encountering resistance over 10–50 Newtons
This is one of the key safety features of cobots. If they bump into something—or someone—they stop immediately. The force threshold is low, around the strength it would take to press a doorbell or twist a soda cap.
This kind of sensitivity makes cobots safe for shared workspaces. You don’t need to worry about them injuring a worker who’s nearby. It also makes them ideal for tasks that require some degree of touch or feedback, like delicate assembly or polishing.
In contrast, traditional robots often need external sensors and complex programming to detect these conditions. That adds cost and complexity.
Action tip: Take advantage of this feature when working with fragile or sensitive materials. A cobot can handle them gently and consistently—reducing breakage and improving quality.
15. Only 20% of manufacturers globally have adopted cobots as of 2023
That means 80% haven’t yet. So if you’re considering cobots, you’re still early—and that can be a huge advantage. Early adopters often gain a competitive edge by improving faster, reducing costs sooner, and retaining talent with better working conditions.
But this also means there’s still a lot of hesitation out there. That may come from lack of awareness, fear of complexity, or uncertainty about ROI. The truth is, cobots are more accessible than ever, and the companies that try them usually don’t look back.
If you’re still on the fence, now is the time to explore. Once your competitors adopt cobots, they’ll gain speed and efficiency that could be hard to match without similar investments.
Action tip: Don’t wait for your competitors to move first. Identify one workflow that could be automated and run a pilot project. This small step can lead to major operational gains over time.
16. Asia accounts for more than 50% of both cobot and traditional robot installations
Asia, especially countries like China, Japan, and South Korea, leads the world in robot installations. That includes both traditional robots and cobots. These countries are pushing hard for automation to keep up with demand, deal with aging workforces, and remain globally competitive.
If your business operates in or supplies products to Asia, this stat should catch your attention. It means customers, suppliers, and competitors in that region are getting more efficient—and quickly. They’re using robotics to lower costs, improve quality, and speed up delivery.
Even if you’re not based in Asia, this trend impacts you. It raises the global bar. To compete on pricing, lead times, or consistency, you’ll need to consider the same tools.
Action tip: Benchmark your processes against companies in Asia. Ask yourself—how can you use automation to match their speed and quality? Cobots can be your entry point.
17. The CAGR for the cobot market is projected at over 30% from 2023 to 2030
A compound annual growth rate of over 30% is massive. That’s not just healthy growth—it’s explosive. It shows that cobots are moving beyond early adoption and entering a phase of rapid expansion.
When a market grows this quickly, prices drop, features improve, and new use cases emerge. In other words, now is the perfect time to get involved. You won’t just benefit from the current generation of cobots—you’ll be in position to take advantage of everything that comes next.
This growth also means more support, more integrators, and more resources. You won’t be on your own. There’s a whole ecosystem forming around cobots, and it’s getting stronger every year.
Action tip: Treat cobots as a long-term investment. Pick a model that allows for software updates and future expansion. You’ll want room to grow as your needs evolve.
18. Traditional robot market CAGR is expected to grow at approximately 10% during the same period
Traditional robots are growing too—but at a slower rate. A 10% CAGR is still strong, especially in mature industries like automotive, aerospace, and high-volume electronics. These machines are still critical in environments that need high-speed, high-precision, and high-strength automation.
But this slower growth also shows a shift. Companies are starting to favor flexibility, smaller batch sizes, and closer human-robot collaboration—all areas where cobots excel. Traditional robots will remain important, but they may not be the only solution anymore.
If you’re already using traditional robots, this is your cue to start exploring how cobots can complement them. And if you’re new to automation, it might be smarter to start with the more flexible option.
Action tip: Consider a hybrid automation strategy—use traditional robots for high-volume operations and cobots for low-volume, high-mix, or human-interactive tasks.
19. Cobots can reduce workplace injury rates by up to 25% in certain applications
Safety isn’t just about avoiding accidents. It’s also about creating a work environment where people feel secure, valued, and protected. Cobots play a key role in this. By taking over repetitive, awkward, or physically taxing tasks, they can reduce injuries related to strain, overuse, or fatigue.
This isn’t just good for employees—it’s good for business. Fewer injuries mean fewer sick days, lower insurance costs, and less downtime. It also improves morale, which can lead to better retention and productivity.
If your workplace involves tasks like heavy lifting, repetitive motions, or awkward postures, a cobot could immediately reduce the risk of injury.
Action tip: Identify your top five most injury-prone tasks. Assess whether a cobot can take on part—or all—of that work. You may find it pays for itself just in reduced claims and time off.
20. 85% of companies using cobots report improved workforce satisfaction
People don’t always love working with machines—but cobots are different. They’re designed to work with people, not replace them. That makes a big difference. When employees see cobots as helpers instead of threats, morale goes up.
Cobots take over the boring, repetitive jobs that no one enjoys. They reduce physical stress. And when used well, they even open up new opportunities for workers to learn, grow, and do more meaningful work.
This stat shows that cobots can actually be good for your culture—not just your output. They help you build a more engaged, satisfied workforce.
Action tip: Involve your team in the cobot planning process. Let them name the cobot, test it, and learn how to operate it. Ownership builds buy-in—and satisfaction.
21. Cobots typically have a payload capacity of 3–15 kg, while traditional robots can exceed 100 kg
Cobots aren’t built for brute force. They’re better at handling lighter tasks—things like placing parts, inserting components, or sorting items. That’s their sweet spot. If you need to move heavy car frames or engine blocks, you’ll need a traditional robot.
But don’t let the lower payload fool you. Most manual tasks on the factory floor involve small, light objects. For these, a cobot is more than enough.
This stat reminds us that the right robot depends on the job. Don’t overinvest in capacity you don’t need. If your parts weigh under 15 kg and the task involves precision and repetition, cobots are likely your best bet.
Action tip: Weigh your common components. If they fall within a cobot’s payload range, consider switching that task to a cobot to save space, money, and time.
22. Over 70% of cobots are used in processes requiring human-robot collaboration
Cobots are called “collaborative” for a reason—they’re made to work with humans. Most cobots aren’t off in a corner doing their own thing. They’re right there, passing parts, holding tools, or working on the same product as their human teammates.
This stat is key because it highlights the unique strength of cobots. They don’t replace humans—they enhance them. In workflows that combine human decision-making with robotic precision, cobots shine.
If you’re trying to completely remove humans from the process, cobots aren’t the tool for that. But if you want to make your team faster, more accurate, and less fatigued, cobots are perfect.
Action tip: Design workflows where cobots do the lifting, holding, or moving—and humans do the checking, adjusting, or guiding. You’ll get the best of both worlds.
23. Traditional robots require 2–3 times more floor space than cobots
Space is money, especially in manufacturing. Every square meter counts. Traditional robots often need fenced-off zones, large bases, and clear paths—meaning more real estate.
Cobots, on the other hand, are compact. They can be bolted to a tabletop or placed on a mobile cart. They don’t need safety cages, and they can work right next to your team.
If your facility is tight on space, this stat is critical. Cobots let you add automation without expanding your floor plan or sacrificing room for other operations.
Action tip: If you’re planning a layout change or new workstation, measure how much space a cobot would need versus a traditional robot. You might find you can automate more without moving a wall
24. Cobots consume 30–50% less power than traditional robots on average
Lower energy use is a win on every level. It saves money, reduces your carbon footprint, and aligns with sustainability goals. Cobots achieve this by using smaller motors, smarter software, and more efficient motion.
Traditional robots are powerful—but they’re also energy-hungry. In high-volume environments, that may be acceptable. But for smaller tasks, the power savings of a cobot can really add up.
This stat makes cobots especially appealing for energy-conscious companies or facilities with limited electrical capacity.
Action tip: Estimate your current energy cost for robotic or manual operations. Compare it with the energy profile of a cobot. Over a year, the savings could be significant.
25. 65% of cobots are programmed using user-friendly interfaces requiring no coding
You don’t need to be an engineer to run a cobot. That’s one of the biggest advantages they offer. Most cobots can be programmed with drag-and-drop interfaces or by simply guiding the arm through the desired motion.
This ease of use breaks down a major barrier to automation: technical complexity. You don’t have to hire a specialist or send your team to an expensive training course.
This stat should encourage any business that’s worried about managing tech. Cobots are made for everyday workers, not just automation pros.
Action tip: Let your operators try programming the cobot. Start with a simple task, like moving from point A to B. When people realize how easy it is, they’ll be excited—not intimidated.
26. Only 5–10% of traditional robots allow for hand-guided programming
Here’s where cobots really stand out. Hand-guided programming—where you physically move the robot to teach it a task—is a game-changer. It makes programming intuitive, fast, and accessible.
But traditional robots? Only a small fraction support this kind of learning. Most need coding, software installation, and often, a systems integrator to even get started. That means more cost, more time, and more room for error.
This stat shows how cobots lower the barrier. Instead of lines of code, you just guide the arm, press a button, and it remembers what to do. That simplicity opens the door for small teams to take automation into their own hands.
Action tip: Use hand-guided programming for quick changeovers. When you need to adapt to a new product or batch size, reprogramming a cobot takes minutes instead of days.
27. Cobots are used in over 35 different industrial sectors globally
Cobots aren’t just for factories. They’re being used in food production, healthcare, consumer goods, logistics, and even in labs. Over 35 sectors have found ways to plug cobots into their operations—and the number keeps growing.
This diversity is important. It shows that cobots aren’t just a one-trick tool. They’re flexible, adaptable, and smart enough to fit almost anywhere repetitive work is being done.
If you thought cobots wouldn’t work in your field, think again. Chances are, someone in your industry is already using them successfully. The question is—will you catch up or fall behind?
Action tip: Look for cobot use cases in industries similar to yours. Study how they’re implemented and adapt their ideas to your processes. You don’t have to start from scratch.
28. 90% of cobot adopters integrate them without hiring external system integrators
This stat is huge—especially for smaller companies. Traditional robots often require integration specialists, which can cost thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. But cobots? Most users set them up themselves.
That speaks volumes about ease of use. It also means you can scale faster. You’re not waiting on external timelines or burning your budget on third-party contractors.
This kind of independence is rare in automation. It gives you more control over your process, your timeline, and your outcomes.
Action tip: Take advantage of this simplicity. Choose a cobot with strong support documentation and video tutorials. Empower one or two of your own team members to become in-house experts.
29. Traditional robots are involved in up to 70% of fully automated production lines
If your goal is full automation—meaning no human involvement at all—traditional robots are still your best bet. They’re fast, consistent, and built to do the same task over and over without error.
In high-volume environments, like car manufacturing or large-scale electronics, traditional robots are the backbone of automation. They run 24/7, often with minimal downtime.
But here’s the thing: full automation doesn’t make sense for everyone. It’s expensive, inflexible, and sometimes overkill. If your products change frequently or you rely on skilled human labor, cobots might be the smarter choice.
Action tip: Audit your production line. Identify where full automation is needed and where flexible, human-assisted automation is better. You don’t have to choose one over the other—you can blend both.
30. Over 40% of manufacturers consider cobots a strategic priority for digital transformation initiatives
Digital transformation isn’t just about software. It’s about smarter, more flexible ways of working. And cobots are becoming a central part of that vision for many manufacturers.
This stat shows that cobots aren’t seen as just another tool—they’re part of a bigger plan. A plan to modernize operations, increase data collection, improve agility, and reduce dependence on hard-to-find labor.
If your company is working on a digital transformation strategy, cobots should absolutely be on the roadmap. They offer a fast, cost-effective, and scalable way to bring automation into your daily operations.
Action tip: Tie your cobot implementation to your digital transformation goals. Connect them to your ERP, MES, or quality systems. Use the data they generate to inform smarter decisions and tighter control.
wrapping it up
The numbers speak for themselves—cobots are no longer a niche solution. They’re a vital part of the modern manufacturing landscape, offering flexibility, safety, and speed without the heavy price tag or complexity of traditional robots.
