KSA collaborative robots market size, share, growth drivers, trends, opportunities & forecast 2025–2030

Saudi Arabia Collaborative Robots Market Overview

• The Saudi Arabia Collaborative Robots Market is valued at USD 30 million, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing adoption of automation across sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and oil & gas, as companies seek to enhance productivity, address labor shortages, and reduce operational costs. The rising demand for flexible, cost-effective automation solutions that can work safely alongside human operators has further fueled market expansion. Major investments in artificial intelligence and robotics, including a USD 40 billion national AI initiative, are accelerating the deployment of collaborative robots in industrial settings .
• Key cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam dominate the market due to their robust industrial bases and significant investments in technology and infrastructure. Riyadh, as the capital, leads in government initiatives and funding for automation projects, while Jeddah and Dammam benefit from their strategic locations and access to major ports, facilitating trade and logistics operations .
• The National Industrial Development and Logistics Program, issued by the Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources in 2019, aims to enhance Saudi Arabia’s industrial capabilities and promote the use of advanced technologies, including collaborative robots. This initiative provides substantial funding and support for businesses adopting automation, thereby accelerating the growth of the collaborative robots market. The program covers industrial modernization, technology adoption, and incentives for automation in manufacturing and logistics .

Saudi Arabia Collaborative Robots Market Segmentation

By Type:The collaborative robots market can be segmented into various types, including articulated robots, SCARA robots, delta robots, cobots for assembly, cobots for packaging, and others. Articulated robots are widely used due to their flexibility and range of motion, making them suitable for diverse applications such as assembly, material handling, and welding. SCARA robots are preferred for assembly and pick-and-place tasks due to their speed and precision. Delta robots are gaining traction in packaging and high-speed sorting applications. Cobots for assembly and packaging are increasingly adopted as they enhance productivity while ensuring safety in human-robot collaboration .

By End-User:The end-user segmentation includes automotive, electronics, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, logistics, and others. The automotive sector is the largest consumer of collaborative robots, driven by the need for automation in assembly lines and material handling. The electronics industry follows closely, utilizing robots for precision assembly and inspection tasks. The food and beverage sector is increasingly adopting cobots for packaging, sorting, and handling, while pharmaceuticals leverage automation for quality control, packaging, and sterile operations. Logistics is also a growing segment, with robots enhancing efficiency in warehousing, distribution, and order fulfillment .

Saudi Arabia Collaborative Robots Market Competitive Landscape

The Saudi Arabia Collaborative Robots Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Universal Robots, KUKA AG, ABB Robotics, FANUC Corporation, Yaskawa Electric Corporation, Rethink Robotics, Omron Adept Technologies, Techman Robot Inc., AUBO Robotics, Denso Robotics, Epson Robots, Nachi Robotic Systems, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Stäubli Robotics, Doosan Robotics, GMT Robotics, Comau S.p.A., Robert Bosch Engineering & Business Solutions, Seiko Epson Corporation, Beijing DWIN Technology Co., Ltd. contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Saudi Arabia Collaborative Robots Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Demand for Automation in Manufacturing:The manufacturing sector in Saudi Arabia is projected to grow significantly, with the government aiming for a 20% contribution to GDP in future. This shift is driven by the need for efficiency and productivity, leading to an increased demand for collaborative robots. In future, the manufacturing output is expected to reach approximately SAR 350 billion, highlighting the necessity for automation to meet production targets and enhance competitiveness in the global market.
• Rising Labor Costs:Labor costs in Saudi Arabia have been on the rise, with average wages increasing by 6% annually. This trend is prompting manufacturers to seek cost-effective solutions, such as collaborative robots, to maintain profitability. In future, the average monthly wage for manufacturing workers is projected to reach SAR 9,000, making automation a financially viable alternative to traditional labor, thereby driving the adoption of robotics in various sectors.
• Government Initiatives Promoting Robotics:The Saudi government has launched several initiatives to promote robotics and automation, including the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program. This program aims to attract SAR 1.8 trillion in investments in future, fostering an environment conducive to robotics adoption. In future, government funding for robotics research and development is expected to exceed SAR 600 million, further incentivizing businesses to integrate collaborative robots into their operations.

Market Challenges

• High Initial Investment Costs:The initial investment required for implementing collaborative robots can be substantial, often exceeding SAR 250,000 per unit. This financial barrier poses a significant challenge for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia, which may struggle to allocate sufficient capital for automation. As a result, many businesses may delay or forgo the adoption of collaborative robots, hindering overall market growth.
• Lack of Skilled Workforce:The shortage of skilled workers in robotics and automation is a pressing issue in Saudi Arabia. Currently, only 20% of the workforce possesses the necessary skills to operate and maintain collaborative robots. This skills gap is expected to persist, with an estimated 60,000 additional trained professionals needed in future to meet industry demands. The lack of qualified personnel can impede the effective implementation of robotic solutions across various sectors.

Saudi Arabia Collaborative Robots Market Future Outlook

The future of the collaborative robots market in Saudi Arabia appears promising, driven by ongoing technological advancements and increasing integration of artificial intelligence. As industries continue to embrace automation, the demand for flexible and efficient robotic solutions is expected to rise. Furthermore, the government's commitment to diversifying the economy and enhancing the manufacturing sector will likely create a conducive environment for collaborative robots, fostering innovation and growth in the coming years.

Market Opportunities

• Expansion in the Logistics Sector:The logistics sector in Saudi Arabia is projected to grow to SAR 120 billion in future, driven by e-commerce and supply chain optimization. Collaborative robots can enhance efficiency in warehousing and distribution, presenting a significant opportunity for market players to develop tailored solutions for this expanding sector.
• Adoption in Healthcare Applications:The healthcare sector is increasingly adopting automation, with spending expected to reach SAR 250 billion in future. Collaborative robots can assist in surgeries and patient care, providing a unique opportunity for robotics companies to innovate and cater to the specific needs of healthcare providers, thereby enhancing patient outcomes and operational efficiency.