Europe Soft Robotics Market Outlook, 2030

The Europe Soft Robotics Market is set for significant growth during the forecast span of 2021–2031, propelled by the rising incorporation of automation technologies across diverse sectors and an escalating need for robotic systems that can safely engage with humans and sensitive environments. Soft robotics, defined by the employment of flexible and adaptive materials that emulate biological entities, marks a groundbreaking shift from conventional rigid-bodied robotics. This market is witnessing swift progress driven by interdisciplinary breakthroughs in materials science, artificial intelligence, and biomechanics. As industries in Europe increasingly strive to boost efficiency, safety, and adaptability, soft robotics emerges as an essential solution providing agility and gentleness fit for tasks that traditional robots find challenging. The healthcare sector, in particular, is highlighted as a significant contributor, with soft robotic systems being utilized in rehabilitation, assistive devices, and minimally invasive surgery. The aging demographic in Europe and the rising strain on healthcare systems have prompted the creation of robotic systems that ensure safe direct physical interaction, enhancing autonomy and improving patient outcomes. Furthermore, the agricultural sector is observing a notable transition towards automation with soft robots crafted for crop harvesting, sorting, and inspection—activities necessitating delicate handling. Food processing, logistics, and consumer electronics manufacturing are also embracing soft robotics to manage fragile items and intricate tasks with increased finesse.

Europe soft robotics market was valued at $220.4 million in 2021 and will grow by 32.1% annually over 2021-2031. Governments and private entities throughout Europe are making substantial investments in R&D initiatives focused on soft robotics, further enhancing the market environment. Nations such as Germany, France, Italy, and the UK are spearheading innovation through collaborative efforts between academic institutions, startups, and established corporations. Additionally, EU-supported initiatives and funding schemes are actively encouraging robotics research in alignment with the region’s broader objectives of technological dominance and sustainable industrial growth. These investments are nurturing a dynamic ecosystem that encourages experimentation and expedites the time-to-market for groundbreaking applications. In spite of its potential, the market also encounters challenges such as high developmental expenses, insufficient standardization, and a relatively low level of awareness beyond academia and specialized sectors. Nonetheless, ongoing investigations and increasing commercialization initiatives are gradually alleviating these challenges, paving the way for widespread acceptance. Technological convergence is critically influencing the market transformation. The integration of AI, machine learning, sensor technologies, and human-machine interfaces is enabling soft robots to become more intelligent, responsive, and capable of adapting to their environments. This trend improves the effectiveness and usability of soft robotic systems in fields such as logistics, defense, and wearable robotics.

The Europe Soft Robotics Market comprises several key nations and regions, each making a substantial contribution to its expansion and progress. Among the most notable are Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Switzerland, all of which are at the forefront of soft robotics innovation. Germany leads the way in Europe’s soft robotics domain due to its sophisticated manufacturing sector and robust industrial robotics heritage. The nation’s focus on Industry 4. 0 and intelligent automation has stimulated investments in soft robotics technologies, especially in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. Prominent industrial entities and research organizations in Germany, including the Fraunhofer Institute and University of Stuttgart, are instrumental in promoting soft robotic applications. France has also emerged as a considerable contributor, with government-supported initiatives aimed at enhancing robotics R&D. French businesses and research institutions are particularly dedicated to creating soft robots for healthcare and agriculture, where precision and care are crucial. The country’s backing for technological advancements and its strong focus on AI integration position it as a central hub for soft robotics growth. The United Kingdom represents another vital market in Europe, particularly in the domains of medical robotics and wearable soft robots. The UK’s dynamic startup ecosystem, alongside strong university research initiatives such as those at Imperial College London and Oxford University, energizes its soft robotics sector, especially in healthcare applications like rehabilitation and assistive devices. In Italy, soft robotics is gaining momentum in food processing, where careful handling of food items is vital. Italy’s rich legacy in automation and industrial manufacturing creates a conducive environment for the advancement of soft robotics technologies in these industries. Switzerland is distinguished by its significant investment in robotics innovation, with both academic institutions and businesses concentrating on the development of soft robots for uses in manufacturing, healthcare, and personal assistance. Collectively, these nations are propelling Europe’s dominance in the soft robotics market, supported by strong R&D initiatives and a commitment to automation and technological progress.

The soft robotics market in Europe is categorized by component into hardware, software, and services. Hardware possesses a significant market share, which includes actuators, sensors, controls, modeling and manufacturing systems, and various other types of hardware, fueled by demand in automation and healthcare sectors. Actuators and sensors present notable growth opportunities because of their function in mimicking human-like motion and responses. Controls and manufacturing systems are crucial for achieving precision and scalability in soft robotics production. The software sector is rapidly growing, driven by the demand for advanced algorithms and AI integration to regulate robot behavior, adaptability, and task execution. Meanwhile, services—comprising deployment, maintenance, and consulting—are becoming increasingly essential as companies seek professional assistance for integration and optimizing systems. Between 2021 and 2031, all three components are anticipated to experience steady revenue growth, with software and services acquiring a greater market share as a result of technological innovations and the rising complexity of robotic systems. The Europe soft robotics market, segmented by robot type, encompasses soft robotic grippers, exoskeletons, collaborative robots (cobots), inflated robots, and other robot classes. Soft robotic grippers lead the market due to their extensive application in manufacturing and packaging, providing skilled handling of fragile items. Exoskeletons are becoming increasingly popular in healthcare and rehabilitation, enhancing mobility and providing physical support for patients and workers. Cobots are becoming essential in industrial settings for their safe interactions with humans and efficiency in repetitive tasks. Inflated robots, although still emerging, are gaining traction in areas like medical devices and search-and-rescue, recognized for their lightweight and adaptable characteristics. Other robot types, such as bio-inspired and custom-designed variants, cater to specialized applications across various sectors. From 2021 to 2031, every robot type is predicted to experience growth, with cobots and exoskeletons showing particularly strong demand driven by the rise in automation and an aging population in Europe.

The mobility-based segmentation of the Europe soft robotics market encompasses stationary and mobile soft robotics. Stationary soft robotics, primarily utilized in industrial, manufacturing, and healthcare applications, hold a dominant position in the market due to their precision and integration within automated production lines and surgical systems. These systems are vital in scenarios where stability, consistency, and accuracy are crucial. In contrast, mobile soft robotics are gaining traction, particularly in applications that require navigation, exploration, or remote operation such as agriculture, search and rescue, and logistics. Their adaptable and flexible designs facilitate movement through intricate or sensitive environments. Progress in AI, sensor technologies, and battery systems is fostering their widespread adoption. From 2021 to 2031, mobile soft robotics are anticipated to display higher growth rates relative to stationary models, attributed to their expanding utility in dynamic environments and increased investments in autonomous and semi-autonomous robotic platforms within various European industries. The European soft robotics market, by application, is divided into categories such as human-machine interface and interaction, medical and surgical applications, locomotion and exploration, manipulation, as well as rehabilitation and wearable robots. Medical and surgical applications constitute a major segment of the market, driven by the increasing need for minimally invasive techniques and accurate instruments. Rehabilitation and wearable robots are quickly advancing, providing mobility solutions for patients and enhancing human abilities. Human-machine interaction is crucial for improving user experience and ensuring operational safety, especially in collaborative settings. Manipulation applications are significant in sectors like logistics and food handling, where soft robotics are adept at handling delicate or irregular items. Locomotion and exploration are developing fields, particularly in hazardous environments where conventional robots are inadequate. From 2021 to 2031, the application landscape is set to transform further, with healthcare and industrial manipulation leading in revenue, while newer applications like wearable robotics and exploration are projected to see quicker adoption.



In Europe, the soft robotics market is divided by industry into sectors such as healthcare, automotive, food and beverage, advanced manufacturing, retail and e-commerce, defense, and other verticals. Healthcare holds a significant share, as soft robotics improve surgical accuracy, rehabilitation, and overall patient care. The automotive industry employs soft robots in assembly lines for safe and adaptive handling of materials. Food and beverage sectors utilize soft robotics for hygienic and gentle packaging solutions. Advanced manufacturing increasingly depends on soft robots for flexible automation and tailored production. Retail and e-commerce capitalize on robotic systems for packaging, sorting, and customer engagement. Defense applications encompass reconnaissance and bomb disposal, utilizing compliant robots suitable for sensitive environments. Additional industries, including education and agriculture, are exploring soft robotics for specialized tasks. Between 2021 and 2031, healthcare and manufacturing are anticipated to lead in revenue generation, with retail and defense experiencing substantial growth propelled by technological integration and operational advantages. The European soft robotics market, classified by organization size, encompasses SMEs and large companies. Large enterprises hold a substantial share of the market, thanks to their capacity to invest in advanced technologies and incorporate soft robotics into intricate production lines, logistics networks, and healthcare setups. Their extensive research and development resources further drive adoption and innovation. Nonetheless, SMEs are becoming crucial players in growth, particularly as the costs of soft robotic systems decline and modular, scalable options become available. SMEs in industries like food processing, packaging, and healthcare are increasingly embracing soft robotics to enhance efficiency, lessen labor dependence, and comply with safety regulations. Government support, grants, and favorable regulatory conditions across Europe are additionally fostering adoption among smaller companies. From 2021 to 2031, both segments are projected to experience growth, with SMEs exhibiting a faster compound annual growth rate as soft robotics becomes more accessible, customizable, and attuned to varied operational requirements across sectors.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Europe Soft Robotics Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Based on Component, the Europe market is segmented into the following sub-markets with annual revenue ($ mn) for 2021-2031 included in each section.
• Hardware
• Actuators
• Sensors
• Controls
• Modeling and Manufacturing Systems
• Other Hardware
• Software
• Services

Based on Robot Type, the Europe market is segmented into the following sub-markets with annual revenue ($ mn) for 2021-2031 included in each section.
• Soft Robotic Grippers
• Exoskeletons
• Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
• Inflated Robots
• Other Robot Types

By Mobility, the Europe market is segmented into the following sub-markets with annual revenue ($ mn) for 2021-2031 included in each section.
• Stationery Soft Robotics
• Mobile Soft Robotics

By Application, the Europe market is segmented into the following sub-markets with annual revenue ($ mn) for 2021-2031 included in each section.
• Human-machine Interface and Interaction
• Medical and Surgical Applications
• Locomotion and Exploration
• Manipulation
• Rehabilitation and Wearable Robots

By Industry Vertical, the Europe market is segmented into the following sub-markets with annual revenue ($ mn) for 2021-2031 included in each section.
• Healthcare
• Automotive
• Food & Beverage
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Retail & E-commerce
• Defense
• Other Industry Verticals

By Organization Size, the Europe market is segmented into the following sub-markets with annual revenue ($ mn) for 2021-2031 included in each section.
• SMEs
• Large Enterprises

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.