Automotive paint robots market seeing ‘impressive growth’, says report

The automated paint robots market traced an “impressive growth graph”, with the in revenues in 2018 estimated at over $680 million, according to a new Fact.MR study.

A variety of factors continue to influence prospects of the market, which range from integration of real-time diagnostics and precise paint control to intelligent modernization paint workshops for amplifying the production efficiency.

The study forecasts the automotive paint robot market to majorly remain consolidated among Tier 1 players, who will hold over 80 percent value share of the market in 2018. 

While these players continue with the new product development, collaboration, and merger & acquisition strategies to retain their market buoyancy, Tier 2 and Tier 3 players are focusing on expansion in domestic markets, and advanced machinery purchase to gain significance in the market.

Sales of 7-axis automated paint robots to exceed 360 Units in 2018

Six-axis automated paint robots have traditionally governed the market in terms of both value and volume.

However, application of the 7 axis has increased at a rapid pace recently, with volume sales to exceed 360 units in 2018.

Enhanced operational efficiency, devoid of linear displacement rail, along with time savings in replacing integrated pneumatic control system and high-voltage components, linked with 7 axis automated paint robots continue to concentrate end-customer focus toward these new generation automated paint robots.

A lead analyst at Fact.MR says: “Key automakers worldwide are inclining their preference toward use of 7 axis automated paint robots together with 6 axis variants, which have been deemed to enable the combined system to offer additional benefit of opening and closing lids of paint cans.

“Electrically driven automotive paint robots have gained significant momentum, as they increase the painting speed by approximately 50%. Improved absolute accuracy, and dynamic accuracy in path tracking, are key attributes of electrically driven variants that will drive their demand.”

Automotive paint robots sales influenced by research at universities

Several universities and research institutions, including the Nanyang Technological University, and Hubert Palfinger Technologies, are taking efforts in automating the painting trade.

While the former is working to develop mobile paint spraying system that feature extended reach of the arm up to 10 meters, the latter is developing a robot that can coat ships with near 1,400 square meter area output.

The market is envisaged to witness significant growth in Latin American countries, China and Middle East and Africa.

The report states that impressive growth of vehicle parc in these countries (at over 6 percent annual growth), and robust increase in vehicle production in response to demand, are primary growth influencers of the market in these regions.

Automotive paint robots have gained significant traction as an indispensable asset for achieving sustainable production efficiency.

Reduction in manual dexterity and high-speed efficiency of paint robots, which facilitate increased overall equipment efficiency at lower operational costs, will continue to underpin future demand for the automotive paint robots.

Challenges also prevail for new market entrants and emerging participants, apropos of the additional maintenance cost of the automotive paint robots, upgrade of software, and integration of advanced technologies.

The study envisages promising growth prospects, and projects an impressive 9.2 percent volume annual growth for the automotive paint robots market through 2028.