Wafer Handling Robots Market Analysis APAC, North America, Europe, South America, Middle East and Africa - US, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Germany - Size and Forecast 2023-2027

Wafer Handling Robots Market Forecast 2023-2027

The wafer handling robots market size is forecast to increase by USD 161.97 million, at a CAGR of 3.32% between 2022 and 2027. The market's growth hinges on several key factors, notably innovations within the electronics and semiconductor manufacturing sectors, ongoing enhancements in hardware technologies, and the increasing demand from hybrid vehicle manufacturers. As advancements continue to drive efficiency and performance across these industries, the market experiences a surge propelled by the adoption of cutting-edge solutions. Innovations in electronics and semiconductors enable the development of more sophisticated devices, while hardware improvements enhance their capabilities, fostering a conducive environment for market expansion. Additionally, the growing demand from manufacturers of hybrid vehicles underscores a shift towards sustainable transportation solutions, further fueling the market's upward trajectory. Our report examines historic data from 2017 to 2021 besides analyzing the current market scenario.

What will be the size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

Market Forecast 2023-2027

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Market Segmentation

This report extensively covers market segmentation by product (atmospheric and vacuum), end-user (foundries and integrated device manufacturers), and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa). It also includes an in-depth analysis of drivers, trends, and challenges. 

Market Dynamics

In the dynamic landscape of semiconductor manufacturing, the market witnesses robust growth driven by burgeoning demand for smart devices and electronic gadgets. These robots ensure accuracy, high speed, and process repeatability in handling semiconductor wafers, microdevices, and components. However, challenges such as the risk of contamination and the need for cleanroom environments persist. Moreover, the market confronts trends like factory automation and IoT integration, necessitating adaptable solutions. Overcoming these challenges while capitalizing on emerging trends is crucial for sustained market expansion and competitiveness. Our researchers studied the data for years, with 2022 as the base year and 2023 as the estimated year, and presented the key drivers, trends, and challenges for the market. Although there has been a disruption in the growth of the market during the COVID-19 pandemic, a holistic analysis of drivers, trends, and challenges will help companies refine marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.    

 Driver- Improvements in hardware

Leading companies in the market are manufacturing innovative wafer-handling robots to expand their offerings. With further technological advances and intelligence capabilities, robots will also gain the ability to act autonomously. Market players primarily focus on improving computing and communication capabilities to simplify data processing. Sensor miniaturization will have a significant impact on wafer-handling robot pricing. As sensor prices continue to fall, these robots will become relatively inexpensive.

Moreover, the advent of off-the-shelf components allows suppliers to reduce production costs through more compact product designs. Market players are integrating sensors such as whisker switches, vision systems, and proximity and Hall-effect switches to improve functionality such as detecting part location and orientation and performing quality inspections. Therefore, these factors will drive the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Trends- Advances in software capabilities

Improvements in software equipment are anticipated to have a positive impact on the growth of the global wafer-handling robot market. Market players are developing simulation software for robot programming with features that make programming hassle-free. For example, ABB offers a software development kit that can be used to develop add-ons for the RobotStudio simulation and programming tool and RobotWare control software. 

Moreover, OMRON also offers ePLC Connect, which makes programming the robot easier. This creates reusable code that allows to connect your robot to any machine in just a few hours without complex programming. This ensures cost and time optimization for the end user. These components will drive the growth of the wafer-handling robot market in this region during the forecast period.

Challenge- High cost of deployment

Initial installation of a wafer-handling robot includes investment in fixtures, tools, and environmental systems. This also includes costs for preventive maintenance, safety, operator training, and additional peripheral equipment. This deters manufacturers from investing in wafer-handling robots. Although wafer-handling robots offer a high ROI in a short period of time, their implementation comes with high switching costs for customers.

Additionally, replacing or repairing installed robots impacts the organization's daily operations. In extreme situations,  robot replacement may require production line shutdowns, which can negatively impact product delivery and a company's net sales. Hence, these factors may impede the growth of the global wafer-handling robots market during the forecast period.

Market Segmentation by Product, End-user, and Geography 

The market thrives on the demand for efficient semiconductor manufacturing processes. Key components like Semiconductor wafers and Microdevices rely on precise handling, ensuring Accuracy in processing. Advanced Processing equipment enhances Throughput and ensures Process repeatability, mitigating the Risk of contamination in cleanrooms  environments. With the integration of Factory automation, tasks such as Wafer cleaning, Packaging, and Cutting are streamlined for improved efficiency. These robots boast Super precision and High-speed capabilities, catering to the demands of modern Smart devices and IoT devices manufacturing. The market is driven by the continuous evolution of Semiconductor fabrication techniques and the need for reliable handling in Semiconductor fabs.

Product Segment Analysis:

The atmospheric segment will account for a major share of the market's growth during the forecast period.?Over the years, market players have focused on making atmospheric wafer-handling robots using materials that can reduce particle contamination due to contact and escape friction, while also featuring an outstanding surface finish and clean transmission. During the forecast period, the market is expected to gain momentum as tools operating under atmospheric pressure conditions will increasingly employ atmospheric wafer processing robots.

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The atmospheric segment was valued at USD 487.49 million in 2017.  This segment is expected to command a higher market share than vacuum wafer handling robots as there is significant demand for robots intended for use with processing tools and measuring performance in an atmospheric environment rather than in a vacuum. Additionally, these robots have a relatively lower cost than vacuum wafer handling robots. Over the years, suppliers have strived to reduce design and manufacturing costs to survive in an extremely competitive market. Thus, such factors will drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. 

End-user Segment Analysis:

Based on end-user, the market has been segmented into foundries and integrated device manufacturers. The foundries?segment will account for the largest share of this segment.?Foundries are an important part of the semiconductor industry because they are responsible for manufacturing silicon-based integrated circuits (ICs). Wafer handling robots play an important role in the production of semiconductor-handling equipment in foundries. Wafer-handling robots ensure precise and careful handling of wafers, minimizing the risk of damage and contamination. Additionally, automating the manufacturing process allows foundries to increase production volume, improve productivity, and reduce operating costs. Therefore, these factors will have a positive impact on the market growth during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

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APAC is estimated to contribute 54% to the growth by 2027. Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional market trends, drivers, and challenges that are expected to shape the market during the forecast period. The market will be mainly dominated by countries such as Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, where manufacturers are increasingly investing in processes that ensure effective cleanliness and environmental control in wafer processing.

Moreover, the electronics and semiconductor industry is anticipated to increase due to growing demand for consumer electronics and increasing investment in semiconductor manufacturing in developing countries, including India and China. Additionally, falling prices of consumer electronics products have led to increased electronics sales over the past decade. These factors are attracting massive investments in the electronics and semiconductor industry, which in turn will drive the growth of the market in the APAC region during the forecast period.

Who are the Major Market Companies?

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.

• Brooks Automation Inc.: The company offers wafer handling robots such as MagnaTran LEAP, which can safely transfer single or multiple wafers simultaneously between process modules in cluster tools and in linear configurations.

We also have detailed analyses of the market’s competitive landscape and offer information on 15 market companies, including:

Adenso GmbH, Daihen Corp., isel Germany AG, JEL Corp., Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., Kensington Laboratories LLC, KUKA AG, Ludl Electronic Products Ltd., Milara International Ltd., Moog Inc., Nidec Corp., Rexxam Co. Ltd., RORZE Corp., and Yaskawa Electric Corp.

Technavio report provides an in-depth analysis of the market and its players through combined qualitative and quantitative data. The analysis classifies companies into categories based on their business approaches, including pure-play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified. Companies are specially categorized into dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak, based on their quantitative data analysis.  

Segment Overview

The market research and growth report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends and growth opportunities from 2017 to 2027. 

• Product Outlook
  • Atmospheric
  • Vacuum

• End-user Outlook 
  • Foundries
  • Integrated device manufacturers

• Geography Outlook 
  • North America
    • The U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • U.K.
    • Germany
    • France
    • Rest of Europe
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
  • South America
    • Chile 
    • Brazil 
    • Argentina
  • Middle East & Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa
    • Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Market Analyst Overview 

The market operates in an environment influenced by unstable markets and consumer confidence fluctuations. Challenges like company instability and financial imbalance underscore the need for precision management in semiconductor manufacturing. Advanced techniques like advanced packaging, 3D stacking, and wafer-level packaging demand robots capable of precise die positioning and substrate handling. Industries like Automotive, Healthcare, and Industrial applications rely on these robots to optimize Production capacities and ensure reliability. Incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as Robotic technology and Sensor technologies like Laser sensors, these robots streamline wafer packaging and cutting processes. With a focus on Technical advancement and Cooperation between stakeholders, the market is poised for growth, offering forward-looking solutions in Semiconductor processing and Production facilities optimization.

Market Scope
Report Coverage	Details
Page number	103
Base year	2022
Historic period	2017 - 2021
Forecast period	2023-2027
Growth momentum & CAGR	Accelerate at a CAGR of 3.32%
Market growth 2023-2027	USD 161.97 million
Market structure	Fragmented
YoY growth 2022-2023(%)	2.54
Regional analysis	APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa
Performing market contribution	APAC at 54%
Key countries	US, China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Germany
Competitive landscape	Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks
Key companies profiled	Adenso GmbH, Brooks Automation Inc., Daihen Corp., isel Germany AG, JEL Corp., Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., Kensington Laboratories LLC, KUKA AG, Ludl Electronic Products Ltd., Milara International Ltd., Moog Inc., Nidec Corp., Rexxam Co. Ltd., RORZE Corp., and Yaskawa Electric Corp.
Market dynamics	Parent market growth analysis, Market forecasting, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, Market growth and Forecasting, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for forecast period
Customization purview	If our market report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

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What are the Key Data Covered in this Market Research Report?

• CAGR of the market during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the market between 2023 and 2027
• Precise estimation of the market size and its contribution to the market in focus on the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior
• Growth of the market across APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and the Middle East and Africa
• A thorough analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of wafer-handling robots market companies

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