Robotics in Shipbuilding XX CAGR Growth Outlook 2025-2033

Key Insights

The global Robotics in Shipbuilding market size was valued at USD XX million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD XX million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of XX% during the forecast period (2025-2033). The market growth is attributed to the increasing adoption of advanced technologies in the shipbuilding industry to enhance efficiency, productivity, and safety. Rising demand for automated and customized shipbuilding processes, coupled with the growing focus on reducing operating costs, further drives market growth. Major companies operating in the market include ABB, Comau, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, Fanuc Corporation, GE, Hyundai Heavy Industries, Inrotech, Seiko Epson Corporation, Kawasaki Robotics, KRANENDONK, Kuka AG, and Sarcos.

The robotics in shipbuilding market is segmented into type (welding robot, cutting robot, painting robot, collaborative robot, and others), application (shipyard, ship repair plant, and others), and region (North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, and Asia Pacific). The welding robot segment held the largest market share in 2025, owing to its widespread use in automated welding operations for high-precision and efficient joining of metal components. The shipyard segment is anticipated to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period due to the increasing adoption of robotic solutions for various shipyard operations, including welding, cutting, and painting. The Asia Pacific region dominated the market in 2025 and is projected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period, driven by the presence of major shipbuilding hubs in China, Japan, and South Korea.

The global robotics in shipbuilding market is anticipated to reach $X billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of X% over the forecast period (2023-2028). This growth can be attributed to rising demand for shipbuilding, growing labor shortages, and the need for increased efficiency in shipyards.

Robotics in Shipbuilding Trends

• Increased adoption of collaborative robots: Collaborative robots are gaining popularity in shipyards as they can work alongside human workers without the need for safety cages or extensive programming. This makes them ideal for tasks such as welding, assembly, and inspection.
• Growing use of AI and machine learning: AI and machine learning are being used to develop new robotic applications in shipbuilding. For example, AI-powered robots can be used to optimize cutting patterns, improve weld quality, and detect defects.
• Emergence of new robotic technologies: New robotic technologies, such as ultrasonic welding and friction stir welding, are being developed and tested for use in shipbuilding. These technologies have the potential to improve the quality and efficiency of shipbuilding processes.

Driving Forces: What's Propelling the Robotics in Shipbuilding

• Rising demand for shipbuilding: The global demand for ships is expected to grow in the coming years, driven by increasing trade volumes and the expansion of offshore activities. This is creating a need for more efficient and productive shipyards.
• Growing labor shortages: The shipbuilding industry is facing a growing shortage of skilled workers. This is due to factors such as the aging workforce, the lack of skilled labor in emerging shipbuilding countries, and the increasing complexity of shipbuilding processes.
• Need for increased efficiency: Shipyards are looking for ways to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Robotics can help to streamline shipbuilding processes, improve quality, and reduce cycle times.

Challenges and Restraints in Robotics in Shipbuilding

• High cost of robotic systems: Robotic systems can be expensive to purchase and maintain. This can be a barrier to entry for small and medium-sized shipyards.
• Skill gap: There is a skill gap in the shipbuilding industry when it comes to robotics. This is because shipbuilding requires specialized skills and knowledge that is not available in all workforce.
• Safety concerns: There are safety concerns associated with the use of robots in shipyards. This is because robots can be large and powerful, and they can create hazards for workers.

Key Region or Country & Segment to Dominate the Market

Region: The Asia-Pacific region is expected to dominate the robotics in shipbuilding market over the forecast period. This region is home to some of the largest shipyards in the world, and it is also experiencing a high demand for new ships.

Segment: The welding segment is expected to dominate the robotics in shipbuilding market over the forecast period. Welding is a critical process in shipbuilding, and robots can help to improve the quality and efficiency of this process.

Growth Catalysts in Robotics in Shipbuilding Industry

• Government support: Governments around the world are supporting the adoption of robotics in shipbuilding. This support is coming in the form of funding, research and development grants, and tax incentives.
• ** Technological advancements**: Technological advancements are making robots more affordable, more versatile, and easier to use. This is making them a more attractive option for shipyards of all sizes.
• Growing awareness: Shipyards are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of robotics. This is due to the growing success of robotic systems in other industries.

Leading Players in the Robotics in Shipbuilding

• ABB
• Comau
• Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering
• Fanuc Corporation
• GE
• Hyundai Heavy Industries
• Inrotech
• Seiko Epson Corporation
• Kawasaki Robotics
• KRANENDONK
• Kuka AG
• Sarcos

Significant Developments in Robotics in Shipbuilding Sector

• In 2023, ABB launched a new collaborative robot for welding applications in shipbuilding. This robot is designed to work alongside human workers without the need for safety cages or extensive programming.
• In 2022, Hyundai Heavy Industries unveiled a new autonomous shipbuilding facility. This facility uses robots and AI to automate the entire shipbuilding process, from design to construction.
• In 2021, Damen Shipyards Group announced a partnership with Inrotech to develop a new generation of robotic welding systems for shipbuilding. These systems are designed to improve the quality and efficiency of welding processes.

Comprehensive Coverage Robotics in Shipbuilding Report

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the robotics in shipbuilding market, including market trends, driving forces, challenges, and restraints. It also includes profiles of leading players in the market and analysis of key developments in the sector.

Robotics in Shipbuilding Segmentation

• 1. Type
  • 1.1. Welding Robot
  • 1.2. Cutting Robot
  • 1.3. Painting Robot
  • 1.4. Collaborative Robot
  • 1.5. Others
• 2. Application
  • 2.1. Shipyard
  • 2.2. Ship Repair Plant
  • 2.3. Others

Robotics in Shipbuilding Segmentation By Geography

• 1. North America
  • 1.1. United States
  • 1.2. Canada
  • 1.3. Mexico
• 2. South America
  • 2.1. Brazil
  • 2.2. Argentina
  • 2.3. Rest of South America
• 3. Europe
  • 3.1. United Kingdom
  • 3.2. Germany
  • 3.3. France
  • 3.4. Italy
  • 3.5. Spain
  • 3.6. Russia
  • 3.7. Benelux
  • 3.8. Nordics
  • 3.9. Rest of Europe
• 4. Middle East & Africa
  • 4.1. Turkey
  • 4.2. Israel
  • 4.3. GCC
  • 4.4. North Africa
  • 4.5. South Africa
  • 4.6. Rest of Middle East & Africa
• 5. Asia Pacific
  • 5.1. China
  • 5.2. India
  • 5.3. Japan
  • 5.4. South Korea
  • 5.5. ASEAN
  • 5.6. Oceania
  • 5.7. Rest of Asia Pacific