Robotics Market for Packaging and Processing Set for Big Surge in Growth

PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, has released its 2026 Robotics in U.S. Packaging & Processing Report. The in-depth report, compiled in conjunction with market intelligence firm Interact Analysis, finds the U.S. robotics market serving packaging and processing was worth more than $440 million in 2025 and is projected to reach approximately $800 million by 2031, representing a 10.3% compound annual growth rate.

Industrial robots represented 63% of the market in 2025, followed by mobile robots at 32% and collaborative robots at 5%. By 2031, mobile robots are forecast to become the largest segment, reaching a 45% market share. The report also anticipates that humanoid robots, currently a small and largely pilot-stage segment, will grow from 0.1% to 5% of the market by 2031.

Among end users surveyed, 72% currently use robotics; that figure is expected to climb to 95% by 2031. Sixty-one percent expect to increase robotics investment over the next year. Momentum is similarly strong among OEMs and integrators: 69% currently include robotics in their portfolios, 86% expect to do so by 2031, and 81% anticipate increasing investment over the next year.

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“Robotics adoption is moving from targeted applications toward a broader role in packaging and processing operations,” says Jorge Izquierdo, VP, market development, PMMI. “The research shows that end users are looking beyond labor availability alone. They are prioritizing measurable gains in throughput, cost, quality, and consistency — and they expect reliable systems, strong service, and a clear path to ROI.”

CLICK HERE to view the entire 2026 Robotics in U.S. Packaging & Processing Report from PMMI.