Airport robots market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 16.5% during the forecast period (2024-2031). Airport robots revolutionize travel by autonomously assisting passengers, handling baggage, ensuring security, and maintaining cleanliness within airport premises. These advanced machines, equipped with AI, sensors, and navigation systems, streamline operations, enhancing efficiency and passenger experience. They provide guidance, language translation, and real-time information, optimizing terminal navigation.

Market Dynamic

Enhanced passenger experience

As passengers become accustomed to the convenience and support offered by robots, there's a growing expectation for more advanced functionalities and improved services. This drives innovation and prompts manufacturers to develop robots with enhanced capabilities to meet evolving passenger needs. Moreover, airports and airlines that invest in advanced robotics to enhance passenger experience gain a competitive edge. This encourages other airports to follow suit to remain competitive, further contributing to the market growth of airport robots.

Increased investment in robotics technology to drive the market

Globally, increasing investments in robotic technologies are driving the airport robots industry growth. These investments facilitate the creation and implementation of innovative robotic solutions that improve airport ecosystems' operational effectiveness, passenger experience, and safety while also driving market growth. For instance, in April 2023, GMR Group, a part of GMR Innovex, launched the Robotics Centre of Excellence (CoE) a dedicated hub for robotic innovation, research, and development. The CoE serves as a collaborative space, fostering breakthrough solutions for the airport and aviation ecosystem. With a focus on identifying and incubating robotics firms, it aims to drive advancements in the field, aligning with GMR Group's commitment to cutting-edge solutions and technological excellence.

Market Segmentation

Our in-depth analysis of the global airport robots market includes the following segments by type and application:

• Based on type, the market is sub-segmented into humanoid and non-humanoid.

• Based on application, the market is bifurcated into landside and terminal (airport security, boarding pass scanning, airport baggage handling, and passenger guidance).

Non-humanoid is Projected to Emerge as the Largest Segment

Based on type, the global airport robots market is sub-segmented into humanoid and non-humanoid. Among these, the non-humanoid sub-segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market. The primary factor supporting the segment's growth includes the airport's increased adoption of specialized robotic solutions beyond humanoid forms. Autonomous vehicles, drones, and robotic carts are examples of non-humanoid robots that perform a variety of tasks such as cleaning, surveillance, and managing luggage. These devices offer efficiency and versatility because they are designed to do particular jobs. The pattern shows a move toward task-specific automation, in which airports use various robotic technologies to handle different operational requirements, streamlining procedures and improving overall airport administration.

Airport Security Robots in Terminal Sub-segment to Hold a Considerable Market Share

Increased emphasis on enhancing airport security is driving market growth. These robots are equipped with advanced surveillance capabilities including Al-powered video analytics and threat detection systems. Security robots are used for patrolling and monitoring, and they provide real-time threat response and monitoring as part of a proactive security strategy. The deployment of security robots in airport environments is mostly driven by the growing concern for airport safety as well as the necessity for effective surveillance solutions.

Regional Outlook

The global airport robots market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America). 

Asia-Pacific countries to invest in airport robots market

• China is the key investor and user of airport robots around the globe.

• The rising number of new airport projects in emerging economies is increasing the demand for airport robots. 

Global Airport Robots Market Growth by Region 2024-2031

North America Holds Major Market Share

Among all the regions, North America holds a significant share owing to the presence of rising demand for airport robots. A large number of airports in the US and the fast adoption of modern airport technologies to enhance passenger experience are expected to support the market growth in North America. This expansion is driven by increasing investments in airport modernization, a strong focus on enhancing operational efficiency, and the adoption of advanced technologies. For instance, in July 2023, XWELL Inc., an authority in health and wellness solutions for people on the go, in partnership with Clockwork, a pioneer in robotics for the beauty industry, launched the use of Clockwork’s next-generation, fully autonomous, AI-powered express manicure in the XpresSpa location at Miami International Airport (MIA). This automated system offers passengers the convenience of on-the-go manicures, aligning with the growing trend of integrating automated services to enhance customer satisfaction at airports. The presence of major airports and a proactive approach toward technology integration in the aviation sector contribute to the region's leadership in deploying robots for diverse airport operations, ranging from passenger assistance to security and maintenance tasks.

Market Players Outlook

*Note: Major Players Sorted in No Particular Order.

The major companies serving the global Airport Robots market include ABB, Ltd., Hitachi, Ltd., OMRON Corporation, LG Corporation, Cyberdyne, Inc., and SITA, among others. The market players are increasingly focusing on business expansion and product development by applying strategies such as collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions to stay competitive in the market. For instance, in July 2021, SITA announced the implementation of its new generation of passenger processing infrastructure at Václav Havel Airport Prague, paving the way to a completely touchless, mobile passenger journey at the airport in the future.

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2023 and forecast to 2031.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global airport robots market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.