ABB Robotics is an industrial robot supplier and manufacturer that develops and manufactures robotics systems, software, and services for various industrial applications. The company offers a wide range of industrial robots, including articulated robots, collaborative robots, selective compliance assembly robot arm (SCARA) robots, delta robots, paint robots, and
Robots, once the stuff of science fiction, are now integral to all manner of industries and sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, logistics, retail, and domestic services. Among the many use cases of modern robotics are autonomous drones, cargo robots, surgical and dental robots, robotic exoskeletons, agricultural robots, and warehouse automation systems—plus the occasional robot bartender. There are also various subcategories of robots to consider, ranging from large industrial robots to smaller “cobots”—collaborative robots that work alongside humans.
The growth in robotics and automation has led to a boom for robotics companies, with many now vying for market dominance. With that in mind, we analyzed the robotics sector to help you discover the best robotics company for your organization or use case based on industrial focus, product range, market impact, and key technologies. Here are our top picks for best robotics companies of 2024:
The table below shows at a glance how our top seven robotics companies compare in terms of products and technologies, the industries they serve, and their most applicable use cases.
ABB Robotics is an industrial robot supplier and manufacturer that develops and manufactures robotics systems, software, and services for various industrial applications. The company offers a wide range of industrial robots, including articulated robots, collaborative robots, selective compliance assembly robot arm (SCARA) robots, delta robots, paint robots, and intelligent autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).
ABB’s articulated robots perform tasks ranging from welding, machine tending, dispensing, material handling, assembly, inspecting, grinding, and polishing applications. The company also creates cobots to work alongside humans and help out with more repetitive tasks, or those requiring a high level of precision. The SCARA AI-enabled robots are commonly used for fast and precise pick-and-place operations in assembly lines, packaging, and electronic manufacturing. Delta robots are used for high-speed pick-and-place operations in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.
The company also provides AMRs designed to move autonomously within a facility and perform various tasks, such as material transportation and warehouse operations. These AMRs can navigate in dynamic environments and collaborate with other robots and humans.
Why We Picked ABB
We selected ABB for its extensive expertise in providing robotic systems that address a variety of industrial needs. The company’s portfolio provides reliable technology that is known to integrate well with organizations’ existing systems. Likewise, its ability to offer robots that can work safely alongside human workers make it a good choice for industries requiring precision and adaptability.
ABB’s dual-arm IRB 14000 YuMi cobot supports automating sample analysis in a lab.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Wide range of customizable solutions
High upfront costs for large-scale deployments
Industry-leading cobots
Less accessible for smaller businesses without specialized training
AI integration for predictive maintenance
Scalability focused on large enterprises
Pricing
Varies by product
Visit the ABB website for more detail.
Features
SCARA robots
Paint robots
Articulated robots
Collaborative robots
Delta robots
AMRs
Robotics companies are often employed in conjunction with AI vendors. Read our in-depth guide to the top AI companies to learn more about the organizations defining an industry.
Anduril
Best for Defense and National Security
Founded: 2017
Number of Employees: 2,800
Annual Revenue: Estimated $560 million
Anduril Industries is a U.S.-based defense technology company that develops autonomous systems, AI software, and automation-focused hardware to enhance situational awareness and decision-making capabilities, with a focus on border security and defense operations. Anduril Industries’ products include border surveillance systems, drone detection and tracking systems, and military-grade AI software.
Its top products include the Lattice software platform for command and control and Lattice mission autonomy, which automates unmanned systems and coordinates sensors and other assets like drones and ground vehicles in real time. Anduril also offers the Ghost UAS (Unmanned Aerial System), and the ALTIUS (Agile-Launched, Tactically-Integrated Unmanned System). These technologies help protect and defend national borders, provide real-time situational awareness, and assist military and security personnel in their operations.
Why We Picked Anduril
We chose Anduril for its dedicated focus on defense technologies. While not applicable to every use case, these are paramount to sectors or organizations with unique security and protection requirements. Anduril’s systems are designed to enhance real-time decision-making and situational awareness, with a strong emphasis on automating critical defense tasks. The company’s expertise lies in integrating autonomous systems into complex security environments, making it well-suited for addressing the demanding needs of defense and cybersecurity operations.
The Ghost-X by Anduril Industries is purpose-built for reconnaissance, security, and force protection.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Highly specialized for border security and surveillance
High upfront costs
Real-time decision-making capabilities
Limited use cases outside of defense
Military-grade AI software
Deployment and management are complex
Pricing
Available upon request
Contact Anduril for a custom quote.
Features
Drone detection and tracking
Counter UAS
Dive-LD autonomous underwater vehicle
Fury autonomous air vehicle (AAV)
Maritime counter intrusion
Sentry towers for border security
Vecna Robotics
Best for Material Handling Automation
Founded: 2018
Number of Employees: 150-200
Annual Revenue: Not publicly disclosed
Used for material handling, goods transportation, and logistics operations, Vecna’s autonomous robots work in dynamic and unstructured environments, such as warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities. Its robots have advanced sensors that enable them to navigate, pick, and transport items. Vecna’s robots can perform tasks such as lifting and placement, pallet loading, cross-docking, sorting, packaging, and replenishing.
Vecna’s unique selling points include logistics operations optimization, reduced human labor and costs, and improved overall supply chain operations. This last item is particularly important as supply chains will need to be increasingly elastic in the years ahead.
Why We Picked Vecna
We selected Vecna Robotics for its expertise in materials handling and goods transport in dynamic, high-demand environments. Vecna’s robots are built to work independently, making them extremely useful in situations where humans need to focus on higher-level tasks. This includes tasks like materials logistics and storage, which are often labor-intensive and time-consuming. The company’s approach to streamlining logistics and minimizing human involvement makes it a practical choice for businesses looking to improve operational efficiency in warehouses and similar industrial settings.
The Vecna autonomous tugger enables industrial automation.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Effective work-in-progress tracking and management
High initial investment
Helps address labor shortages in warehouses
Technical expertise needed for system operation
Reduces long-term labor costs
Best suited for larger-scale operations
Pricing
Available upon request
Contact the company for custom pricing.
Features
Fleet management capabilities
Advanced vision and perception systems
Autonomous navigation
Pivotal AI orchestration software
Boston Dynamics
Best for Automated Industrial Inspection
Founded: 1992
Number of Employees: 500-1,000
Annual Revenue: Not publicly disclosed
Boston Dynamics is most famously known for its bipedal humanoid robot, Atlas, and its four-legged robot, Spot—the company’s photogenic robots are featured heavily in social media. These robots can navigate complex terrains, perform a variety of sophisticated tasks, and adapt to their surroundings with sentient-like responsiveness.
One of the most notable aspects of Boston Dynamics’ robots is their mobility and dexterity. Atlas can walk, run, jump, and perform backflips with precision and balance, while Spot can climb stairs and navigate complex terrains, such as construction sites or disaster areas. Boston Dynamics also offers Stretch, which is built for warehouse automation. Stretch can navigate aisles, pick up and stack boxes, and perform warehouse tasks autonomously.
Why We Picked Boston Dynamics
We selected Boston Dynamics because the company’s high profile contributions to robotics have helped push the envelope of what’s possible with modern technology. Even if Boston Dynamics isn’t the most prevalent robotics company out there, it’s certainly among the most well-known. With the company now looking to expand into the entertainment industry, we’re likely to see even more diverse applications in the years to come. In the meantime, Atlas and Spot continue to demonstrate some of the most advanced mobility and task execution technology out there, offering promising applications across research, industrial operations, field work, and more.
Real-time perception and decision-making capabilities
Cutting-edge technology comes at a premium
Highly advanced and versatile robots for various industries
Limited commercial availability for general use
Advanced mobility and dexterity
Requires specialized training for operation
Pricing
Available upon request
Features
Manipulation and object recognition
Advanced mobility capability
Advanced humanoid and quadrupedal robots
Stretch can detect and retrieve boxes that shift and fall while unloading
FANUC
Best For Industrial Automation
Founded: 1956
Number of Employees: 8,200
Annual Revenue: $5.41 billion
With over 40 years of experience, FANUC offers more than 100 robot models, including articulated and delta robots, used in a wide range of industrial applications. The company manufactures robots that support payloads of up to 2,300kg and maximum reaches of up to 4.7m. FANUC robots are equipped with vision systems and force-sensing tools, allowing them to perform complex tasks accurately.
FANUC offers comprehensive support and training programs to ensure its customers get the most out of its robots. This includes technical assistance, spare parts, and maintenance services to ensure the robots always run at peak performance, as well as integration services for adoption into existing workflows. FANUC’s robots are used in more than 20 industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals. They can perform an array of factory tasks, including welding, material handling, assembly, and packaging, as well as more specialized tasks such as painting and palletizing.
Why We Picked FANUC
We selected FANUC due to its established expertise in industrial automation and the extensive range of robot models it offers. With its deep industry experience, the company has built a strong reputation for providing reliable and effective automation technologies. FANUC’s robotics are trusted by businesses and organizations across a range of diverse sectors, handling everything from welding, material handling, and assembly to painting, palletizing, and inspection. They also feature integrated safety systems and flexible configurations for added peace of mind. FANUC’s robust support and maintenance services was another big plus point in our evaluation.
Requires specialized knowledge for setup and operation
Lifetime maintenance
Programming process can lead to downtime
Fast cycle times and high repeatability
High upfront costs for small or mid-sized companies
Pricing
Available upon request
Contact the company for a custom quote.
Features
Articulated robots
Delta robots
3D vision sensor and force sensor
Advanced control systems
Integrated safety systems
Flexible configuration
Our reviews of the top generative AI apps will help you find the right tools for a wide range of automation and robotics use cases.
Yaskawa Electric
Best for Automating Production Processes
Founded: 1915 (Yaskawa), 1989 (Motoman Robotics)
Number of Employees: 15,000
Annual Revenue: $4.06 billion
Yaskawa produces an extensive range of robots for various applications under its Motoman robotics division. The company has a veritable army of more than 600,000 robots installed worldwide. Yaskawa robots perform tasks including arc welding, spot welding, material handling, and painting. The company provides a comprehensive lineup of collaborative robots, SCARA robots, controllers, software, positioners, vision systems, and grippers, all of which enable businesses to enhance their automation processes for industrial applications.
While the company’s robots are often seen in automobile factories, its products extend far beyond this application, including electric and electronic equipment, semiconductor manufacturing, biomedical, food, medical products, and logistics.
Why We Picked Yaskawa
We selected Yaskawa for its broad range of robotics solutions and strong experience in automated production. Yaskawa’s robots are known for their reliability and are backed by robust support, including in-person and online training through Yaskawa Academy and 24/7 emergency assistance. While some models may present complexities in use and have lower payload capacities compared to some competitors, Yaskawa’s comprehensive product range and cost-effective solutions make it a solid option for those seeking versatile and reliable robotics technology.
The Yaskawa HC20 for arc welding application supports up to 20kg payload, with 1700 mm horizontal reach and 3400 vertical reach.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
In-person and online training via Yaskawa Academy
Requires expert setup for large-scale implementations
Lower unit cost compared to some competitors
Lower payload capacity than comparable competitor products
24/7 emergency support
Limited versatility for some specialized applications
Pricing
Varies by need
Contact the company for more information.
Features
Human-collaborative robots
Advanced vision systems
Material tending and removal capabilities
Palletizing robots
Sigma series servo motors
Turnkey solutions
Piaggio Fast Forward
Best For Mobile Carrying And Following Robots
Founded: 2015
Number of Employees: 79-100
Annual Revenue: Not publicly disclosed
Piaggio Fast Forward (PFF) is a subsidiary of Piaggio Group. The company specializes in designing products that enhance the movement and transportation of individuals and goods in urban environments. It offers Gita, a robot that can follow you and carry up to 40 pounds of cargo. Gita is designed to assist people in daily activities, such as carrying groceries, luggage, or other items. These robots use sensors and cameras to navigate and avoid obstacles, ensuring safe movement.
PFF’s Gita robots are available in Gitaplus and Gitamini. Gitamini can carry up to 20 pounds of cargo (or approximately five days of groceries), has a runtime of approximately six hours of continuous travel (around 18 miles), and charges in two hours. Gitaplus can carry up to 40 pounds of cargo (or 10 days of groceries), offers about seven hours of continuous travel (approximately 21 miles), and also charges in two hours. More recently, PFF introduced Kilo, a heavy-duty, four-wheeled cargo bot designed for industrial use that’s currently being tested in select production environments.
Why We Picked Piaggio Fast Forward
We selected PFF for its innovative focus on mobile carrying and “following robots” designed for urban environments. The company’s Gita robots, known for their user-friendly design, offer practical solutions for daily tasks like carrying groceries or luggage, making them a strong fit for consumer markets. With autonomous navigation and hands-free operation, Gita provides an accessible and fun way to simplify personal cargo transportation. PFF’s continued development of new products, like the Kilo cargo bot, highlights its commitment to expanding robotic solutions for both personal and commercial use, making them one to watch in the emerging market of mobile robotic assistants.
The Gita Mini and Gita Plus can transport groceries.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Transparent pricing with flexible options
Limited functional versatility
Consumer friendly
Limited range and battery life
Convenience
Not suited for rugged or complex terrain
Pricing
Gita is available in two editions, plus Kilo:
Gitamini: $2,475 or $86 per month
Gitaplus: $3,475 or $121 per month
Kilo: Contact PFF for details
Features
Suitable for tasks grocery shopping, luggage, or moving items
Kilo is capable of heavier-duty cargo handling
Autonomous navigation
Hands-free operation
How To Choose The Best Robotics Companies For Your Business
The real key to choosing the best robotics company for your business is knowing which area of your business you want to automate. The best way to find out is to examine your current operation processes and determine where you need to adjust or improve efficiency. Then you should conduct research to pinpoint exactly what types of robotics solutions align with your organization’s needs.
This could include tasks like manufacturing, logistics, material handling, or customer service, depending on your business. You’ll also want to evaluate the scalability, compatibility, and support offered by potential robotics providers to ensure they can be integrated smoothly into your existing setup. Remember that the sector you operate in is critical to determining the best robotics company, and accompanying solutions, for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do These Companies Address Ethical Considerations in Robotics Development?
The top robotics companies we reviewed adhere to strict safety standards in robot design and operation. They invest significantly in user training. For instance, Yaskawa offers in-person and online courses through its Yaskawa Academy. These companies establish ethics committees to evaluate and guide the development of robotic systems. According to Vecna Robotics, its entire fleet of robots is third party-certified to comply with ANSI B56.5 and RIA 15.08 safety standards.
Which Regions or Markets are the Primary Focus for these Top Robotics Companies?
The primary focus of these top robotics companies varies, but a few regions and markets stand out. Some of the critical markets include:
United States: Many top robotics companies are based in the US, focusing strongly on industries such as healthcare, logistics, agriculture, and defense.
Japan: Japan has a long-standing reputation for robotics technology and is a robotics research and development hub. Companies in Japan primarily focus on industrial robotics, service robots, and humanoid robots.
Europe: European companies are active in various sectors, including industrial automation, medical robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI). Countries such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom have a strong presence in the robotics market.
What Trends in Robotics Technology are these Companies Leveraging?
AI and Machine Learning Integration: AI and machine learning are key drivers in robotics, enabling robots to perceive and understand their environment, make autonomous decisions, and learn from experience.
Collaborative Robotics: Continued growth in cobots, allowing robots to work safely alongside humans, and enhancing productivity and efficiency in industries such as manufacturing and healthcare.
Autonomous Navigation: Advancements in autonomous navigation for robots make them more versatile and adaptable to dynamic environments.
Internet of Things (IoT): Robotics companies integrate IoT technology into their robots to enable connectivity and communication between robots and other devices.
Bottom Line: Top Robotics Companies Greatly Enhance Business Productivity
Investing in robotics companies can immensely enhance business productivity while reducing costs and risks associated with manual labor. Though the initial setup costs may be high, especially for small businesses, the return on investment over time typically justifies the expenditure. The top robotics companies offer a wide selection of robots with varying payload capacities, reach, and speed, tailored to meet diverse industrial needs. It is crucial to consider your specific requirements before partnering with a robotics company to ensure the technology aligns with your long-term goals.
The top generative AI companies offer a wide range of solutions that support automation and robotics use cases.
