Global professional service robots rise 24% in 2025, IFR report says
Global shipments of professional service robots increased by 24% in 2025, according to the World Robotics 2026 Service Robots report by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). The growth spans multiple segments, with transportation and logistics as the leading application. This explainer breaks down what happened, who is affected, and what readers can do next.
What changed in the market
Global shipments of professional service robots rose by 24% to nearly 250,000 units in 2025. The largest use case remains transportation and logistics, with 117,500 units sold in 2025, up 21% from the previous year. These robots are mainly used to move goods and automate material flow and delivery processes within businesses.
Businesses are increasingly adopting robotics as a service (RaaS) models, where customers pay for robot usage rather than owning the equipment. In the United States, RaaS has become a dominant business model for some segments.
Key facts at a glance
- Overall growth: +24% in 2025, nearly 250,000 units shipped globally.
- Top application: Transportation and logistics, 117,500 units (47% market share).
- Other segments: Medical robots +19%; Consumer service robots +37%.
- Business model shift: Rise of robot-as-a-service (RaaS), especially in the US.
Who is affected
Businesses in sectors using service robots—especially logistics, manufacturing, and hospitality—are most directly affected by this growth. Workers may experience changes in workflow as automated systems handle repetitive or high-volume tasks. The report also highlights a broader move toward service robots entering routine operations in varied settings, which can influence job roles, training needs, and safety practices.
Practical next steps
- If you run a business with material handling or delivery needs, consider evaluating RaaS options to reduce upfront costs and test automation suitability.
- Assess which processes could benefit from robotics, such as packing, sorting, or route optimization in logistics.
- Plan for training and safety: retrain staff to work alongside robots and update safety protocols where automated systems operate.
- Follow industry reports from IFR and related bodies for ongoing market trends and technology advances.
Limits and questions
The source data is a press release from a single provider and references the IFR as the data source without links to the IFR’s own site. Readers should verify figures against the IFR’s World Robotics 2026 Service Robots report for official confirmation. The article does not discuss regional differences in adoption or long-term economic effects beyond 2025 data.
Which sources did Setup in Bahrain review?
Setup in Bahrain reviewed the following source material before preparing this explanatory article.
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- prleap.com — evidence source reviewed for this article.
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