The case concerns the alleged infringement of patents – both software and hardware – held by Teradyne Robotic and related to its business unit Universal Robots, the world’s leading producer of collaborative industrial robots. The alleged infringement involves a broad range of collaborative robot models marketed by JAKA in the EU.

Jean-Pierre Hathout, President of the Teradyne Robotics Group, said: “This case is another clear demonstration that Teradyne Robotics will enforce its patents and intellectual property (IP) rights against what we consider to be illegal and unfair copying and infringement, across both hardware and software.

“We cannot and will not accept companies that unlawfully copy protected technologies, and we are resolute in safeguarding our IP so customers can continue to have innovative automation solutions that meet the highest standards for safety and compliance.”

Second IP infringement case in Europe this year

The patent infringement case at the UPC is Teradyne Robotics’ second IP infringement case in Europe in 2026, following a legal action filed earlier this year in Germany against the subsidiary of another robot company for copyright infringement of Universal Robots’ software.

A ruling in the ongoing patent infringement case could have effect across Europe within 17 of the current 18 EU Member States participating in the Unified Patent Court (UPC). In addition, certain countries outside the Unified Patent Court Agreement, such as the United Kingdom and Spain, are also included in the case.

Teradyne Robotics is headquartered in Odense, Denmark, and as acts of patent infringement appear to have been committed in Denmark – as well as numerous other EU Member States – the case has been filed with the UPC’s Local Division in Copenhagen.

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The CTU supports the flexible deployment of cobots in changing production environments without the need for time-consuming retooling. Cobots can reach various working positions along this path. This allows larger areas to be covered, for example along machine lines or between machining stations. Depending on the configuration, the operating radius can be up to 10 metres. Thanks to modular mounting options, the system is compatible with many standard cobots available on the market.

Autonomous collision detection

The Movotrak CTU is the only 7th axis available on the market to be equipped with collision detection, which detects collisions whilst the vehicle is in motion and automatically halts its movement as a result. This facilitates operation in environments with increased human-machine interaction. The function complements the safety architecture but does not replace safety functions required by standards.

The combination of a movable axis and safety functions for collaborative use enables:

• Use of a cobot at multiple stations
• Reduced changeover times
• More easily adaptable layout of machines and workstations
• Higher system utilisation

The flexible mounting options (horizontal, ceiling or wall mounting) allow for a variety of system configurations. In addition, the CTU features a Freedrive function, which enables the robot to be guided manually and positions to be saved directly.

Robust design, versatile applications

The Movotrak CTU is based on two linear units that ensure maximum torque capacity and rigidity even when the robot arm is fully extended. Based on these linear units, Rodriguez supplies a complete system including motor, gearbox, switch cabinet and application-specific design.

Typical areas of application include inspection and testing of large components (quality assurance), machine tending, material handling (order picking, palletising, packaging), and large-area welding, soldering, grinding and dispensing.

The solution leverages Thomson linear motion technology alongside Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings and Kollmorgen motors and software, enabling FANUC CRX users to deploy the Thomson Movotrak Cobot Transfer Unit (CTU) as a seamless, out-of-the-box external axis solution.

Following rigorous compatibility testing with the FANUC CRX Series of collaborative robots, the Movotrak CTU was added to the FANUC Cobot Device network through a co-developed plug-in interface, unlocking new levels of collaboration between humans and robotic systems. Certified FANUC integrators can now access Thomson configuration tools directly on their teach pendant, simplifying setup, extending cobot reach, leveraging groundbreaking collision detection programming and control, and accelerating deployment of external linear axis applications.

“Adding an external axis transport layer to a 6-axis cobot opens new avenues for productivity, innovation and profitability for our customers,” said Emily Kern, President of Regal Rexnord’s Linear Motion Division. “We’ve worked closely with FANUC to deliver this capability for their CRX cobot line, and it is now ready for deployment. The Thomson Movotrak CTU brings together robotic innovations from across Regal Rexnord, including Thomson linear systems, Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings, and Kollmorgen motors and software, allowing integrators to configure a fully integrated system directly within the FANUC engineering environment.”

The solution signifies Regal Rexnord’s ability to bring together complementary technologies from across its automation portfolio to solve complex customer challenges. By integrating linear motion, gearing, couplings, motors and software into a single engineered solution, Regal Rexnord simplifies adoption of advanced robotics while improving performance, reliability and speed to deployment.

“FANUC is a highly regarded leader in industrial robotic technology, ranging from compact systems to capable of handling the most demanding industrial payloads. We’re proud that the Thomson CTU is now approved for integration with their cobot platform, helping advance the next generation of human-robot collaboration and intelligent motion systems,” said Kevin Long, EVP and President, Automation & Motion Control segment of Regal Rexnord.

The Thomson Movotrak CTU provides the following benefits:

• Extended Operating Range: The Movotrak CTU is the first collaborative external linear axis, extending the traditional cobot operating range up to 10 meters.
• Flexible Mounting Options: Ability to move from one workstation to another along a rail that is secured either to the floor, wall or ceiling.
• Collision Detection: First external linear axis solution with collision detection, stopping the external axis and cobot when it encounters an obstacle.
• Increased Productivity: Less downtime with easier training and installation featuring an external axis Freedrive mode.
• Single-Source, Fully Integrated Solution: Thomson linear units are integrated with other Regal Rexnord robotics solutions, including Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings, and Kollmorgen motors and software for a complete, high-level assembly with one part number.
• Robustness and Durability: The Thomson external linear axis CTU can support even the largest FANUC cobots, including the CRX30iA, meeting the most demanding requirements for ruggedness and precision.

The solution expands the working area by adding a movable 7th axis and enables a cobot to be used at multiple stations within a single system. This allows production processes to be structured more flexibly and robot systems to be utilised more efficiently.

The MovoTrak CTU is robustly built and designed for a wide range of applications. It is based on two linear units that ensure maximum torque load and rigidity even when the robot arm is fully extended. Building on these linear units, Rodriguez supplies a complete system including motors, gearboxes, and application-specific configuration.

“Innovation is a core component of Delta’s corporate strategy. We consistently invest more than eight percent of our annual revenue in research and development. Design is a key aspect of this innovation strategy,” said Michael Mayer-Rosa, Senior Director of the Industrial Automation Business Group and Head of Intelligent Robot Systems (IRS) at Delta Electronics, EMEA Region.

“This award validates our team’s high standards in combining industrial robotics with a practical, safe, and efficient design. We are confident that the Delta D-Bot Robots, featuring industry-leading safety, efficiency, and practicality, will meet the demanding needs of our customers across a wide spectrum of applications.”

Delta first unveiled the collaborative robots series to the public in the spring of 2024. The series comprises six highly flexible models, each featuring six axes, payloads of up to 30 kg, and reach capabilities of up to 1,800 mm. The Delta D-Bot series also supports compatibility with OPC UA, PROFINET, EtherCAT, and Modbus TCP, allowing for seamless integration into existing industrial automation environments.

Safety at the core of product design

Collaborative robots are specifically designed to interact with humans within production environments. The “Reflex Safety” technology detects contact in real time and immediately stops robot movement to help prevent accidents and protect both personnel and equipment. The integration of advanced sensing technologies and collision detection capabilities maximise safety.

Furthermore, the Delta D-Bot series complies with IP66 protection standards and supports advanced safety protocols for operation in demanding industrial environments. Its robust design reduces susceptibility to dust and contamination while also simplifying cleaning and maintenance.

Flexible automation for production and logistics

Combined with Delta’s mobile robot platform (MAR – Mobile Autonomous Robot), the Delta D-Bot Collaborative Robot forms the hybrid mobile robotics solution “Delta Dynamic Duo”, a 2-in-1 system that automates flexible transportation and manipulation tasks such as palletising or pick-and-place operations within manufacturing and logistics settings.

The Delta D-Bot series was developed for rapid deployment across a wide range of industrial environments and designed to support diverse applications, including complex component assembly, material handling, and heavy-duty palletising. The collaborative robots combine high precision with efficient automation, helping manufacturers improve productivity and operational flexibility.

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LG Motion (Stand 46) will be showcasing Techman Robot (TM Robot) collaborative robots at MachineBuilding.South with a number of demos, along with electro-mechanical motion control systems. LG Motion managing director Gary Livingstone has also authored a book: Lean Robotic Automation provides a clear and practical framework for implementing robotics successfully, combining proven Lean principles with real-world automation experience.

“Robots can deliver incredible results, but only when they’re applied in the right way,” said Gary. “This book is about taking a structured, Lean approach to robotic automation so projects are simpler, outcomes are clearer, and businesses get real value from their investment.”

For its part, OMRON (Stand 70) has expanded its TM S Series collaborative robot portfolio with three new models and a major software update, supporting manufacturers facing labour shortages and increasing requirements for flexible, high-mix production. The TM30S, TM20S and TM6S extend the series’ payload and reach capabilities for applications such as palletising, machine tending and precision handling.

Across the S Series, OMRON has introduced upgrades to increase durability and support faster redeployment. All robot arms now feature an IP65 rating for use in washdown or dust-prone environments. Higher-payload units (TM25S, TM30S) incorporate an integrated joint 6 force-torque wrist sensor for improved force-controlled processes. The updated Landmark 2.0 vision-based positioning system is designed to reduce recalibration time when moving robots between stations.

OMRON has also released TMflow 2.22, an update to its no-code programming environment. The new version introduces more granular safety configuration options, expanded remote monitoring and diagnostics, and a higher-fidelity simulation engine. Integrated vision tools have been strengthened to support inspection and pick-and-place tasks with greater accuracy.

With the TM30S, TM20S, and TM6S alongside crucial upgrades like IP65 certification and the integrated joint 6 force torque sensor, OMRON says it is empowering customers to automate their most challenging, heavy-duty tasks with greater safety, precision, and flexibility than ever before. TMflow 2.22 ensures that this immense power remains easy to program and manage, upholding OMRON’s commitment to harmonious automation.

JAKA Robotics (Stand 78) is emphasising the wide range of applications for collaborative robots, including picking, packing, machine tending, and quality inspection. Their flexibility allows businesses to deploy them across different roles and processes, making them incredibly versatile tools that can enhance productivity in multiple aspects of production.

JAKA continues to advance the conversation around collaborative robotics, arguing that, with proven adaptability, safety measures and intelligence, cobots are crucial allies for any business looking to enhance productivity and workforce safety, no matter the size of operations.

Delta robots

Following its new partnership with Englert Robotics, HMK (Stand 41) is excited to be overviewing delta robot technology on the stand – perfect for high-performance handling applications. Englert’s modular platform offers exceptional flexibility, with a wide range of sizes, payloads, and configurable options, including different material combinations to suit hygiene-critical, high-speed or harsh environments. This flexibility makes the robots ideal for applications across packaging, food, pharma, electronics, logistics and recycling.

A key advantage is the open, standards‑based approach to control integration, supporting Siemens, KEBA and other leading control platforms. This gives OEMs full freedom to align with their existing architectures while avoiding vendor lock‑in.

As the UK partner for Englert Robotics, HMK offers OEMs multiple delivery options – from mechanical‑only Delta robot systems, through mechanics supplied with motors and drives, to fully engineered and integrated mechatronic solutions. By combining Englert’s advanced mechanical design with HMK’s control, motion and systems expertise, HMK provides flexible, high‑performance and cost‑optimised robotic solutions tailored to each requirement.

A key requirement for robotics applications is some sort of end-of-arm gripper, and PIAB (Stand 83) offers a huge range of suction cups, including the recently introduced BCP40 is a suction cup dedicated to automated handling of corrugated cardboard boxes in packaging and intralogistics. BCP40 combines long stroke, high stability and sustainable materials in a cost‑efficient design optimized for high‑throughput box handling.

Another innovative product in the PIAB range is new 3-finger piSOFTGRIP 40-3, developed for the food and chocolate industry. Based on the proven piSOFTGRIP 30-3, the new model increases gripping capacity up to 40 mm while keeping the same concept and ease of use.

The vacuum-based soft gripper safely handles sensitive, lightweight products with irregular shapes or surfaces. Its one-piece, sealed design with three gripping fingers is robust, dust-insensitive, and allows easy adjustment of gripping force via the vacuum level – ensuring gentle and reliable handling across a wider range of applications.

The latest industrial robots report from the market intelligence specialist suggests that improving market sentiment, reshoring efforts in the US, and strong demand in the semiconductor and electronics sectors are among the primary reasons for growth.

Material handling and assembly are anticipated to be the key applications driving growth with 2025-30 compound growth rates of 7.0% and 6.9% respectively, as demand for efficient logistics and precise manufacturing-line assembly rises fast.

Analysts project APAC will experience the strongest shipment growth across the major regions, with an average annual growth rate of 7.1% from 2025-30. This compares with 6.2% for the Americas and 4.7% for EMEA.

Growth in global shipments will be driven by sectors such as logistics, new energy and semiconductors, while a weak automotive sector has served as a drag on industrial robot growth in the EMEA region. Interact Analysis analysts suggest this is a result of poor investment due to high interest rates in the region, leading to fewer new automation projects. This has contributed to EMEA shipments contracting by 4.9% in 2025 and has impacted sales of high-end welding and heavy-payload robots.

Despite this, automotive will remain the largest sector for industrial robots, with global shipments increasing from 171,556 shipped in 2025 to 223,864 in 2030.

On a more granular level, India will see the highest levels of growth, at 12.5% over the forecast period. In contrast, Germany will achieve a compound growth rate of just 3.7% from 2025-2030 and is predicted to see a contraction in industrial robot shipments of -0.3% in 2026.

Samantha Mou, Senior Analyst at Interact Analysis, says, “Continued growth is expected in 2026, supported by improving market sentiment, reshoring and automation demand in the US, and strong demand in the semiconductor and electronics sectors. Over the next five years, the market is projected to grow steadily, driven by robot adoption across more manufacturing processes and emerging industries.

“Revenue growth is expected to lag behind unit growth due to competition and declining average prices. However, price erosion is anticipated to slow in 2026 as robot manufacturers’ cost pressures increase amid rising oil prices.”

Collaborative robots represent fastest growing segment

While articulated robots will remain the largest robotics segment for the duration of the forecast period, its growth will be outpaced by several other robot types. Interact Analysis projects that collaborative robots will be the fastest growing segment, with an average annual shipment growth rate of 17.4% between 2025 and 2030, compared with just 5.0% for articulated robots.

SCARA robots are also projected to outpace articulated robots, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.9% between 2025 and 2030, driven by robust demand from the electronics and semiconductor industries.

Designed to give attendees a clear understanding of how automation can be successfully implemented in food and beverage and FMCG environments, the session combined expert insight with live demonstrations and real-world application examples.

Throughout the morning, visitors had the opportunity to explore how cobots can help tackle ongoing industry challenges such as labour shortages, the need for improved consistency, and increasing pressure to deliver strong return on investment.

A key focus of the day was showcasing practical applications, with live demonstrations covering processes such as palletising, packaging, pick and place, and material handling. These demonstrations helped illustrate how flexible automation solutions can be deployed across a range of end of line tasks to improve productivity, quality, and ergonomics on the factory floor.

The event was specifically aimed at end users, providing a valuable opportunity to meet with experts from across the automation supply chain in one location. Attendees were able to speak directly with specialists in grippers, vision systems, robotics and integration, enabling them to gain tailored advice and discuss their individual production challenges in detail.

Integral to the success of the day was the support of four integration partners: Olympus Technologies (Adam Swallow), Protec (Alex Neal), Robotics and Automation (Mike Sharpe), and Jention (Russell Scion).

Each partner showcased a range of cobot-driven applications relevant to the food industry, demonstrating how collaborative robotics can be effectively applied to both packing and processing operations. These hands-on examples helped bring automation concepts to life, allowing visitors to see first-hand how solutions could be implemented in their own facilities.

The Masterclass also created a collaborative environment for networking and knowledge exchange, with attendees ranging from production managers and engineers to business leaders exploring automation strategies.

Overall, the event delivered on its aim to provide practical, actionable insight into food and beverage automation. Attendees left with a stronger understanding of where cobots can add value within their operations, as well as clear next steps for beginning or expanding their automation journey.

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Collaborative robot shipments reached nearly 58,000 units in 2025, having grown 14.5% over the year before. Shipments are forecast to more than double over the five-year period from 2026 to 2030. Growth rates, however, will not follow a smooth upward trajectory and our report identifies two cyclical peaks during the forecast period.

Growth is predicted to slow slightly in 2026 before accelerating to a higher level in 2027, sustaining strong momentum through 2028, then easing again in 2029 and reaching another peak in 2030. This pattern reflects industry investment cycles, technological iteration, and shifts in the structure of downstream demand. The forecast growth rate from 2025 to 2030 is significantly higher than the average recorded between 2019 and 2024, due to an accelerated market penetration phase.

Revenue growth fails to keep pace with shipment increases

Revenue growth for collaborative robots is also strong but trails shipments, reflecting a gradual decline in average selling prices (ASP). Global collaborative robot revenue is projected to increase from $1.2 billion in 2025 to $2.4 billion in 2030, representing an average annual growth rate of approximately 14.7%. Unlike the sharp price erosion observed in recent years, particularly during intense price wars from 2021 to 2024, declines in ASP from 2025 onward are expected to be more moderate.

Three structural factors explain this moderation. First, price reductions from Chinese vendors are slowing as the intense domestic price war stabilizes and suppliers shift their focus toward value rather than volume. Second, rising manufacturing costs in Europe and the United States, covering labour, energy, and regulatory compliance, are putting a floor under pricing.

Third, the product mix is gradually shifting toward higher-payload models (15 kg and above), which command premium prices and help offset downward pressure from entry-level segments. As a result, while ASP continues to decline, the pace is noticeably gentler than in the immediate post-pandemic years.

Regional shifts: China’s rising dominance

The most pronounced structural change in the collaborative robot market is the steady rise of China as the global leader of shipment volume. China’s share of worldwide unit shipments has grown substantially over the past few years; from less than one third in 2018 to more than half by 2025. China’s year on year growth rates have consistently outpaced other major regions, frequently exceeding 20 percent, and the country is projected to account for nearly two thirds of the global market by 2030.

In contrast, both the Americas and EMEA are experiencing structural share erosion. The Americas’ share of the collaborative robots market has declined significantly since 2018 and is expected to fall further by 2030. EMEA’s decline has been even sharper, dropping from a dominant position in 2018 to a much smaller share in 2025, with further contraction ahead. While both regions are forecast to see modest growth acceleration from 2026 onward, this recovery is not sufficient to regain lost market share. Key constraints include higher manufacturing costs and slower adoption among small and medium-sized enterprises.

India remains a small but fast growing niche market. Its share stood at only 1.9% in 2025 and is projected to reach 2.3% by 2030. Nevertheless, India’s year-on-year forecast growth rates are exceptionally high, consistently above 20% from 2026 onward, indicating future potential from a very low base.

Material handling and assembly drive cobots market

Material handling and assembly remain the two largest revenue generating applications for collaborative robots. In 2025, these two segments together accounted for nearly half of the global market, with material handling contributing the larger share. Welding, despite a smaller revenue footprint, recorded the strongest growth among all applications, driven by the cyclical recovery in the automotive and machinery sectors.

Testing and inspection-related applications also demonstrated robust momentum, with quality inspection, lab analysis, and sorting all posting solid growth. These trends underscore the continued integration of collaborative robots with machine vision and advanced sensing technologies across intensive inspection tasks.

Interact Analysis research manager Maya Xiao summarises: “Between 2025 and 2030, the global collaborative robot market is expected to witness a doubling of shipment volumes, sustained revenue expansion, and a moderating decline in average selling prices, rather than a sharp drop.

“Market participants should prioritise capturing growing demand for high payload models, while addressing cost pressures in Western manufacturing regions and adapting to the revised pricing strategies of Chinese suppliers.

“Humanoid robots represent an emerging downstream application and are likely to provide additional incremental headroom in the medium to long term. However, within the current forecast horizon, they will remain a modest segment of the overall market. We will discuss this trend in the next insight.”

Along with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), the organisations are working together with government and industry to support the safe and responsible adoption of robotics in the workplace, providing businesses with clarity on regulatory requirements and support to increase their use.

At present, the UK ranks 24th globally for industrial robot density – half the EU average – despite ranking first for academic robotics research. A key barrier to adoption is uncertainty around compliance, particularly that surrounding collaborative robots (cobots), with industry estimating that between 15-20% of customer enquiries on automation stall due to safety uncertainly alone.

The guidance assimilated by this project aims to address that uncertainty thereby removing the barrier.

The project launched at London Tech Week this week and will produce the first ever HSE-supported guidance on advanced robotics applications. As the UK’s leasing industry association, Automate UK estimates that the adoption of collaborative robots will increase by 25% by the end of 2027.

The first stage of the project, launching this summer, will deliver regulatory clarity for collaborative applications and aims to give the industry confidence in how it can ensure robots can work safely alongside humans.

A second stage will focus on cutting-edge use cases, where artificial intelligence embedded in robotic systems is raising new safety questions. To kickstart work on stage 2, this summer RIO is convening stakeholders to explore how tools like synthetic testing can help regulators and industry to support safe adoption of robots.

Andrew Curran CBE, Director of Science and Chief Scientific Adviser at the Health and Safety Executive, said: “We recognise how guidance and advice can give employers the confidence to innovate safely and provide a platform for new technology to improve productivity and enable growth.

“We understand that despite there being no barrier to adoption in health and safety law there is a fear of non-compliance, which is limiting adoption. Therefore, we are committed to working with the Regulatory Innovation Office and industry partners to deliver the first joint HSE and industry guidance on the use of cobots to address this barrier and improve business confidence.”

Oliver Selby, Chair of BARA (British Automation and Robotics Association), part of Automate UK, said: “Automate UK and BARA welcome the focus by the Regulatory Innovation Office on reducing barriers to robotics adoption. Based on feedback from our membership, the current regulatory framework is sufficient and adequate for enabling the safe deployment of robots used in a collaborative application.

“However, there remains a significant gap in understanding and confidence among end-user stakeholders. Greater education and practical guidance are needed to help businesses fully embrace robots working safely alongside people.

“While relevant information is already contained within existing standards, as well as the current Machinery Directive and forthcoming Machinery Regulation, awareness of these resources is limited.”