The U.S. robotics market for packaging and processing was worth more than $440 million in 2025 and is projected to reach about $800 million by 2031, a 10.3% compound annual growth rate. Mobile robots will lead that growth, according to the 2026 Robotics in US Packaging & Processing Report from PMMI and Interact Analysis.
Herndon, Va., August 31, 2026 – PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, released its 2026 Robotics in US Packaging & Processing Report and an accompanying infographic. The study looks at the technologies, investment priorities and adoption challenges reshaping U.S. packaging and processing operations.
Table of contents
- Packaging robotics market: from $440 million to $800 million
- Mobile robots will become the largest segment
- Robotics adoption among end users and OEMs
- Why companies invest in packaging robotics
- Barriers and most promising applications
- See robotics in action at PACK EXPO International 2026
- Frequently asked questions
Packaging robotics market: from $440 million to $800 million
The report, produced with market intelligence firm Interact Analysis, values the U.S. robotics market serving packaging and processing at more than $440 million in 2025. By 2031 it is expected to reach roughly $800 million, nearly doubling in six years at a 10.3% CAGR.
“Robotics adoption is moving from targeted applications toward a broader role in packaging and processing operations,” says Jorge Izquierdo, vice president of market development at 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.”
Mobile robots will become the largest segment
| Robot type | Market share 2025 | Forecast 2031 |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial robots | 63% | — |
| Mobile robots | 32% | 45% (largest segment) |
| Collaborative robots (cobots) | 5% | — |
| Humanoid robots | 0.1% | 5% |
Industrial robots held 63% of the market in 2025, followed by mobile robots at 32% and cobots at 5%. By 2031, mobile robots are forecast to take the lead with a 45% share. Humanoid robots, still a small segment mostly at pilot stage, are expected to grow from 0.1% to 5% of the market.
Robotics adoption among end users and OEMs
- End users: 72% currently use robotics, a figure expected to climb to 95% by 2031. 61% plan to increase their robotics investment over the next year.
- OEMs and integrators: 69% include robotics in their portfolios today, 86% expect to by 2031, and 81% anticipate increasing investment over the next year.
Why companies invest in packaging robotics
End users named three main drivers of adoption:
- Increasing throughput and productivity.
- Reducing costs.
- Improving quality and consistency.
When choosing an OEM, their top criteria are reliability and uptime performance, the availability and quality of service and support, and demonstrated ROI or payback.
Barriers and most promising applications
The research also identifies persistent hurdles: high upfront cost, integration with existing equipment and systems, and concerns about maintenance and service support.
The applications generating the most interest are:
- Robotic arms that load packaging materials into machines.
- Mobile robots that bring materials to the line.
- Mobile robots equipped with cobot arms.
- Processing applications.
See robotics in action at PACK EXPO International 2026
The report offers a strategic view of where robotics is headed. PACK EXPO International 2026 brings those insights to life with live technology demonstrations and direct conversations with suppliers about integration, service, safety, uptime and ROI.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the U.S. packaging robotics market?
More than $440 million in 2025, with a forecast of about $800 million by 2031 (10.3% CAGR), according to PMMI and Interact Analysis.
Which type of robot will grow the most in packaging?
Mobile robots, which are expected to go from 32% to 45% of the market by 2031 and become the largest segment.
What share of end users already use robotics?
72% today, and 95% are expected to by 2031.
What are the main barriers to robotics adoption?
High upfront cost, integration with existing equipment, and concerns about maintenance and service support.
About PMMI
PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, represents more than 1,100 manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, components and materials for the packaging and processing industry. It organizes the PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows (PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas, PACK EXPO East, PACK EXPO Southeast, EXPO PACK México and EXPO PACK Guadalajara) and runs PMMI Media Group. More information at pmmi.org, packexpo.com and pmmimediagroup.com.
Media contact: Gatwiri Muthara, Sr. Manager, Public Relations, PMMI. 571.485.8711 · gmuthara@pmmi.org