Robotics in Healthcare Supply Chain Forecasted to Top USD 18.4 Billion by 2033
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, a significant shift is underway as hospitals increasingly embrace the use of logistics robots.
According to recent data, hospitals contributed a substantial 36.2% of the total revenue in 2023, and are projected to register the fastest growth rate in the coming years. This growth is driven, in part, by the increasing deployment of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and humanoid robots, a defining trend that is reshaping hospital operations.
The market for hospital logistics robots has shown a robust growth, expanding at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16.8% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by advancements in navigation, sensing, and automation technologies, enabling these robots to handle a variety of tasks efficiently.
One hospital leading the way in this revolution is Changi General Hospital (CGH, SingHealth) in Singapore. CGH reports the presence of about 80 robots on its campus, managing tasks ranging from moving medications and specimens to delivering meals and beds. At system scale, these robots offload routine walking and pushing tasks from staff, freeing up valuable time for direct care.
Connectivity and system integration play a crucial role in the performance of these robots. Design rules now require separation of clean vs. soiled carts, and controlled lobbies/vestibules for staging pickups and drop-offs. This embedding of infection-control logic into robot-enabled material flows is a testament to the importance of seamless integration.
Government guidance also plays a role in the safe and efficient operation of these robots. They are required to obey marked lanes, keep clearances, interlock with fire doors/alarms, and default to safe modes during smoke/fire events.
The North American market is a significant player in this growing industry. Key companies involved include Siemens Healthineers, a major global medical technology provider with significant revenues from the United States. Europe-based firms like blueAlpha GmbH and Con-Sense GmbH, focusing on healthcare logistics software, are also making their mark, although they are more Europe-based. Government initiatives promoting robotic automation technologies, including robotic process automation (RPA) that enhances hospital workflows, are providing a strong foundation for the North American market.
Research and studies are further supporting the adoption of these robots. A 2024 study published in NIH's PubMed Central proposed a structured benchmarking protocol for hospital AMRs with quantitative metrics. Reviews of robotic use in clinical environments report that 71.5% of staff felt robots saved time, and 77.2% felt they improved clinical processes. Simulation and hospital studies indicate time savings of ~23% in staff time for logistics when AGVs are applied.
Recent advancements include humanoid features, multi-load capacity systems, and improved safety protocols. In 2023, logistics robots accounted for 22.02% of the overall revenue share in the hospital robotics segment. The Global Hospital Logistics Robots Market is expected to reach USD 18.4 Billion by 2033.
U.S. HHS 405(d) technical practices emphasize asset inventories, network segmentation, vulnerability management, and incident response for connected clinical tech, which are applicable to mobile logistics robots. In 2023, North America held a 41.3% revenue share, generating USD 1.4 billion.
As the use of hospital logistics robots continues to grow, it's clear that these robots are not just a passing trend, but a transformative force in the future of healthcare.
Read also:
- Transforming Digital Inventories in the Food Industry: A Comprehensive Guide for Food Businesses
- Munich Airport Unveils Its New Electrical Vehicle Charging Parksite
- Clean Energy Facilities by Constellation Offer Close-to-Impeccable Summer Stability, Reinforced by $7 Billion in Capital Infusions Over the Past 10 Years
- Vehicle electrification and bidirectional charging technologies could potentially reduce EU energy expenses by a staggering €22 billion annually by the year 2040.
