Disinfection Robots Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Type (Ultraviolet, Spraying, Combined), Technology (Fully Autonomous, Semi-autonomous), End User (Healthcare, Transportation, Manufacturing, Hospitality) - Global Forecast to 2031

Disinfection Robots Market Size & Forecast

The Disinfection Robots Market is expected to reach $4.09 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 19.6% from 2024 to 2031. The growth of this market is primarily driven by the high incidence of hospital-acquired infections, the increased focus on infection control due to infectious disease outbreaks, the growing emphasis on reducing reimbursement payment cuts due to hospital-acquired infections, and the need for consistent disinfection results, reduced human intervention, and higher safety of cleaning staff compared to manual disinfection. Furthermore, technological advancements in robotics are expected to generate opportunities for market expansion.

Disinfection Robots Market Growth Drivers

High Incidence of Hospital-acquired Infections

Hospital-acquired infections (HAI) are infections acquired in healthcare facilities as a result of extended patient stays, poor hygiene, contaminated rooms or instruments, and congested waiting rooms. Clostridium infections, surgical site infections, pneumonia linked to ventilators, central line-associated bloodstream infections, and catheter-associated urinary tract infections are among the most common HAIs.

According to the World Health Organization report published in March 2022, 8.9 million cases of HAIs are registered every year in Europe’s acute and long-term care facilities. These infections not only pose a significant threat to patient health and life but also increase the burden of healthcare costs due to extended hospital stays.

Click here to: Get Free Sample Pages of this Report

Need for Reduced Human Intervention and Higher Safety of Cleaning Staff

Disinfection robots offer several advantages over manual disinfection. Manual disinfection is time-consuming and requires a larger workforce. On the contrary, robots can complete cleaning tasks faster and with less manpower.

Manual cleaning and disinfection are often inadequate and result in residual contamination. Studies have shown that only 50% of hospital ward surfaces can be adequately decontaminated through manual cleaning and disinfection practices. Disinfection robots can efficiently kill microorganisms on surfaces, ensuring quality disinfection and validation of the disinfection process with reproducible and documented results.

Robotic disinfection does not require human intervention and is standardized. Therefore, human workers are not exposed to harmful UV radiation, harmful chemicals, and pathogens during the sanitization process.

Disinfection Robots Market Opportunities

Technological Advancements in Robotics

Advancements in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have boosted the adoption of robots in healthcare. Advances in machine learning, data analytics, computer vision, and other technologies have accelerated the evolution of health robots. Technological advancements have led to the development of intelligent disinfection robots that use AI algorithms to perform disinfection. AI algorithms facilitate interactions between the disinfection system and the disinfection site. AI-integrated robotic systems use sensors to recognize dynamic disinfection scenarios. The integration of AI and machine learning is making robots increasingly interdependent, enabling intelligent scene recognition, independent sensing in the disinfection process, real-time disinfection process monitoring, intelligent planning, independent execution, and result evaluation. An intelligent disinfection robot can thus compensate for the limitations of existing disinfection methods, enhancing the quality of disinfection and lowering the risk of infection.

Disinfection Robots Market Trends

Eco-friendly Cleaning Solutions

Chemicals and UV light radiation used in cleaning and disinfecting operations can cause allergic reactions, persistent respiratory difficulties, skin damage, eye disorders, headaches, and other health issues. Hence, the preference for environment-friendly cleaning solutions, such as steam mopping, is on the rise. Steam mopping involves heating water in a tank and then releasing water vapor from the mop to clean an area. By avoiding the use of harsh chemicals and UV light radiation, the steam mopping approach safeguards workers from potential harmful effects.

Steam mopping is cost-effective, conserves resources, and helps lower pollution. Snail is a disinfection robot manufactured by Shenzhen Reeman Intelligent Equipment Co. (China) for steam mopping.

Disinfection Robots Market Analysis: Key Findings

By Type: The Ultraviolet Disinfection Robots Segment to Dominate the Disinfection Robots Market in 2024

Based on type, the disinfection robots market is segmented into Ultraviolet Disinfection (UVD) robots, spraying disinfection robots, and combined system disinfection robots. In 2024, the ultraviolet disinfection robots segment is expected to account for the largest share of 72.1% of the disinfection robots market. The use of UV-C disinfection robots is becoming increasingly prevalent in hospitals, airports, and shopping centers, among other places.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, conventional surface disinfectants were in scarce supply, which boosted the production of ultraviolet disinfection robots. Their acceptance has increased as they are a simple solution for instant disinfection automation and provide cost savings by decreasing workforce requirements.

This segment’s large share is attributed to the increasing awareness about hospital-acquired infections, the efficacy of UV-C irradiation in disinfecting surfaces, and the increased need for disinfection and sanitation since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The key players operating in this market are collaborating to improve accessibility to robotic disinfection products. For instance, in January 2022, UVD Robots (a subsidiary of Blue Ocen Robotics) (Denmark) collaborated with Ecolab Inc. (U.S.) to distribute its UV-C disinfection robots in the global market.

By Technology: The Fully Autonomous Disinfection Robots Segment to Dominate the Disinfection Robots Market in 2024

Based on technology, the disinfection robots market is segmented into fully autonomous disinfection robots and semi-autonomous disinfection robots. In 2024, the fully autonomous disinfection robots segment is expected to account for the larger share of the disinfection robots market. The segment’s large share is attributed to the advantages of fully autonomous disinfection robots over semi-autonomous disinfection robots, such as the integration of advanced software and algorithms for decision-making that reduce workforce requirements. Moreover, fully autonomous robots can screen an area for objects for more efficient cleaning and disinfection.

By End User: The Healthcare Settings Segment to Dominate the Disinfection Robots Market in 2024

Based on end user, the disinfection robots market is segmented into healthcare settings, transportation, industrial manufacturing & storage facilities, the hospitality industry, and other end users. In 2024, the healthcare settings segment is expected to account for the largest share of the disinfection robots market. The segment’s large share is attributed to hospitals’ increasing focus on reducing the burden of HAIs. According to a 2022 article by GE Healthcare (U.S.), the direct medical costs related to HAIs in the U.S. crossed $28 billion every year, and indirect costs related to lost productivity and early death were estimated at $12.4 billion. HAIs can be contracted in hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient surgery centers, dialysis centers, or even a doctor’s office. HAIs can have detrimental effects, including emotional stress, escalated financial or medical bills, extended hospital stays, and even mortality.

Geographical Analysis

North America to Dominate the Disinfection Robots Market in 2024

Based on geography, the disinfection robots market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2024, North America is expected to account for the largest share of 41.4% of the disinfection robots market. North America’s large share can be attributed to the high incidence of HAIs and government policies to promote advancements in the region’s healthcare system. Hospitals, airports, and other crowded public spaces need to maintain a safe and clean atmosphere due to the high prevalence of infectious diseases. According to the CDC, about one in every 31 hospital patients in the U.S. has at least one infection linked to healthcare.

Furthermore, Asia-Pacific is expected to record the highest CAGR of 16.7% during the forecast period. The growth of this regional market is driven by the rising incidence of infectious diseases, the increasing number of manufacturing plants, the growth of the pharmaceutical industry, and the increasing number of healthcare facilities in the region. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry is the 3^rd largest pharmaceutical producer by volume in the world and has the highest number of pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities that comply with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Thus, growth in the region’s pharmaceutical industry is expected to increase the demand for disinfection robots in APAC.

Disinfection Robots Market: Key Companies

The report offers a competitive landscape based on an extensive assessment of the leading market players’ product offerings, geographic presence, and key strategies adopted in the last 3–4 years. The key players operating in the disinfection robots market are UVD Robots (a subsidiary of Blue Ocen Robotics) (Denmark), Tru-D SmartUVC (a subsidiary of PDI Inc) (U.S.), Xenex Disinfection Services Inc. (U.S.), Badger Technologies, LLC (a subsidiary of Jabil Inc.) (U.S.), Skytron, LLC (U.S.), SESTO Robotics (Singapore), Siemens AG (Germany), Nevoa Inc. (U.S.), Omron Corporation (Japan), Finsen Technologies Ltd. (U.K.), Fetch Robotics, Inc, (a subsidiary of Zebra Technologies Corp) (U.S.), Taimi Robotics Technology Co. Ltd. (China), and Akara Robotics Ltd. (Ireland).

 Disinfection Robots Market Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In June 2023, Shimadzu Corporation (Japan) signed an agreement with Shyld AI (U.S.) for the development of a new ultraviolet disinfection robot. Under this agreement, the companies will combine Shimadzu’s optical technology for UV Irradiation with Shyld AI’s Human Sensors technology to develop ‘UV Shoot,’ a UV disinfection system.
• In January 2022, UBTECH Robotics (China) launched ADIBOT-A, an automated UV disinfectant robot. The robot emits UV rays to decontaminate surfaces in indoor environments. The robot features multiple depth sensors and AI algorithms that help build a 3D diagram of the entire cleaning space.

Disinfection Robots Market Research Summary

Key questions answered in the disinfection robots market report: