Discrete Automation

Global Discrete Automation Market to Reach US$9.0 Billion by 2030

The global market for Discrete Automation estimated at US$6.5 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$9.0 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.8% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Distributed Control System, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 4.3% CAGR and reach US$3.6 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Manufacturing Execution System segment is estimated at 7.0% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$1.8 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 8.8% CAGR

The Discrete Automation market in the U.S. is estimated at US$1.8 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$1.8 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 8.8% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 2.9% and 5.6% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 3.7% CAGR.

Global Discrete Automation Market – Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is Discrete Automation Becoming a Cornerstone of Smart Manufacturing?

Discrete automation has become a vital enabler of smart manufacturing, offering precise control and efficiency in the assembly and production of individual, distinct units such as cars, electronics, medical devices, and consumer goods. Unlike process automation, which deals with continuous flow processes like oil refining or chemical production, discrete automation focuses on production environments where components are assembled or manufactured in separate, countable units. The integration of robotics, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and industrial PCs has allowed manufacturers to streamline operations, reduce errors, and scale up output with unmatched consistency. The shift toward Industry 4.0 and digital transformation across the manufacturing sector has further accelerated the adoption of discrete automation systems, as they support flexible production lines, predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and seamless human-machine collaboration. Automation in discrete manufacturing not only boosts throughput but also enhances product quality, reduces operational costs, and ensures compliance with increasingly stringent quality standards. Sectors such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and medical devices have become heavily reliant on these systems to meet demand for customization, miniaturization, and precision. As product lifecycles shorten and competition intensifies, discrete automation is proving essential in helping manufacturers respond rapidly to market changes without compromising on efficiency or quality.

How Are Emerging Technologies Advancing the Capabilities of Discrete Automation Systems?

Technological innovation is redefining the landscape of discrete automation, making systems smarter, more adaptable, and more interconnected than ever before. The rise of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has enabled machines, sensors, and controllers to communicate and exchange data in real-time, providing unprecedented visibility into production processes. This connectivity empowers predictive maintenance strategies, where data analytics can foresee equipment failures before they occur, thereby minimizing downtime and maximizing asset utilization. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are also being embedded into automation platforms, allowing for dynamic decision-making and process optimization based on historical and real-time data. Collaborative robots (cobots) are increasingly being deployed alongside human workers to handle tasks that require precision, safety, and repetition—making automation more accessible to small and medium enterprises. Augmented reality (AR) and digital twin technologies are revolutionizing how operators and engineers interact with equipment, offering immersive maintenance training and real-time virtual simulations of manufacturing environments. In terms of hardware, modular and scalable control systems are giving manufacturers the flexibility to adapt production lines quickly to new products or volumes. Enhanced cybersecurity protocols are also being integrated to protect interconnected systems from digital threats. Collectively, these technologies are pushing discrete automation from a static, rigid setup toward a fluid, intelligent ecosystem that can evolve continuously in response to operational and market demands.

Why Does the Demand for Discrete Automation Differ Across Global Markets and Industries?

The adoption of discrete automation varies significantly across global regions and industries due to differences in technological readiness, labor costs, manufacturing maturity, and regulatory landscapes. In North America and Western Europe, the presence of a highly skilled workforce, coupled with strong infrastructure and an emphasis on advanced manufacturing, has led to widespread deployment of sophisticated automation systems. Automotive and aerospace sectors in these regions are heavily automated, driven by the need for precision, traceability, and mass customization. In contrast, Asia-Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing market for discrete automation, fueled by the expansion of electronics manufacturing hubs in China, South Korea, Taiwan, and India. Here, increasing labor costs and a focus on improving product quality are compelling manufacturers to invest in automation technologies. Government initiatives such as China’s “Made in China 2025” and India’s “Make in India” further incentivize automation investments. In Latin America and parts of the Middle East and Africa, adoption is slower but growing, with industries such as consumer goods and food packaging starting to automate to remain competitive. Additionally, different industries have varying levels of automation needs—automotive and electronics require highly sophisticated systems, while sectors like textiles or furniture manufacturing may only adopt partial automation. These geographical and sector-specific factors shape the demand landscape, prompting vendors to customize their offerings and support models to suit local conditions and industry requirements.

What Are the Core Drivers Fueling the Global Expansion of Discrete Automation?

The growth in the discrete automation market is driven by several powerful forces rooted in industrial evolution, technological convergence, and economic imperatives. One of the primary drivers is the global push for higher manufacturing efficiency and quality control, where automation helps reduce human error, increase throughput, and ensure consistent output. The rising complexity and customization of products—particularly in electronics, automotive, and consumer goods—require flexible and precise automation systems that can adapt to varying designs and batch sizes. Labor shortages and rising wages in traditionally labor-intensive regions are also encouraging automation as a cost-containment strategy. Additionally, the need for real-time data for analytics, traceability, and compliance with international manufacturing standards is making digital automation systems indispensable. Environmental regulations are another factor, as discrete automation enables energy-efficient production processes and waste reduction. The post-pandemic shift toward reshoring and regionalizing manufacturing to improve supply chain resilience has further intensified the demand for localized, automated production capabilities. Moreover, government-backed incentives and subsidies for smart manufacturing technologies are accelerating adoption, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Europe. Finally, the increasing availability of modular, user-friendly automation platforms is reducing barriers to entry for small and mid-sized enterprises. Together, these drivers are propelling the discrete automation market into a phase of robust global expansion, shaping the future of manufacturing for years to come.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Discrete Automation market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Type (Distributed Control System, Manufacturing Execution System, Product Lifecycle Management, Programmable Logic Controllers); Application (Automotive, Packaging, Food Processing, Textile, Other Applications)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 32 Featured) -

• ABB Ltd.
• ANDRITZ GROUP
• Azbil Corporation
• Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG
• Bosch Rexroth AG
• Emerson Electric Co.
• Fanuc Corporation
• Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
• General Electric Company
• Hitachi, Ltd.
• Honeywell International Inc.
• Ingeteam
• Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
• Omron Corporation
• Rockwell Automation, Inc.
• Schneider Electric SE
• Siemens AG
• Toshiba Corporation
• Valmet Oyj
• Yokogawa Electric Corporation

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