Soft Grippers Market, Opportunity, Growth Drivers, Industry Trend Analysis and Forecast, 2025-2034

The Global Soft Grippers Market was valued at USD 678 million in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 35.1% to reach USD 12.8 billion by 2034. The growth is primarily fueled by the increasing demand for adaptive robotic solutions in industries such as logistics, warehousing, food processing, and electronics. As automation takes center stage in industrial operations, soft grippers—made from compliant materials—offer unmatched versatility and safety for handling delicate or irregular-shaped items. These grippers are revolutionizing end-of-arm tooling systems by enabling human-like dexterity in robotic applications. Soft grippers function by conforming to the shape of the object being handled, reducing the risk of product damage and enabling secure grasping even in complex handling environments. Their integration in collaborative robots (cobots) is significantly improving operational efficiency, especially in industries handling fragile goods. The growing shift toward Industry 4.0 and the increasing penetration of flexible automation in SMEs are also boosting the demand for soft grippers globally.

By component, the soft actuators segment led the global soft grippers market in 2024, generating USD 246.87 million in revenue. Soft actuators are integral to gripper flexibility, converting pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric energy into mechanical motion. Their ability to achieve delicate and adaptive movements is particularly crucial for applications that require gentle gripping force, such as fresh produce handling or pharmaceutical packaging. Continuous R&D in biomimetic and shape-memory technologies is enabling the creation of lightweight, responsive, and cost-efficient soft actuators, supporting their widespread adoption across industrial robotics platforms. Manufacturers are focusing on developing modular and reconfigurable actuator designs that reduce system complexity and facilitate easier integration with robotic arms. Pneumatic actuators continue to lead due to their high compliance and force-to-weight ratio, but electrically driven variants are gaining traction due to better energy efficiency and precise control.

Based on material, elastomers emerged as the preferred choice for soft grippers in 2024, accounting for USD 367.97 million in global revenue. These materials—including silicone rubber, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), and polyurethane—offer excellent flexibility, durability, and biocompatibility. Their intrinsic softness and stretchability allow grippers to handle objects of various shapes and textures without causing deformation or damage. The rising adoption of medical-grade elastomers in food and pharmaceutical applications is also contributing to market growth, as regulatory agencies enforce strict hygiene and safety standards. Furthermore, elastomer-based grippers can easily withstand repeated deformation cycles, ensuring long-term performance in high-throughput environments such as packaging lines and pick-and-place operations.

By application, the logistics and warehousing segment dominated the market in 2024, capturing USD 140.92 million. As e-commerce continues to surge globally, the need for intelligent, flexible automation solutions in fulfillment centers is on the rise. Soft grippers are increasingly deployed for sorting, picking, and packing tasks where product variability and fragility are common. Their ability to handle diverse SKUs—ranging from glassware to perishables—makes them ideal for modern warehouse environments. Retail giants and third-party logistics (3PL) providers are partnering with robotics firms to integrate soft grippers into automated picking systems. These investments aim to reduce labor costs, enhance operational throughput, and minimize product damage—all critical KPIs in high-volume fulfillment centers. Government support for automation in supply chain infrastructure, particularly in North America and Europe, further amplifies the growth potential in this segment.

North America dominated the global soft grippers market in 2024 with USD 229.5 million in revenue, driven by strong technological innovation and high adoption of automation across multiple sectors. The U.S., in particular, is witnessing rapid deployment of soft robotic systems in warehousing, manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare, supported by robust R&D investments and academic-industry collaborations. Leading robotics firms across the region are focusing on improving soft gripping technologies using advanced AI, machine vision, and material science innovations. Government funding for robotics research through organizations like the National Science Foundation (NSF) and supportive industrial policies are further propelling regional growth. The presence of key players such as Soft Robotics Inc., RightHand Robotics, and Festo is reinforcing North America’s leadership in this space.

Companies such as Soft Robotics Inc., Festo AG & Co. KG, RightHand Robotics, ABB Ltd., and OnRobot A/S are strengthening their foothold in the soft grippers market through new product developments, acquisitions, and partnerships. These players are investing heavily in R&D to enhance gripper intelligence, modularity, and durability. Strategic alliances with system integrators and end-users across logistics, healthcare, and food sectors are enabling faster deployment of tailor-made gripping solutions. Firms are also focusing on sustainability by introducing grippers made from recyclable or biodegradable elastomers, aligning with global environmental goals. Moreover, integration with AI-enabled robotic arms and real-time sensory feedback mechanisms is making soft grippers smarter, more adaptive, and scalable across diverse industrial settings.