Agricultural Robots Market Size and Share

Agricultural Robots Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The agricultural robots market is valued at USD 25 billion in 2025 and is forecast to climb to USD 75 billion by 2030, reflecting a 24.6% CAGR. This growth stems from farmers’ urgent need to offset labor shortages, raise yields, and cut input waste through autonomous machines that integrate artificial intelligence, computer vision, and precision sensors. Strong demand for flexible equipment that can operate day and night across broad-acre and specialty crops keeps capital flowing toward new field‐ready platforms while falling component prices make once-premium technologies affordable to mid-sized producers. Hardware remains the revenue anchor today, yet recurring software subscriptions and service agreements expand rapidly as growers prioritize integrated decision support, predictive maintenance, and cloud-based fleet coordination. Venture and corporate investors view the agricultural robots market as a core pillar of the wider AgTech ecosystem and continue financing start-ups that solve specific pain points, such as chemical-free weeding, selective harvesting, and data fusion across disparate farm assets. Finally, government subsidies that reward sustainable practices accelerate adoption by absorbing part of the upfront cost and by clarifying safety rules for autonomous machines.
Key Report Takeaways
- By type, UAVs and drones held 35% of the agricultural robots market share in 2024, while automated harvesting systems post the fastest 26% CAGR through 2030.
- By application, broad-acre applications held 24% of the agricultural robots market share in 2024, while Greenhouse automation is expanding at a 24% CAGR to 2030.
- By offering, hardware captured 60% of the agricultural robots market size in 2024, and software solutions advanced at a 21% CAGR between 2025 and 2030.
- By geography, North America led with 37% revenue share in 2024; Asia-Pacific is expanding at a 25.5% CAGR to 2030.
Global Agricultural Robots Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
Driver | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
---|---|---|---|
Chronic labor shortages and an aging farmer population | +6.2% | North America and Europe | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
Rising venture and corporate investments in ag-robotics | +4.8% | North America and Asia-Pacific | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Government incentives for smart farming automation | +3.5% | Europe and Asia-Pacific | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Rapid advances in AI, vision, and LIDAR technologies | +4.1% | Global technology hubs | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
Night-time autonomous operations to avoid heat stress | +2.3% | Middle East, Africa, and hot Asian regions | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
Demand for pesticide-free laser weeding solutions | +3.7% | North America and Europe | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Source: Mordor Intelligence
Chronic Labor Shortages and Aging Farmer Population
Labor scarcity has risen to a structural challenge as experienced workers retire and younger generations pursue non-farm careers. In the United States, 60% of agribusinesses postponed projects during 2024 because they could not secure seasonal crews, and labor already accounts for 40% of production costs on high-value California farms. Autonomous robots provide a consistent workforce that operates around the clock without overtime, improving field-work continuity and mitigating wage inflation pressures. Suppliers now emphasize ease of deployment to help growers integrate robotic units with minimal training, further lowering the barrier to entry.
Rising Venture and Corporate Investments in Ag-Robotics
Despite a dip in broader AgTech funding, capital committed to farm robotics rose 9% in 2024, underscoring investor conviction in scalable automation solutions. New Holland partnered with Bluewhite to retrofit specialty tractors, a collaboration expected to trim operating costs by up to 85% for orchard and vineyard owners. Verdant Robotics, Fieldwork Robotics, and other start-ups have secured multi-million-dollar rounds that shorten product-development cycles and accelerate international launches. The resulting innovation wave keeps the agricultural robot market highly dynamic and competitive.
Government Incentives for Smart Farming Automation
Public programs that tie sustainability goals to technology adoption are taking shape across major farming regions. The United Kingdom’s Improving Farm Productivity grant covers a share of the purchase price for autonomous systems that combine navigation, sensing, and analytics[1]Source: UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, “Improving Farm Productivity Grant Guidance,” gov.uk. Australia’s National Robotics Strategy calculates that robotics could add AUD 600 billion (USD 420 billion) to the national GDP, with agriculture ranked as a priority sector[2]Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, “National Robotics Strategy,” commerce.gov. Such incentives reduce payback periods for growers, especially small and medium holdings, and signal long-term regulatory support for autonomy.
Rapid Advances in AI, Vision, and LIDAR Technologies
Camera arrays, edge processors, and low-cost LIDAR units now allow agricultural robots to detect obstacles, classify plants, and adjust tool paths in real time. John Deere’s second-generation autonomy stack employs 16 cameras that feed machine-learning models capable of centimeter-level precision under dust, fog, or partial occlusion conditions. Similar sensor suites power university research harvesters that navigate greenhouse rows without human oversight, opening new use cases in high-value horticulture.
Restraints Impact Analysis
Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
---|---|---|---|
High upfront cost and uncertain ROI for smallholders | -4.8% | Developing economies | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
Gaps in rural connectivity for real-time control | -3.2% | Africa and parts of Asia | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Ethical concerns over animal-robot interaction | -1.5% | North America and Europe | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Fragmented certification for autonomous machinery | -2.7% | Global | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
Source: Mordor Intelligence
High Upfront Cost and Uncertain ROI for Smallholders
A fully automated milking parlor can cost USD 10,000 per cow, translating into nearly USD 2 million for a 180-cow dairy. Many smallholders cannot access affordable finance or lease programs, and fluctuating commodity prices lengthen the payback horizon. Modular designs and cooperative ownership models have emerged to spread capital burdens, yet economic feasibility remains a hurdle in price-sensitive regions.
Fragmented Certification for Autonomous Machinery
Rules governing driverless tractors differ across jurisdictions. The European Union’s Machinery Regulation adds supervisory and safety specifications that do not exist in many U.S. states[3]Source: European Agricultural Machinery Industry Association, “EU Machinery Regulation Overview,” cema-aisbl.eu. Manufacturers must navigate multiple test protocols, extending product-launch timelines and creating compliance costs that smaller firms find onerous.
Segment Analysis
By Type: UAV Dominance Sustains While Harvesting Robots Accelerate
UAVs retained 35% of the agricultural robots market share in 2024 as growers relied on aerial imagery, variable-rate spraying, and crop-stress detection to raise input efficiency. DJI reported more than 400,000 drones treating 500 million hectares worldwide, confirming drones’ role as an early-stage automation gateway. The agricultural robots market size tied to UAV hardware and associated software subscriptions is forecast to expand steadily as national airspace authorities refine rules that permit beyond-visual-line-of-sight missions.
Automated harvesters log the fastest 26% CAGR because fruit and vegetable producers confront severe picker shortages and tight harvest windows. Fieldwork Robotics’ raspberry unit already matches human throughput at 150 to 300 berries per hour and promises continuous operation through night shifts. Driverless tractors also gain momentum at a 27% growth clip as OEMs retrofit existing fleets with perception kits that manage tillage, seeding, and grain-cart duties.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Application: Broad-Acre Scale Leads as Greenhouse Automation Gains Pace
Broad-acre tasks such as mapping, fertilizing, and inter-row weeding accounted for 24% of 2024 revenue, thanks to immediate savings in seed, fertilizer, and fuel. Laser systems that clear 200,000 weeds per hour without herbicides exemplify the efficiency gains driving uptake. The agricultural robots market size attached to broad-acre applications is projected to remain the largest contributor through 2030.
Greenhouse automation grows at 24% CAGR because controlled environments simplify navigation and justify higher capital intensity through premium crop prices. Robotic sprayers, pollinators, and harvesters work consistently in narrow aisles where human labor is scarce. Indoor strawberry operations using camera-guided pickers demonstrate that precise handling reduces bruising and boosts pack-out rates, reinforcing adoption.
By Offering: Hardware Holds Majority, Software Races Ahead
Hardware kept a 60% revenue share in 2024, anchored by autonomous navigation modules, robotic arms, and rugged chassis that withstand harsh field conditions. The agricultural robots market size tied to mechanical systems will continue to climb as OEMs shift tractor portfolios toward autonomy-ready designs. Sensors and vision units follow, driven by falling component prices and rising accuracy.
The software registers the fastest 21% CAGR as growers demand cloud dashboards that unify data from drones, driverless tractors, and stationary sensors. Robot operating systems orchestrate fleet logistics, while farm-management suites provide prescription maps and fuel remaining recurring revenue streams. Service packages that combine training, predictive maintenance, and pay-per-acre pricing reinforce vendor ties and soften upfront investment burdens.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
Geography Analysis
North America retained 37% of the agricultural robots market in 2024 due to large farm sizes, supportive regulatory sandboxes, and deep venture capital pools. Carbon Robotics raised USD 70 million to scale its second-generation LaserWeeder, reflecting investor confidence in chemical-free weed control. The United States reviews safety rules for driverless tractors, signaling a path toward mainstream field autonomy. Canada and Mexico add demand through grains and high-value horticulture, respectively, broadening the region’s adoption base.
Asia-Pacific posts the fastest 25.5% CAGR as China funds domestic robotics champions and monitors food-security objectives. The Japanese government subsidizes autonomous orchard solutions for an aging farming population, while Australia’s National Robotics Strategy targets AUD 600 billion (USD 420 billion) in GDP gains from wider automation[4]Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, “National Robotics Strategy,” commerce.gov . India explores low-cost weeding and spraying robots tailored to smallholder budgets, though connectivity and financing remain obstacles.
Europe advances steadily, spurred by labor shortages, sustainability regulation, and high crop protection standards. The European Union’s Machinery Regulation includes new provisions for autonomous mobile machines, giving manufacturers a clearer compliance roadmap[5]Source: European Agricultural Machinery Industry Association, “EU Machinery Regulation Overview,” cema-aisbl.eu . Germany pilots the fully electric Fendt e100 Vario tractor, proving zero-emission field work over four to seven hours of operation on a single 100 kWh battery. The United Kingdom’s grant program offsets robotics purchases, and France and Spain test multi-robot weeders in vineyards and olive groves.

Competitive Landscape
The five largest suppliers command 56% of global revenue, confirming a moderately concentrated structure that still allows smaller innovators to flourish. John Deere, CNH Industrial, and AGCO leverage established sales networks to bundle autonomy kits with their mainstream tractors, while pure-play entrants focus on specific tasks such as laser weeding, selective harvesting, or dairy automation. New Holland’s agreement with Bluewhite embeds autonomous navigation into specialty crop tractors sold through western United States dealerships cnhindustrial.com.
Strategic alliances reshape competitive boundaries. New Holland blends Bluewhite navigation software into orchard tractors, promising 85% cost savings for specialty crop growers. AGCO’s OutRun retrofit kit lifts fuel efficiency by up to 8% and extends autonomy to legacy tractors. Deere acquires battery maker Kreisel Electric to secure next-generation powertrains. Smaller firms exploit gaps in delicate fruit picking, swamp rice fields, and smallholder-friendly weeders.
Technology competition hinges on perception accuracy, AI model robustness, and full-stack software integration. Deere’s acquisition of Kreisel Electric brings battery manufacturing in-house, signaling a shift toward vertically integrated electric powertrains that lower operating costs and emissions. White-space opportunities include niche crops where current equipment lacks delicate handling and emerging markets where low-cost modular systems may overtake large conventional units. Vendors that bundle hardware, software, and ongoing services position themselves to capture lifetime customer value and defend margins as hardware commoditizes.
Agricultural Robots Industry Leaders
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Deere & Company
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CNH Industrial N.V.
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AGCO Corporation
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Kubota Corporation
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SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd.
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Recent Industry Developments
- April 2025: John Deere confirmed plans to commercialize its first all-electric autonomous tractor by 2026 after taking a majority stake in Kreisel Electric.
- March 2025: AGCO launched OutRun retrofit autonomy kits for mixed fleets, promising 7-8% fuel savings across multiple tractor brands.
- February 2025: Carbon Robotics released LaserWeeder G2 with 25% lower weight and modular designs that fit farms from 80 to 800 acres.
- January 2025: John Deere unveiled its second-generation autonomy stack at CES 2025, adding advanced AI and 16-camera vision to the 9RX tractor, 5ML Orchard Tractor, and a battery electric mower.
Global Agricultural Robots Market Report Scope
Agricultural robots are specialized articles of technology that are capable of assisting farmers with a wide range of operations for improving the quality and efficiency of yield, minimizing reliance on manual labor, and increasing overall productivity. They can analyze, contemplate, and carry out a multitude of functions. The Agricultural Robots Market is segmented by Type (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones), Milking Robots, Driverless Tractors, and Automated Harvesting Systems), Application (Broad Acre Applications, Dairy Farm Management, Aerial Data Collection, Weather Tracking and Forecasting, and Inventory Management), Offering (Hardware, Software, and Services), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Africa). The report offers market size and forecasts in value (USD) for all the above segments.
By Type | Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones) | ||
Milking Robots | |||
Driverless Tractors | |||
Automated Harvesting Systems | |||
Multi-purpose Field Robots | |||
Sorting and Packaging Robots | |||
By Application | Broad Acre Applications | Field Mapping | |
Seeding and Planting | |||
Fertilizing and Irrigation | |||
Intercultural Operations | |||
Picking and Harvesting | |||
Dairy Farm Management | Milking | ||
Shepherding and Herding | |||
Aerial Data Collection | |||
Weather Tracking and Forecasting | |||
Inventory Management | |||
Greenhouse Automation | |||
Fruit Orchard Operations | |||
By Offering | Hardware | Autonomous Navigation Systems | |
Sensors and Vision Systems | |||
Robotic Arms and End Effectors | |||
Software | Robot Operating Systems | ||
Farm Management Platforms | |||
Data Analytics and AI Algorithms | |||
Services | Integration and Deployment | ||
Maintenance and Upgrades | |||
Data-as-a-Service | |||
By Geography | North America | United States | |
Canada | |||
Mexico | |||
Rest of North America | |||
South America | Brazil | ||
Argentina | |||
Rest of South America | |||
Europe | Germany | ||
United Kingdom | |||
France | |||
Spain | |||
Italy | |||
Russia | |||
Rest of Europe | |||
Asia-Pacific | China | ||
Japan | |||
India | |||
Australia | |||
South Korea | |||
Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
Middle East | Saudi Arabia | ||
United Arab Emirates | |||
Rest of Middle East | |||
Africa | South Africa | ||
Egypt | |||
Rest of Africa |
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones) |
Milking Robots |
Driverless Tractors |
Automated Harvesting Systems |
Multi-purpose Field Robots |
Sorting and Packaging Robots |
Broad Acre Applications | Field Mapping |
Seeding and Planting | |
Fertilizing and Irrigation | |
Intercultural Operations | |
Picking and Harvesting | |
Dairy Farm Management | Milking |
Shepherding and Herding | |
Aerial Data Collection | |
Weather Tracking and Forecasting | |
Inventory Management | |
Greenhouse Automation | |
Fruit Orchard Operations |
Hardware | Autonomous Navigation Systems |
Sensors and Vision Systems | |
Robotic Arms and End Effectors | |
Software | Robot Operating Systems |
Farm Management Platforms | |
Data Analytics and AI Algorithms | |
Services | Integration and Deployment |
Maintenance and Upgrades | |
Data-as-a-Service |
North America | United States |
Canada | |
Mexico | |
Rest of North America | |
South America | Brazil |
Argentina | |
Rest of South America | |
Europe | Germany |
United Kingdom | |
France | |
Spain | |
Italy | |
Russia | |
Rest of Europe | |
Asia-Pacific | China |
Japan | |
India | |
Australia | |
South Korea | |
Rest of Asia-Pacific | |
Middle East | Saudi Arabia |
United Arab Emirates | |
Rest of Middle East | |
Africa | South Africa |
Egypt | |
Rest of Africa |
Key Questions Answered in the Report
What is the current value of the agricultural robots market?
The agricultural robots market is valued at USD 25 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 75 billion by 2030.
Which region holds the largest agricultural robots market share?
North America leads with a 37% revenue share in 2024, supported by large farm sizes and early adoption of precision agriculture.
Which technology segment is growing the fastest?
Automated harvesting systems record the highest 26% CAGR to 2030 as fruit and vegetable producers automate labor-intensive picking tasks.
How significant are drones within the agricultural robots industry?
Drones account for 35% of 2024 revenue, making them the largest single technology segment due to their versatility in spraying, scouting, and mapping.
What is the main barrier to adoption for small farms?
High upfront costs and uncertain payback periods deter smallholders, especially in developing economies where financing options are limited.
How are governments encouraging agricultural robotics?
Policies such as the United Kingdom’s Improving Farm Productivity grant and Australia’s National Robotics Strategy provide subsidies and regulatory clarity that reduce adoption risk and accelerate deployment.
Page last updated on: July 7, 2025