This article presents a quarterly round-up of the latest trends in the automotive industry regarding robotics. It provides an overview of recent developments in robotics-related deals, talent acquisition, and patent filings within the automotive industry.

Diverse applications of robotics in automotive industry

Automotive companies in the field of robotics are leveraging the latest patents to innovate and improve their businesses. One patent titled "Automated bi-stable valve system and method of using the same for composite manufacturing" introduces a system with bi-stable valves that can switch between open and closed states, allowing for selective control of adhesion zones on a material surface. This technology can be beneficial for composite manufacturing processes. Another patent focuses on a seal structure for protecting a motor of a robot, ensuring a more reliable seal and motor protection. Additionally, there is a patent related to unmanned aerial system communication, providing monitoring and location reporting for unmanned aerial vehicles. Lastly, a patent introduces a dynamic guidance system for accompanying vehicles in agricultural operations, allowing for precise control and guidance. These patents offer automotive companies new robotics technologies and applications that can enhance their operations and improve efficiency.

The industry experienced a 53% decline in the number of robotics-related patent applications in Q3 2023 compared with the previous quarter. On an annual basis, the number of robotics-related patent applications in the automotive industry witnessed a drop of 45% compared with Q3 2022.

Strategic deal trends in robotics in automotive industry

Automotive companies are not only focusing on innovation to enhance their patent portfolios but are also making strategic investments in robotics. These investments aim to secure lucrative deals with partners and position themselves at the forefront of industry advancements. Some of the recent deals underscore the importance of robotics in the automotive industry.

In Q3 2023, the number of robotics-related deals in the automotive industry declined by 50% compared with Q3 2022. On a quarterly basis, there was 33% drop in the number of deals in Q3 2023 compared with the previous quarter.

Impact on hiring

In terms of new job posting, in Q3 2023, the automotive industry experienced a 14% drop compared with the previous quarter. On an annual basis, job postings also declined by 31%. Notably, architecture and engineering occupations, with a share of 26%, emerged as the top robotics-related job roles within the automotive industry in Q3 2023, with new job postings drop by 0.15% quarter-on-quarter. Computer and mathematical occupations came in second with a share of 19% in Q3 2023, with new job postings dropping by 5% over the previous quarter. The other prominent robotics roles include installation, maintenance, and repair occupations with a 13% share in Q3 2023, and production occupations with a 7% share of new job postings.

Tesla, Robert Bosch, Continental, Magna International, and General Motors are among the top companies leading in robotics hiring within the automotive industry.

Countries driving adoption of robotics in automotive industry

The US is the leading country in robotics adoption within the automotive industry, boasting the highest number of robotics-related patents, jobs, and deals. Meanwhile, South Korea, India, the Netherlands and China also maintain significant positions in robotics adoption within the automotive industry.

The automotive sector showcases diverse robotics patents driving innovation, despite a notable decline in both patent applications and strategic deals, signaling a transformative shift. Concurrently, a decrease in job postings, particularly in architecture and engineering roles, suggests evolving talent needs within the industry's robotics landscape.

To further understand GlobalData's analysis on robotics in the automotive industry, buy the report here.

Premium Insights

From

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Blending expert knowledge with cutting-edge technology, GlobalData’s unrivalled proprietary data will enable you to decode what’s happening in your market. You can make better informed decisions and gain a future-proof advantage over your competitors.

GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.

GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.