Global Robotic Wheelchair Market; By Application, By Distributional Channel, By Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends, and Forecast; 2023-2032

Report Overview

The global robotic wheelchairs market will be valued at USD 115.8 million in 2022. It is expected to reach USD 314.29 million growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.5% between 2023 and 2032. Demand for robotic wheelchairs is rising because of increasing temporary and permanent mobility impairments, a growing elderly population, and obese people who cannot participate in activities requiring smooth movements.

Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on R&D activities to create smart, advanced features to assist people with mobility impairments. These efforts are anticipated to result in the increased application of automatic wheelchairs. Automatic wheelchairs are powered by robotics technology and can use sensors to perceive obstacles, navigate and move. Scientists from research centers in the United States created a new robot wheelchair controlled by the mind of a disabled person. These wheelchairs have sensors and also has with artificial intelligence.

Individuals with temporary and permanent mobility impairments, or those who are highly obese and unable to move independently, are the primary users of robotic wheelchairs. A robotic wheelchair is an operated wheelchair with advanced intelligence capabilities. The growing range of automated processes and the latest technological developments are expanding the scope of robotic wheelchairs.

Assistive technologies, controllers, and sensors are standard equipment on robotic wheelchairs. This market report gives a detailed analysis of the robotic wheelchairs market size, share, industry trends, market growth rate, and other key factors.

Global Robotic Wheelchairs Market Analysis

Application Analysis

The robotic wheelchairs market can be divided by application into residential and commercial. The residential segment led the largest share of 81 % in 2022. The residential use of robotic wheelchairs is gaining attention because they can provide independent mobility assistance for indoor activities. Professor Nicholas of Miguel Hernandez university in Spain has developed an indoor robotic wheelchair that integrates neuro-computer interaction technology.

The commercial sector is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 11% during the forecast period. This segment is expected to grow significantly due to the increasing adoption of robotic wheelchairs at hospitals, airports, social services, and tourist places. Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport and Singapore’s Changi General Hospital, Singapore MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, launched a self-driving robotic wheelchair equipped with a smartphone app developed by Whill Inc. and Panasonic.

Distribution Channel Analysis

In 2022, the retail distribution channel dominated the robotic wheelchairs market with a 71% market share. This category is gaining attention due to its advantages, such as providing customers with the benefits of scanning products before purchase, free demonstrations, and the presence of sales associates to assist customers with the application and benefits of wheelchair-embedded technology.

Matia Robotics, Whill Inc., and Sunrise Medical have their stores and working with other companies to serve a large consumer base. On the other hand, the e-commerce sales channel is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.6% from 2023 to 2032. Business partner with online merchants to reach a vast consumer base and implement e-portals such as made in china.com, healthvistas.com, and seniority.

Key Market Segments

Detailed segmentation is given on the basis of application, distribution channel, etc.

By Application

• Residential
• Commercial

By Distribution Channel

• Retail
• E-commerce

Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Independent mobility, an aging population, victims of accidents, and people in need of assistance to move easily are the significant factors that will increase the demand for robotic wheelchairs over the forecast period.
• In addition, rising consumer disposable income in emerging economies, innovation in technology, and intense R and D are the significant factors driving the growth of the robotic wheelchairs market.
• The rising use of robotic wheelchairs in hospitals, social facilities, airports, and tourist destinations is anticipated to drive the growth of the commercial sector of the robotic wheelchairs market in the future period.
• Adopting advanced technology in robotic wheelchairs can provide the machine with multiple functions. The advantages of robotic wheelchairs include sensor-based movement, navigational mapping, and adequate support. However, high acquisition and operating costs hamper industry growth.
• The commercial market for robotic wheelchairs is expected to grow in the forecast timeframe due to the increased use of robotic wheelchairs in hospitals and airports, tourist spots, tourist attractions, and social services residences.
• The Business Sector and Technological advancements are driving the market. The rising usage of robotic wheelchairs in airports, hospitals, tourist spots, and social service homes is expected to propel expansion in the commercial segment of the market for robotic wheelchairs during the forecast timeframe.

Restraints

• Robotic wheelchairs are expensive to manufacture and only available to patients who can afford the luxury. Due to the high cost of electric wheelchairs, many facilities like small clinics and hospitals cannot afford to maintain them, which is a major factor restraining the market’s growth. Therefore, there is an urgent need to address this issue.
• Patients’ selection of low-maintenance and low-cost alternatives is anticipated to be the major hurdle for the robotic wheelchairs market. Despite favorable redemption opportunities, factors such as technical glitches and product recalls can hamper the growth of the Robotic Wheelchairs market.

COVID-19 Impact

• Factory closures due to COVID-19 have reduced robotic wheelchair production in the industry. This affected not only the scale of production but also the growth of these industries.
• The sale of the robotic wheelchair is anticipated to increase after the global lockdown situation due to COVID-19 is lifted. This also affected trade in these products, hindering sales of robotic wheelchairs in various countries worldwide.

Opportunities

• Companies are developing robotic wheelchairs to facilitate free mobility assistance. The Benefits of these wheelchairs include IoT capabilities and navigational mapping. Key players in this industry are partnering with online retailers to grow their customer base and increase product availability.
• Also, they are launching e-portals to facilitate the purchasing process for customers. Also, integrating advanced high technology into the electric wheelchair has added robotic capabilities to the product.
• For instance, the Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research developed an autonomous smart robotic wheelchair with qualities such as obstacle detection capability, motorized automatic braking, floor level detection, independent path planning, and a small turning radius for mobility.

Regional Analysis

In 2022, North America accounted for the largest market share at 35.5% due to increased demand for the target product from the countries such as the United States, Mexico, Canada, etc. The adoption of electric wheelchairs in indoor settings is rising as the geriatric population increases. Early adoption of technology and a growing geriatric population are key drivers for companies and medical research institutes adopting robotic wheelchairs to assist with independent mobility. The University of Toronto School of Engineering and Aerospace Institute (UTIAS) partnered with Cyber ​​Works Robotics Inc.

A growing elderly population and reimbursement from healthcare insurance companies are driving the  Robotic Wheelchairs market. Invacare Corporation released the TDX SP2 wheelchair made with LiNX and G-Trac technology with an improved obstacle control system. Additionally, US scientists have developed a new mind-controlled robotic wheelchair for people with severe disabilities.

Asia-Pacific is emerging as an increasing robotic wheelchair industry, registering a CAGR of 11% during the future. Technological advancement by companies and startups for the convenience of the immobile population is a key factor driving the demand in the region. Leading manufacturers of robotic wheelchairs are focused on expanding their geographic reach to boost revenue and increase their sales presence in emerging markets by buying locally-based market players.

An interdisciplinary research program in Taiwan has developed a smart robotic wheelchair with navigation software and obstacle detectors for the elderly and disabled. Various universities and research institutes, such as CIT (Chiba Institute of Technology), developed robotic wheelchairs, such as the Chinese robotic wheelchair and Self-E wheelchair, which work on sensor LiDar and robotic operating systems.

Key Regions and Countries Covered in this Report:

• North America
  • The US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • The UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Israel
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Recent Developments

• In 2022, Myers GmBh Netti introduced its latest product range Netti Dynamic Adaptpro. The product has a complete dynamic configuration and easy maneuverability and offers a 500mm turning radius without leg support.
• In Oct 2021, Permobil and KARMA Medical signed an MOU to distribute products using strengths strategically.
• In Nov 2021, Ottobeck acquired suitX, a specialist in the Research and development of occupational and medical exoskeletons.

Market Share & Key Players Analysis:

Independent mobility, the aging population, accident victims, and people requiring mobility assistance are expected to drive the demand for robotic wheelchairs during the forecast period. Industries are coming up with new market developments. Magic Mobility launched Frontier V6, Extreme X8, and children’s wheelchairs that are hybrid in nature because of the articulated frame technology used in the manufacturing of these robotic wheelchairs, offering rehab positions and compatibility for both indoor and outdoor use.

Similarly, Invacare has launched children’s wheelchairs such as Power Tiger, Pronto M71 jr, and MK6i Electronics. Also, Toyota Motor East Japan Co., Ltd. Launched Patraful with a particular front wheel and all-wheel design.

Robotic Wheelchairs Market Key Players:

• Sunrise Medical LLC
• Invacare Corporation
• Permobil Corporation
• Meyra GmbH
• Karman Healthcare
• Ottobock SE & Company
• Matia Robotics
• Upgrade Robotics
• DEKA Research & Development
• Whill Inc.
• Other Key Players

These are the major players in this industry.