According to incomplete statistics from the New Strategic Mobile Robot Industry Research Institute based on data from the CMR Industry Alliance, in 2024, domestic and foreign mobile robot enterprises will launch 130 new AGV/AMR products, with a wide range of product types and diverse application scenarios, further enhancing innovation vitality and competitiveness.
From the perspective of new product research and development at home and abroad, domestic mobile robot enterprises have launched a total of 90 new products, accounting for nearly 70%; foreign enterprises have launched 40 products, accounting for more than 31%. The innovation rate of domestic enterprises is obviously faster than that of foreign enterprises.
In terms of the launch time of new products, 37 new products were launched in the first quarter, 33 new products were launched in the second quarter, 26 new products were launched in the third quarter, and 34 new products were launched in the fourth quarter. The launch of new global mobile robots was concentrated in the first quarter.
From the perspective of product types, mobile robot companies have launched 52 new unmanned forklift models, 35 new submersible lifting products, 11 new compound robots, 4 heavy-duty products, and 28 other types of new products. Unmanned forklifts are undoubtedly the hottest product in 2024. Additionally, the number of new compound robot models has also increased compared to 2023. 
From the perspective of new product navigation methods, thanks to the development of laser SLAM and visual SLAM technologies, AMR new products (laser SLAM + visual SLAM) account for nearly 80%, becoming a research hotspot for global mobile robot companies. In terms of application, with the gradual expansion of scenarios, the demand for more flexible navigation methods in mobile robots has been growing rapidly in recent years.
Overall, the new mobile robots at home and abroad in 2024 show the following characteristics:
- Refinement: In 2024, domestic and foreign enterprises will focus more on innovation around different segments and upgrade their existing product lines.
- Diversity: First, the product types are rich and varied, including unmanned forklifts, composite robots, submerged jacks, and heavy-duty models. Second, the application scenarios are diverse, with new products launched in industries such as automotive manufacturing, warehousing logistics, new energy, heavy industry, component manufacturing, building materials and chemicals, food, and inspection. Finally, the functions are multifaceted, utilizing technologies like multimodal perception and interaction to enable natural language processing capabilities, achieving autonomous environmental awareness, understanding, cognition, and human-robot interaction.
- More safe: Most new products are equipped with 360° dual laser obstacle avoidance, 3D camera stereoscopic obstacle avoidance, audio-visual safety reminder, safety touch edge protection and emergency stop button, etc., and also realize active obstacle avoidance through security algorithm, 3D suspended obstacle avoidance, and all-round protection for personnel and goods.
- Intelligence: In 2024, the arrival of emerging technologies such as embodied intelligence has provided mobile robot manufacturers with new ideas for innovation. From perception, decision-making to execution, all manufacturers are using AI and other technologies to comprehensively enhance the intelligence level of mobile robots, thereby improving their applicability in various scenarios and operational efficiency.
It is not hard to see that the innovative vitality of global mobile robot companies is continuously bursting forth, with innovation capabilities further enhanced. Accompanying this trend is a noticeable acceleration in product updates and replacements. This positive innovation trend is opening up broader application scenarios for mobile robots, while also intensifying market competition. Companies must continuously strengthen their technological and talent reserves to meet the rapidly changing market demands.
