Multi-axis Force-torque Sensors Market - Global Forecast 2026-2032

The Multi-axis Force-torque Sensors Market size was estimated at USD 535.48 million in 2025 and expected to reach USD 595.01 million in 2026, at a CAGR of 11.05% to reach USD 1,115.27 million by 2032.

The accelerating integration of robots and automated systems across industries underscores the growing importance of multi-axis force-torque sensors as critical enablers of precise control and safe human–machine collaboration. As factories and service providers alike pursue higher throughput and enhanced quality, the demand for sensors that accurately measure forces and torques in multiple degrees of freedom has surged. Global robot density reached a record 162 units per 10,000 employees in 2023, more than doubling over the past seven years, illustrating the rapid pace of adoption in advanced manufacturing environments. Meanwhile, annual installations of industrial robots exceeded half a million units in 2023 for the third consecutive year, with 70% of new deployments occurring in Asia, 17% in Europe, and 10% in the Americas.

Against this backdrop, multi-axis force-torque sensors have become indispensable tools for embedding tactile awareness into robotic and automation systems. By delivering real-time measurements of forces along the x, y, and z axes, as well as torques around each axis, these sensors enable robots to perform delicate assembly, adaptive gripping, and safe collaborative tasks. Collaborative robots, or cobots, accounted for 10.5% of all industrial robot installations in 2023, reflecting their growing role in flexible and human-centric automation. As organizations expand beyond traditional production cells into dynamic workspaces, the integration of multi-axis force-torque sensors is a foundational step toward achieving resilient, intelligent automation.

The multi-axis force-torque sensor landscape is evolving rapidly as emerging applications redefine traditional automation paradigms. Collaborative robots, once a niche segment, saw global shipment growth of 13.8% in 2024 despite headwinds from supply chain disruptions and economic volatility. Interact Analysis forecasts a robust recovery in cobot shipments, with anticipated growth of 20.6% in 2025 and sustained expansion thereafter, driven by semiconductor, logistics, and electronics demand. This shift highlights how force-torque sensors are central to safe, flexible automation in sectors requiring close human–machine interaction.

In 2025, U.S. tariffs on imported electrical and automation components have injected new complexity into the global supply chain for force-torque sensors. Tariffs ranging from 10% to 25% on critical materials and sensor modules have driven up component costs and pressured profit margins for manufacturers and integrators alike. Hardware-focused startups and mid-stage companies, which often lack the scale to absorb unexpected cost increases, are particularly vulnerable to these trade measures.

To mitigate these headwinds, leading sensor producers are diversifying their sourcing strategies and accelerating onshoring initiatives. Some are shifting assembly operations to tariff-exempt jurisdictions, while others are forging strategic partnerships with domestic foundries for semiconductors and raw materials. Despite short-term price pressures, stakeholders anticipate that streamlined supply chains and increased domestic capacity will fortify long-term resilience and reduce exposure to future trade policy fluctuations.

Analyzing the market through multiple segmentation lenses reveals distinct value drivers for force-torque sensors. Across the End Use Industry dimension, aerospace and defense applications-from commercial aircraft engine testing to spacecraft assembly-demand high-precision, ruggedized sensors. In automotive manufacturing, electric vehicle battery assembly and internal combustion engine line integration equally drive demand for compact, high-accuracy devices. Consumer electronics producers rely on force-torque feedback for durability and functional testing of gaming consoles, smartphones, and wearables, while healthcare segments utilize sensors in rehabilitation robotics and surgical simulation workflows. The robotics sector itself spans collaborative packaging systems to service robots in hospitality settings, with each vertical requiring tailored sensor specifications.

Interpreting Application-based segmentation underscores the breadth of use cases: from precision fastening and welding processes, where force control ensures joint integrity, to material testing scenarios like compression and tension analysis. Process control in casting and molding benefits from real-time torque monitoring, while robot guidance functions-calibration and path planning-rely on force sensing for repeatable accuracy. In surgical simulation, haptic feedback modules driven by force-torque sensors enhance virtual reality realism and trainee skill development.

Regional analysis highlights significant geographic disparities in demand and innovation for force-torque sensors. In the Americas, North American OEMs and system integrators benefit from proximity to end users and advanced manufacturing hubs, fostering rapid design–deploy cycles in sectors like automotive and aerospace. Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) exhibit strong adoption in high-value industries such as defense equipment and semiconductor packaging, supported by government incentives for Industry 4.0 initiatives and collaborative research consortia. The Asia-Pacific region leads global sensor consumption, with robust growth in consumer electronics manufacturing, electric vehicle production, and robotics installations. Local markets in China, Japan, and South Korea emphasize cost-effective, scalable sensor solutions, while emerging Southeast Asian economies invest in smart factory deployments to close productivity gaps.

Key players are driving innovation and competitive differentiation in force-torque sensing technologies. ATI Industrial Automation continues to advance its portfolio with ultra-thin, high-resolution transducers like the Mini43LP, tailored for compact robotic end-effectors and warehouse automation applications. The company’s strategic partnerships with major robot OEMs, exemplified by seamless integration with FANUC’s Force Control Software, expand the market reach of multi-axis sensors across global automation platforms. Meanwhile, Kistler Instrumente has showcased its configurable torque flanges and process monitoring systems that enable real-time quality assurance in e-mobility and precision joining operations.

Emerging challengers such as JR3 Inc. and FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology are gaining traction through customizable sensor modules and system-level solutions, while established electronics providers like TE Connectivity and OnRobot leverage their distribution networks to bundle force-torque sensing with complementary automation products. Collectively, these leaders are shaping an ecosystem that prioritizes interoperability, high-fidelity data acquisition, and scalable manufacturing.

Industry leaders should prioritize diversified supply sourcing and flexible manufacturing footprints to buffer against tariff-induced cost fluctuations and evolving trade policies. Investing in modular sensor architectures that support multiple communication protocols-EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, and serial interfaces-will enable rapid integration across diverse robot platforms and legacy control systems. Collaborative R&D programs with end-market adopters can accelerate co-innovation, ensuring sensor specifications align with next-generation applications in electric vehicle assembly, surgical robotics, and advanced materials testing.

In parallel, companies should expand their value-added service models to include predictive maintenance analytics and digital twins powered by force-torque data streams. Developing standardized calibration and certification frameworks will build customer confidence in sensor accuracy and facilitate cross-industry benchmarks. Finally, exploring emerging channels such as OEM e-commerce portals and digital marketplaces can unlock new revenue streams and strengthen direct customer relationships.

Our research methodology combined primary and secondary insights to ensure robust, unbiased analysis. We conducted in-depth interviews with leading sensor manufacturers, system integrators, and end users across key industries, validating technical requirements, adoption barriers, and future priorities. Concurrently, we aggregated patent filings, company press releases, and academic publications to track technology trends and competitive dynamics. Data triangulation was performed by cross-referencing interview findings with third-party robotics deployment statistics from the International Federation of Robotics and tariff documentation from U.S. trade authorities. This multi-layered approach ensures that our conclusions reflect both quantitative market signals and qualitative expert perspectives.

The multi-axis force-torque sensor market stands at a pivotal juncture, shaped by accelerated automation, evolving trade landscapes, and the proliferation of collaborative and service robots. As advanced industries demand ever-higher precision and reliability, force-torque sensing has emerged as a cornerstone technology for next-generation applications-from spacecraft assembly to minimally invasive surgery. While short-term headwinds from tariffs and supply chain disruptions pose challenges, they also catalyze strategic realignments toward more resilient manufacturing footprints and localized sourcing. Looking ahead, the fusion of force-torque data with AI-driven analytics will unlock unprecedented levels of process optimization and adaptive automation. Organizations that proactively navigate these dynamics will secure a decisive advantage in the unfolding automation era.

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