MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES (; manipulators associated with rolling mills B21B39/20; manipulators associated with forging machines B21J13/10; ; means for holding wheels or parts thereof B60B30/00; ; cranes B66C; ; manipulators specially adapted for, or associated with, nuclear reactors G21C; )

Description

B25J encompasses robotic manipulators and mechanical handling devices, including articulated arms, grippers, and positioning systems used to move, grasp, or process materials in industrial, laboratory, or specialized environments. This classification covers both standalone manipulators and integrated systems where manipulation devices are built into chambers or enclosures (such as gloveboxes or containment vessels). Technologies include actuators, control systems, end-effectors, and mechanical linkages that enable precise movement and object handling across manufacturing, research, and hazardous material processing applications.

Filing statistics

CPC subclass B25J recorded 199,981 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 5,886 in 2013 to 21,998 in 2023 (+274%), peaking at 25,413 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class B25 are FANUC (3,700 applications), ROBERT BOSCH (3,293 applications) and LG ELECTRONICS (2,871 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings