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IPC Subclass
B25J

MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES

Introduced: September 1968

Last revised: January 1990

Classification Context

Section:
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
Class:
HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; HANDLES FOR HAND IMPLEMENTS; WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT; MANIPULATORS
Subclass:
MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES

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

IPC subclass B25J recorded 288,138 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 8,945 in 2013 to 34,122 in 2023 (+281%), peaking at 36,604 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class B25 are SGCC(STATE GRID CORPORATION OF CHINA) (4,635 applications), FANUC (3,353 applications) and ROBERT BOSCH (2,950 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings

In class comparison

B25J ranks 1st of 7 subclasses with filings in B25, with 288,138 applications between 2013 and 2023, 38.9% of the class. Annual filings grew 281% from 2013 to 2023, above the class as a whole (+246%).

Subclasses of class B25 by patent applications, 2013–2023
RankSubclassTitleApplicationsShare
1B25JManipulators; Chambers Provided With Manipulation Devices288,13838.9%
2B25B, Tools or Bench Devices Not Otherwise Provided For, for Fastening, Connecting, Disengaging, or HoldingTools or Bench Devices Not Otherwise Provided For, for Fastening, Connecting, Disengaging, or Holding276,84137.4%
3B25H, Workshop Equipment, e.g. for Marking-Out Work; Storage Means for WorkshopsWorkshop Equipment, e.g. for Marking-Out Work; Storage Means for Workshops111,87115.1%
4B25F, Combination or Multi-Purpose Tools Not Otherwise Provided for; Details or Components of Portable Power-Driven Tools Not Particularly Related to the Operations Performed and Not Otherwise Provided forCombination or Multi-Purpose Tools Not Otherwise Provided for; Details or Components of Portable Power-Driven Tools Not Particularly Related to the Operations Performed and Not Otherwise Provided for29,1973.9%
5B25D, Percussive ToolsPercussive Tools12,5301.7%
6B25C, Hand-Held Nailing or Stapling Tools; Manually-Operated Portable Stapling ToolsHand-Held Nailing or Stapling Tools; Manually-Operated Portable Stapling Tools11,4471.5%
7B25G, Handles for Hand ImplementsHandles for Hand Implements10,5061.4%

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings

Related Keywords

manipulators for GRIPPINGMANIPULATORSROBOT(S) in general

12 direct subcodes

Child Classifications

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  • B25J 11/00 Manipulators not otherwise provided for
  • B25J 7/00 Micromanipulators

Top Applicants

Top 10 applicants by patent filingsfor class B25, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT

  1. SGCC(STATE GRID CORPORATION OF CHINA) 4,635
  2. FANUC JP 3,353
  3. ROBERT BOSCH DE 2,950
  4. LG ELECTRONICS KR 2,397
  5. HILTI LI 2,243
  6. FANUC 2,234
  7. SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION 2,131
  8. KAWASAKI HEAVY IND JP 1,940
  9. MAKITA CORPORATION 1,851
  10. SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS COMPANY KR 1,562