The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) has released key insights from its World Robotics 2025 report, highlighting a dramatic surge in industrial robot adoption over the past decade.
In 2024, global installations of industrial robots reached 542,000 units, more than double the figure recorded ten years ago. According to IFR, annual installations have consistently exceeded half a million units for the past four years, underscoring the strong momentum toward automation in global manufacturing.
By the end of 2024, the total operational stock of industrial robots worldwide hit a record 4.66 million units, representing a 9% year-over-year increase.
Regional Market Highlights
Asia
- Asia remains the dominant hub for industrial robotics, accounting for 74% of all new installations in 2024, far ahead of Europe (16%) and the Americas (9%).
- China continues to lead globally, installing 295,000 new robots—more than half of the world’s total.
- Notably, Chinese manufacturers now hold a 57% share of their domestic market, up from only 28% a decade ago, overtaking foreign suppliers for the first time.
- China’s operational stock surpassed 2 million units, making it the world’s largest single market.
- Japan ranked second, with 44,500 new units installed in 2024. While installations fell slightly year-over-year, its total robot stock continues to grow.
- South Korea saw installations decline by 3% to 30,600 units.
- India recorded 9,100 installations, up 7% from the previous year, with the automotive industry accounting for around 45% of demand.
Europe
- Europe installed 85,000 new robots in 2024, down 8% from the previous year, but still the second-highest figure on record.
- EU member states accounted for 67,800 units of that total.
- Germany remained the region’s largest market, adding 26,982 units, or 32% of the EU total.
- Italy installed 8,783 units (down 16%), France 4,900 units (down 24%), and Spain approximately 5,100 units.
- The UK experienced a sharp 35% decline to just 2,500 units, attributed largely to the expiration of a key tax incentive for automation investments.
The Americas
- Across the Americas, installations fell by 10% to 50,100 units in 2024.
- The United States led the region with 34,200 installations, down 9% from 2023.
- Mexico recorded 5,600 units (down 4%), while Canada saw 3,800 units (down 12%), reflecting the cyclical nature of investments in the automotive sector.
Outlook
While global economic uncertainty remains—driven by geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions, and other factors—IFR emphasizes that the long-term trajectory for robotics remains upward.
The organization forecasts that global robot installations will grow by 6% in 2025, reaching 575,000 units.
By 2028, annual installations are expected to surpass 700,000 units, setting new milestones for the industry.