Global industrial robot use doubles in a decade

Global installations of industrial robots more than doubled over the past 10 years, reaching 542,076 units in 2024, according to the World Robotics 2025 report by the International Federation of Robotics.

The data marks 2024 as the second-highest year on record for robot installations, just 2% below the 2022 peak.

“The new World Robotics statistics show 2024 the second highest annual installation count of industrial robots in history — only 2% lower than the all-time-high two years ago,” said Takayuki Ito, President of the International Federation of Robotics.

“The transition of many industries into the digital and automated age has been marked by a huge surge in demand,” Ito added.

The global operational stock of industrial robots rose 9% year-over-year to 4,664,000 units in 2024.

Asia dominated the global market with 74% of new installations, compared with 16% in Europe and 9% in the Americas.

China led all countries with 295,000 units installed, representing 54% of global deployments and surpassing 2 million operational units for the first time.

Domestic Chinese manufacturers gained a majority market share at home, reaching 57% in 2024 — a major jump from 28% a decade ago.

Japan ranked second globally, installing 44,500 robots in 2024 despite a 4% decline from the previous year.

Japan’s operational stock increased to 450,500 units, and modest growth is expected to continue.

The Republic of Korea remained the fourth-largest market with 30,600 installations, slightly below its long-standing average.

India saw record growth, installing 9,100 robots — up 7% — driven largely by the automotive industry, which accounted for 45% of deployments.

India now ranks sixth globally in robot installations, overtaking Germany.

In Europe, total installations fell 8% to 85,000 units in 2024, though the EU accounted for 80% of that figure.

Germany remained Europe’s top market with 26,982 installations, a 5% decline but still the second-best year on record.

Italy’s installations dropped 16% to 8,783 units, followed by Spain (5,100 units) and France (4,900 units), the latter seeing a steep 24% decline.

The UK experienced the largest drop among major European markets, with installations down 35% to 2,500 units following the end of a tax incentive program.

In the Americas, robot installations exceeded 50,000 units for the fourth consecutive year, totaling 50,100 units in 2024.

The United States led the region with 34,200 units installed, down 9%, and continues to rely heavily on imports from Japan and Europe.

Mexico installed 5,600 robots, a 4% drop, with 63% deployed in the automotive sector.

Canada’s installations fell 12% to 3,800 units, reflecting the cyclical nature of automotive investments, which made up 47% of the total.

Despite regional variances, the IFR projects a 6% global increase in robot installations in 2025, reaching 575,000 units.

By 2028, the number of annual installations is expected to surpass 700,000 units globally.

The robotics industry, while sensitive to global economic and geopolitical factors, continues to show strong long-term growth potential.

The International Federation of Robotics, which publishes the World Robotics reports, represents the global robotics industry across 20 countries.

Its annual studies provide detailed data on robot deployment, density, applications, and market trends, including specialized research on service robots through a partnership with Fraunhofer IPA in Stuttgart.