Number of industrial robots worldwide doubles in ten years

74% of all new robots were put into operation in Asia, Europe accounted for 16% and America 9%. "The new World Robotics statistics show the second-best result for annual installations in 2024 since the surveys began - only 2% below the peak of two years ago," says Takayuki Ito, President of the IFR. "The transition of many industries into the digital and automated age is characterized by an enormous increase in demand. The global operational stock of industrial robots amounted to 4,664,000 units in 2024 - an increase of 9% compared to the previous year."

Asia, Europe and America

China will be the world's largest robot market in 2024 with a global share of 54% of all units. At 295,000 units, the Chinese industry commissioned the highest number of robots ever installed in one year. For the first time, Chinese manufacturers sold more robots in their own country than foreign suppliers. The market share rose to 57%, significantly exceeding the rate of previous years, which was 28% ten years ago. China's operational stock of industrial robots exceeded 2 million units in 2024 - also a global record. Suppliers of robotics in China are succeeding in opening up new markets for automation. This creates the basis for further demand. The Chinese manufacturing industry has the potential for average annual growth of 10% until 2028.

With 44,500 installed units in 2024, Japan is the second-largest market for industrial robots worldwide and has thus maintained its position despite a slight decline of 4%. The operating portfolio increased by 3% to 450,500 units. Demand for factory robots will grow slightly by low single-digit rates in 2025 and by mid-single-digit rates on average over the next few years.

South Korea installed a total of 30,600 units in 2024 - a decline of 3%. Since 2019, annual rates have been moving sideways at around 31,000 units. South Korea is the fourth largest robot market in the world after the United States, Japan and China.

India is growing with a record number of 9100 newly installed industrial robots in 2024 and an increase of 7%. The automotive industry is the strongest customer sector with a market share of 45%. In terms of annual installations, India is now in sixth place worldwide, just one place behind Germany.

The European states

Although the number of industrial robots installed in Europe fell by 8% to 85,000 units, this was still the second-best result ever recorded. The European Union accounted for a total of 80% of all robot installations (67,800 units). Demand in Europe is benefiting in particular from the nearshoring trend. The average annual growth rate from 2019 to 2024 was +3%.

Number of factory robots installed has doubled since 2014. © IFR

Germany is the largest robot market in Europe and the fifth largest worldwide. After a record year in 2023, the number of installations fell by 5% to 27,000 units in 2024, the second-best result since records began. The market share of the total annual volume in Europe is therefore 32%. The number of installations in Italy, the second-largest European market, fell by 16% to 8,800 units. With strong demand from the automotive industry, Spain is in third place (5100 units), overtaking its French neighbors. France (4900 units) fell to fourth place with a decline of 24%.

In the UK, the number of installations fell by 35% to 2500 units in 2024. The record of 3800 industrial robots in 2023 marked a one-off peak, which was due to the 'super-deduction' tax credit program that expired in the first quarter of 2023. The installation figures have otherwise moved sideways over the last ten years with cyclical effects. Robot installations in the UK ranked 19th worldwide in 2024.

The American market

The number of robot installations in America exceeded 50,000 units for the fourth year in a row: A total of 50,100 units were installed in 2024. This corresponds to a decrease of 10% compared to 2023.

The USA is the largest market for industrial robots in the region with a share of 68%. Overall, a decline of 9% to 34,200 units was recorded for installations in 2024. As there are only a few US manufacturers, the country imports the majority of its robot units from Japan and Europe. However, there are numerous domestic system integrators in the US that implement robot-assisted automation solutions.

In Mexico, the total number of installations reached 5600 units. This corresponds to a decline of 4% compared to the previous year. The automotive industry remained the most important customer for industrial robots in Mexico in 2024 with a share of 63%.

In Canada, robot installations fell by 12% to 3,800 units. Demand in the country is largely dependent on the investment cycles of the automotive industry. The automotive industry accounted for 47% of the market in Canada in 2024.

Outlook

The OECD and IMF expect global growth of between 2.9% and 3.0% in 2025 and between 2.9% and 3.1% in 2026. However, geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East and trade disruptions are having a negative impact on the global economy.

The robotics industry is not immune to global macroeconomic conditions. However, there are no signs that the long-term growth trend will come to an end in the foreseeable future. While trends vary considerably from region to region, the overall global trend remains positive. Worldwide, the number of robot installations is expected to increase by 6% to 575,000 units in 2025. According to forecasts, the 700,000 unit mark will be exceeded by 2028.