The latest
World Robotics 2025 report from the
International Federation of Robotics (IFR) reveals that global demand for industrial robots has more than doubled over the past 10 years, with 542,076 units installed in 2024. This marks the second-highest annual figure ever recorded, just 2% below the all-time peak set in 2022. It also represents the fourth consecutive year in which annual installations have exceeded 500,000 units.
Asia continues to lead the global charge, accounting for 74% of all installations. Europe followed with 16%, and the Americas with 9%. China remains the dominant force, responsible for 54% of all global deployments. The country installed a record 295,000 units in 2024, and for the first time, domestic manufacturers outpaced foreign suppliers in their home market. Chinese firms now hold 57% of the domestic market, up from just 28% a decade ago. The operational stock of robots in China has surpassed 2 million units, the highest of any country.
Takayuki Ito, President of the IFR, said: “The transition of many industries into the digital and automated age has been marked by a huge surge in demand. The total number of industrial robots in operational use worldwide reached 4.66 million units in 2024 – up 9% compared to the previous year.”
The UK experienced a significant contraction, with installations falling by 35% to 2,500 units. The record figure of 3,800 units in 2023 was largely driven by the now-expired ‘super-deduction’ tax credit scheme. Over the past decade, UK installation figures have shown cyclical movement but little sustained growth. The country now ranks 19th globally.
Stable trendJapan retained its position as the second-largest market, with 44,500 units installed, a modest decline of 4%. However, its operational stock rose by 3% to 450,500 units, and demand is expected to grow at a medium single-digit rate in the coming years. South Korea, meanwhile, installed 30,600 units, continuing a stable trend that has held since 2019. India saw a record 9,100 units installed, up 7% year-on-year, with the automotive sector accounting for 45% of demand. India now ranks sixth globally in annual installations, just behind Germany.
In Europe, robot installations fell by 8% to 85,000 units, though this still represents the second-highest total ever recorded for the region. Germany remains the continent’s largest market, with 26,982 units installed, down 5% from the previous year. Italy followed with 8,783 units, a 16% decline, while Spain moved into third place with 5,100 units, overtaking France, which saw a sharp 24% drop to 4,900 units.
In the Americas, 50,100 units were installed in 2024, marking the fourth consecutive year above the 50,000-unit threshold. The United States accounted for 68% of the regional total, with 34,200 units installed, a 9% decline. While the US imports most of its robots from Japan and Europe, it boasts a robust network of domestic system integrators. Mexico installed 5,600 units, with 63% going to the automotive sector, while Canada saw a 12% drop to 3,800 units, also heavily influenced by automotive investment cycles.
Looking ahead, the IFR forecasts 6% growth in global installations for 2025, reaching 575,000 units, with the 700,000-unit mark expected to be surpassed by 2028. While geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty continue to pose challenges, the long-term trajectory for industrial robotics remains firmly upward.