India has set a new benchmark in industrial automation, with sales of industrial robots reaching a record 9,120 units installed in 2024 — a 7% increase over the previous year. This achievement places India sixth globally in annual robot installations, trailing only Germany, Korea, the USA, Japan, and China, according to the latest World Robotics 2025 report published by the
International Federation of Robotics (IFR).
Takayuki Ito, president of the IFR, said: “India is currently the fastest growing economy in the world. Robot adoption has skyrocketed over the past two years, mainly driven by the automotive industry.” The automotive sector continues to dominate India’s robotics market, accounting for 45% of all installations.
Robot deployment in this segment surged to 4,070 units in 2024, marking a 15% rise. Parts suppliers led the charge with 2,100 units installed — a 40% increase — while car manufacturers installed 1,980 units, reflecting a slight 3% decline. Outside the automotive sector, general industry adoption is also gaining momentum. The plastics and chemical products segment saw 600 installations, up 33%, while the metal industry recorded 420 units, a 30% increase.
India’s operational stock of industrial robots reached 52,570 units in 2024, placing it 10th worldwide. However, the gap between India and the five most automated countries — each with between 300,000 and two million robots — highlights the country’s vast potential for growth.
Looking ahead, the OECD forecasts India’s GDP to grow at a robust 6.3% annually in fiscal years 2025 and 2026. Robot installations are expected to continue rising in 2025, although a slowdown may occur in 2026 when the Production Linked Incentives (PLI) programme concludes. Nevertheless, long-term investments, particularly in the automotive sector, are expected to sustain demand for industrial automation.