The global demand for industrial robots experienced a significant surge in 2024, with installations reaching a remarkable 542,000 units. This figure represents more than a doubling of the total installations over the past decade and marks the second highest annual total in history. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), this growth underscores the ongoing transition of industries towards greater automation and digital integration.
Data released by the IFR on September 25, 2024, indicates that the total installations were only 2% lower than the all-time record set in the previous year. Asia continues to dominate the market, accounting for nearly 75% of the world’s industrial robot installations. Notably, China emerged as the largest market for robots, contributing 54% of global deployments with 295,000 new robots installed—its highest annual volume to date.
China’s Market Growth and Domestic Suppliers
For the first time, Chinese manufacturers surpassed foreign competitors in the domestic robot market. This shift increased their market share from an average of 28% over the past decade to 57% in 2024. Japan followed as the world’s second-largest market, with 44,500 units deployed in 2024, despite experiencing a slight 4% year-over-year decline. Looking ahead, demand for robots in Japan is projected to grow at low-single-digit rates by the end of 2025, with acceleration into medium-single-digit growth expected in subsequent years.
The United States ranked third in terms of installations, with 34,200 units deployed in 2024, reflecting a 9% decrease from the prior year. The U.S. largely relies on imports from Japan and Europe, maintaining its position as the largest regional market for robots, accounting for 68% of installations in the Americas.
European Market Trends and Future Projections
In Europe, the landscape has shifted as industrial robot installations fell by 8% in 2024. Nonetheless, there is a positive outlook attributed to recent efforts to nearshore more manufacturing within the region. Germany emerged as the largest robot market in Europe, installing nearly 27,000 units in 2024, securing its position as the fifth largest globally.
Despite facing geopolitical and economic challenges, including conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, the IFR forecasts a 6% growth in global installations for 2025, reaching 575,000 units. The organization anticipates that installations will surpass 700,000 by 2028.
The IFR stated, “The robotics industry is not immune to global macroeconomic conditions, but there is no indication that the overall long-term growth trend will come to an end any time soon.” While regional trends may vary, the overall trajectory for global industrial robot installations remains positive, reflecting a robust demand for automation across various sectors.
