World Robotics 2025 Report: Industrial Robot Installations Surge to Record Levels
World Robotics 2025 Report: Industrial Robot Installations Surge Globally
FRANKFURT, GERMANY – September 25, 2025 – The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) has unveiled its latest World Robotics 2025 report, revealing a remarkable surge in industrial robot installations worldwide. In 2024, a staggering 542,076 robots were deployed, more than double the number from a decade ago. This marks the fourth consecutive year that annual installations have exceeded 500,000 units.
Asia continues to dominate the robotics landscape, accounting for an impressive 74% of new deployments in 2024. In stark contrast, Europe and the Americas contributed only 16% and 9%, respectively.
“The new World Robotics statistics show 2024 as the second highest annual installation count of industrial robots in history—only 2% lower than the all-time high recorded two years ago,” stated Takayuki Ito, President of the IFR. “The transition of many industries into the digital and automated age has been marked by a huge surge in demand. The total number of operational industrial robots worldwide reached 4,664,000 units in 2024, reflecting a 9% increase from the previous year.”
Asia Leads the Charge
China remains the world’s largest market for industrial robots, representing a staggering 54% of global deployments. In 2024, the country installed a record 295,000 industrial robots, surpassing foreign suppliers for the first time with a domestic market share of 57%. China’s operational robot stock exceeded 2 million units, and experts predict an average growth rate of 10% annually until 2028.
Japan holds the position of the second-largest market, with 44,500 units installed in 2024—a slight decrease of 4%. Meanwhile, South Korea installed 30,600 units, and India continues its upward trajectory with a record 9,100 units, primarily driven by the automotive sector.
Europe and the Americas: A Mixed Bag
In Europe, industrial robot installations fell by 8% to 85,000 units in 2024, though this still marks the second-largest number recorded in history. Germany remains the largest market in Europe, with 26,982 installations, while the UK saw a significant drop of 35% to 2,500 units, attributed to the end of a tax incentive program.
In the Americas, installations exceeded 50,000 units for the fourth consecutive year, with the United States accounting for 68% of the total. However, the U.S. saw a 9% decline in installations, reflecting a broader trend of cautious investment amid global economic uncertainties.
Looking Ahead
Despite geopolitical tensions and economic challenges, the robotics industry is expected to maintain its long-term growth trajectory. The IFR forecasts a 6% increase in global robot installations, projecting 575,000 units for 2025 and surpassing the 700,000 mark by 2028.
As industries increasingly embrace automation and digital transformation, the demand for industrial robots shows no signs of slowing down. The World Robotics 2025 report serves as a crucial resource for understanding the evolving landscape of robotics and its implications for global manufacturing.
For more insights, the full positioning paper on humanoid robots is available for free download at IFR’s website.
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About IFR: The International Federation of Robotics represents the global robotics industry, encompassing national robot associations, academia, and manufacturers from over twenty countries. For more information, visit www.ifr.org.
