Industries worldwide continue to rely on automation at a steady pace, as reflected in the latest figures showing sharp rises in industrial robot installations. With workplaces seeking new efficiencies, regional disparities are becoming more pronounced in robot adoption. Automated production lines now hold a stronger presence in factories, as the data for 2024 spotlights which countries and industries are most actively building robotic capacity. These developments hint at shifting dynamics in global manufacturing, both in terms of technology adoption and market leadership.
Reports from recent years highlighted substantial annual robot installations, but newer data sets a brisker pace, with 542,000 robots deployed globally in 2024. This number has more than doubled within the last decade. China’s rapid acceleration stands out compared to earlier benchmarks, overtaking previous leaders with a larger share and a growing base of domestic manufacturers. Meanwhile, shifts in robot installations in Europe and the Americas reflect fluctuations not seen in earlier, steadier patterns. Across major regions, investment levels and specific industry influences have continued to reshape the distribution of automation technology.
Global Surge in Robot Installations Redefines Manufacturing
The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) reported that 542,000 new industrial robots were installed in 2024, maintaining a four-year run above the half-million mark. Asia holds a dominant 74% share of these installations, dwarfing the numbers in Europe and the Americas. The IFR estimated the worldwide operational stock of industrial robots has reached about 4.66 million units, increasing 9% from 2023. IFR president Takayuki Ito commented,
“The new World Robotics statistics show 2024 the second-highest annual installation count of industrial robots in history.”
Rapid adoption continues to mirror the push by manufacturers for greater digitalization and automation, especially in advanced industrial economies.
Does China Lead in Robot Deployments?
China firmly established itself at the forefront, accounting for 54% of all new robot installations in 2024, with 295,000 units deployed—its highest total to date. The local robotics industry gained significant ground, as Chinese manufacturers surpassed foreign brands for the first time domestically with a 57% market share. This rise is evident in China’s operational stock, which now surpasses two million units, the largest nationally worldwide. The IFR has noted that there is ongoing growth potential for robotics in China, projecting a 10% annual increase until at least 2028.
How Have Other Regions Responded to the Automation Push?
Asia outside China also experienced notable activity, led by Japan as the second-largest robotics market, with 44,500 new units in 2024 despite a slight year-over-year dip. South Korea and India each contributed meaningfully, with South Korea remaining the fourth-largest market globally and India achieving record installations. Europe, meanwhile, registered an 8% decline to 85,000 new units after previous highs, while the Americas saw a 10% decrease from 2023, with the U.S. maintaining its position as the top market in the Western hemisphere. Regional variations are influenced by sector trends such as automotive demand and policy incentives.
Long-term projections remain optimistic for the robotics sector. The IFR expects worldwide robot installations to rise by 6% to 575,000 units in 2025 and to surpass the 700,000 mark by 2028, driven largely by Asian markets. Economic conditions and geopolitics do pose risks, but sustained automation demand appears resilient. IFR president Takayuki Ito emphasized,
“The transition of many industries into the digital and automated age has been marked by a huge surge in demand.”
As domestic manufacturing gains traction in technology-leading nations, new opportunities and challenges will continue to shape the global landscape.
Current data confirms Asia’s commanding position in robot installations, with China especially stretching its lead through both adoption and local production capacities. The size and consistency of robotic deployment in manufacturing sectors in Asia, compared to Europe’s cyclical investment and the Americas’ dependency on imports, underline fundamental shifts in industrial automation. For stakeholders, watching these trends provides insight into where manufacturing efficiencies and robotics supply chains are poised to concentrate. Particularly, potential annual growth rates in countries like China and India could set new norms for the international robotics market and inform strategic planning for suppliers and investors worldwide.
