Industrial robot fleet exceeds 5 million units globally

The global stock of active industrial robots has exceeded 5 million units for the first time, according to a report from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). The operational fleet grew by 9% over the previous year, while new installations rose 11% to more than 600,000 units.

China continues to dominate the market, accounting for approximately 59% of global deployments with 354,000 new installations. Within China, domestic suppliers captured 55% of the market. The United States has moved into second place globally following a 12% increase in installations, overtaking Japan, which saw a 19% decline.

Other notable market shifts include a 15% rise in installations in India and a decline in Germany and South Korea. IFR President Jane Heffner noted that the strongest growth is occurring in Asia and the Americas, while Europe is expanding more slowly.

Industry experts attribute this growth to labor shortages in advanced economies, efforts to reshore supply chains, and advancements in artificial intelligence that lower deployment costs for small and medium-sized enterprises. Global installations are projected to reach 806,000 units annually by 2029.