Global industrial robot stock hits record 5 million units

The global operational stock of industrial robots reached a record 5.08 million units in 2025, according to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). Annual installations rose by 11% to over 600,000 units, driven largely by growth in Asia and the Americas, while Europe experienced a slowdown.

China remains the dominant force in the sector, accounting for 59% of new global installations in 2025. The United States has overtaken Japan to become the world's second-largest market. Conversely, Japan and several European nations, including Germany, saw declines in new installations.

While traditional industrial robots are deeply integrated into manufacturing, the humanoid robot market remains in a nascent, experimental stage. Approximately 7,000 humanoid robots were sold for industrial and professional use in 2025. Companies like Boston Dynamics and Figure are testing humanoids in automotive environments, such as BMW and Hyundai facilities, to evaluate their ability to handle complex tasks and provide a return on investment.