China Retains Title as World's Largest Industrial Robot Market
According to the International Federation of Robotics, China will continue to be the world's largest market for industrial robots in 2025, accounting for an estimated 59% of installations.
The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) has released its "World Robotics 2026" report, confirming China's continued dominance as the world's largest market for industrial robots. In 2025, China's installations of industrial robots are projected to reach 354,000 units, representing approximately 59% of the global total. This marks a new record and China's second consecutive year as the leading market.
The report forecasts significant growth potential for China's industrial robot market, with an expected annual growth rate of 5% to 10% from now until 2029. Globally, the number of operational industrial robots in factories is anticipated to hit 5 million units in 2025, an increase of 9% year-on-year. Over 600,000 new industrial robots are expected to be installed worldwide during the year, up 11%.
Asia demonstrated the strongest growth in industrial robot applications, followed by the Americas, with Europe showing slower growth. Among major markets, the United States surpassed Japan to become the second-largest industrial robot market globally, with nearly 38,500 new installations. Japan's installations decreased by 19% to 36,200 units, dropping it from second to third place.
Germany maintained its position as the largest market in Europe and the fifth-largest globally for industrial robots, despite an 8% decline in new installations to just under 25,000 units. Global demand for industrial robots is expected to continue rising, driven by shifting manufacturing strategies, ongoing labor shortages, and advancements in artificial intelligence, machine vision, and sensor technology.