The global operational stock of industrial robots reached a record five million units in 2025, rising 9% from the previous year, according to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). The increase was supported by an 11% rise in annual installations, with more than 600,000 new industrial robots installed in factories worldwide during the year.
“Industrial automation is progressing at high speed,” said Jane Heffner, President of the International Federation of Robotics. “The new mark of five million robots operational in factories worldwide is more than double the number seven years ago. The strongest growth is taking place in Asia, followed by Americas. Europe is moving ahead more slowly.”
Asia continued to lead global industrial robot adoption, with China accounting for 59% of installations worldwide. China installed 354,000 industrial robots in 2025, an increase of 20% from the previous year. The country has further strengthened its position as the world’s largest market for industrial robots.
Japan remained the second-largest industrial robot market in Asia, although installations declined 19% to 36,219 units in 2025. Globally, Japan moved from second to third position, behind the United States. India installed almost 10,500 industrial robots in 2025, recording 15% growth and securing sixth place globally, behind Germany. India’s industrial robot installations have grown at an average annual rate of 27% between 2020 and 2025.
The United States became the world’s second-largest market for industrial robots in 2025 after surpassing Japan. Robot installations in the US increased 12% to almost 38,500 units, the third-highest annual figure recorded in the country’s industrial robot statistics.
Germany remained the largest industrial robot market in Europe and ranked fifth globally. The country accounted for 41% of total industrial robot installations in the European Union in 2025. However, installations in Germany declined 8% to fewer than 25,000 units during the year. The IFR expects demand for industrial robots to continue growing over the coming years. Global installations are forecast to increase 9% to 655,000 units in 2026. Annual installations are expected to reach 806,000 units by 2029.
The figures highlight the continued expansion of automation across manufacturing industries, particularly in Asia and the Americas. Rising adoption of robotics is being supported by the need for higher productivity, consistent manufacturing processes and greater automation of industrial operations. The International Federation of Robotics, founded in 1987, represents more than 3,000 organisations and serves as a global industry body for robotics. The organisation publishes data and analysis on industrial and service robotics markets worldwide.
