Global Robot Stock Hits Record 5 Million as Installations Top 600,000

The International Federation of Robotics reports that the global operational stock of industrial robots increased 9% to a record 5 million units in 2025. Annual installations grew by 11% to over 600,000 units — a pace that shows no sign of slowing, according to the Frankfurt, Germany-based organization.

"Industrial automation is progressing at high speed. The new mark of 5 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."

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— Jane Heffner, president of the IFR

China pulls further ahead

China's lead in robot adoption widened considerably. The country installed 354,000 industrial robots in 2025, a 20% increase from the previous year, and now accounts for 59% of global deployments.

Jon Quick, CEO of Launchpad Build AI, offered a measured take on what that dominance means for the rest of the industry:

"China's dominance in robot installations – while undoubtedly impressive – won't be enough alone to solve its export challenges or improve its domestic consumption levels. Seen from another perspective, in fact, this picture offers huge potential opportunities to manufacturers in other parts of the world."

Elsewhere in Asia, the picture was mixed. Japan installed 36,219 units, a 19% decline, while the Republic of Korea installed 30,000 units, down 1%. India, by contrast, grew robot installations by 15% to almost 10,500 units, claiming 6th place worldwide.

Americas: U.S. climbs to second place

The U.S. became the second largest market for industrial robots in 2025, with installations growing 12% to almost 38,500 units. Canada increased installations by 5% to almost 4,000 units, while Mexico declined 7% to fewer than 5,200 units. Brazil was the regional standout, installing almost 4,300 new robots — up 38% — driven by automotive demand of almost 2,100 units, a 212% increase.

Europe grows more slowly

Germany remains the largest robot market in Europe, holding a 41% share of total installations in the EU, though sales fell 8% to fewer than 25,000 units in 2025. The automotive industry is the largest user of industrial robots in Germany, but its share is declining. Italy's installations fell 11% to about 7,800 units, and France installed almost 4,500 units despite an 8% decline.

What's driving the next wave

The IFR predicts global robot installations will rise by 9% to 655,000 units in 2026 and reach 806,000 units in 2029. Labor shortages and reshoring or nearshoring production will drive the demand for automation, the organization said. Advances in AI, machine vision, and sensing will continue to improve robot capabilities, while easier programming and system integration will cut deployment costs and bring automation to new applications and customers.

"We have a problem where there are hundreds of thousands of open manufacturing and assembly jobs. It's supposed to be 2 million by 2030. We just don't have enough people willing to do these jobs."

"Let's have robots do the work that no one wants to do and the stuff that's dangerous. We're not looking to do everything a human does."

His broader assessment of the market moment:

"Capabilities are increasing exponentially, while costs are coming down. Everyone is awake and attuned to the possibilities, looking to do something."