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Global Industrial Robot Sales in 2024

In 2024, global sales of industrial robots reached 542,000 units, more than doubled compared to ten years ago.

Frankfurt, September 25, 2025—According to the latest "World Robotics Report 2025" released by the International Federation of Robotics, global industrial robot sales reached 542,000 units in 2024, more than doubled compared to ten years ago. Annual sales have exceeded 500,000 units for the fourth consecutive year. In 2024, Asia accounts for 74% of global sales, Europe 16%, and the Americas 9%.

Global industrial robot annual sales from 2014 to 2024

Takahiko Ito, President of the International Federation of Robotics, stated: 'The annual sales of industrial robots in 2024 ranked second highest in history, only 2% lower than the record peak set two years ago. With many industries accelerating their transformation towards the digital and automation era, the demand for industrial robots has shown explosive growth. In 2024, the total number of operational industrial robots worldwide reached 4.664 million units, a year-on-year increase of 9%.'

Overview of the Asian, European, and American markets

• Asia

China firmly holds the position of the world's largest market in 2024 with a commanding 54% share. The latest data shows sales reaching 295,000 units, setting a new annual record. For the first time, Chinese domestic manufacturers have surpassed foreign brands in their own market, with domestic market share rising from 28% a decade ago to 57%. In 2024, the total number of industrial robots in operation in China exceeded 2 million, ranking first in the world. The robotics industry continues to explore new markets in China, and the demand for robots is expected to continue growing. Before 2028, China's manufacturing industry still has tremendous potential, with the possibility of achieving an average annual growth of 10%.

Japan maintained its position as the world's second-largest market with sales of 44,500 units, a slight year-on-year decrease of 4%. The number of units in operation increased by 3% to 450,500 units. Demand is expected to recover to low single-digit growth in 2025, with growth accelerating to mid-single-digit levels in the coming years.

South Korea's sales in 2024 are 30,600 units, a year-on-year decrease of 3%. Since 2019, South Korea's annual sales have remained around 31,000 units, making it the world's fourth-largest robot market after the United States, Japan, and China.

India set a new sales record with 9,100 units, a year-on-year increase of 7%. Among them, the automotive manufacturing sector, with a 45% market share, became the main driving force. India ranks sixth in global sales, up one position from previous years, just behind Germany.

• Europe

In 2024, sales of industrial robots in Europe dropped by 8% to 85,000 units, still marking the second-highest record in history. The EU accounted for 80% (67,800 units), and the trend of nearshoring outsourcing continues to drive demand. The compound annual growth rate from 2019 to 2024 reached 3%. 

With sales of 26,982 units, Germany ranks as the largest market in Europe and the fifth largest in the world, down 5% year on year. This is the second-highest annual performance after the record year of 2023, accounting for 32% of Europe's annual total sales. Italy ranked second in Europe with 8,783 units, down 16% year-on-year. Spain (5,100 units), driven by strong demand in the automotive industry, ranked third in Europe, while France (4,900 units) fell 24% year-on-year, ranking fourth.

In 2024, sales of industrial robots in the UK fell by 35% year-on-year to 2,500 units. The record 3,800 units in 2023 was a one-time peak, mainly driven by the 'super deduction' tax incentive, and demand declined after the policy ended in the first quarter of 2023. Over the past decade, sales have shown cyclical fluctuations, and the UK's global ranking dropped to 19th in 2024.

• America

Sales in the Americas have exceeded 50,000 units for four consecutive years, reaching 50,100 units in 2024, a 10% decrease compared to 2023.

As the largest regional market in the Americas, the United States accounted for 68% of sales in the Americas in 2024. Robot sales fell 9% year-on-year to 34,200 units. The United States mainly imports robots from Japan and Europe, with relatively few domestically supplied. However, the U.S. has numerous domestic robot system integrators dedicated to providing robotic automation solutions.

In 2024, Mexico sold 5,600 units, a year-on-year decrease of 4%, with the automotive industry maintaining a dominant position by accounting for 63% of the installed capacity.

Sales in Canada were 3,800 units, a year-on-year decrease of 12%. Sales in Canada largely depend on the automotive investment cycle. The automotive industry accounted for 47% of installations in 2024.

Industry Outlook

The OECD and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecast that global economic growth will be in the range of 2.9% to 3.0% in 2025 and in the range of 2.9% to 3.1% in 2026. However, geopolitical tensions, violent conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, and trade disruptions are having a negative impact on the global economy.

Although the robotics industry cannot avoid the impact of the global macroeconomic environment, it is expected to maintain a long-term growth trend overall. Despite significant differences in regional trends, the overall global development trajectory remains positive. Global robot sales are expected to increase by 6% to 575,000 units in 2025, and surpass 700,000 units by 2028.

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