Over 4 million robots are now operating in factories worldwide, marking a significant milestone in industrial automation.
Annual installations have consistently surpassed half a million units for the past three years, driving the total to 4.3 million by the end of 2023, according to the International Federation of Robotics.
The ‘World Robotics 2024 Report’ reveals a 10% increase from the previous year, driven primarily by installations in Asia, which accounts for 70% of the new deployments. Europe and the Americas follow with 17% and 10% respectively, with a concentration in the United States.
“The new World Robotics statistics show an all-time high in the number of industrial robots automating production around the world,” says Marina Bill, President of the International Federation of Robotics. “The annual installation figure of 541,302 units in 2023 is the second highest in history.”
India ranks 7th in robot installations worldwide
India has emerged as a significant player in the global robotics market, ranking seventh in annual robot installations worldwide. In 2023, the country recorded an impressive 59% growth, installing 8,510 robots.
The automotive industry led the way with a 139% increase in robot installations.
The surge in robot installations in India is driven by both car manufacturers and parts suppliers, who are increasingly embracing automation technologies. The general industry is also witnessing growth, particularly in the rubber and plastics sector, which has seen a 17% increase in robot deployments, reaching 408 units. Although the metal industry has maintained steady installations at 329 units, there is potential for further growth in this sector.
“India is one of the strongest growing economies among the Asian emerging markets,” says Marina Bill. “The operational stock of industrial robots has almost doubled since 2018, reaching 44,958 units in 2023. This represents an average annual growth rate of 14% since 2018.”
The long-term prospects for robotics in India are promising, especially when compared to China, a country with a similar population size. China’s annual robot installations reached 276,288 units in 2023, a figure 32 times higher than India’s current peak.
The growing Indian economy, combined with investments in key sectors such as automotive and manufacturing, is driving the demand for robotics. Although a short-term contraction is expected in 2026 due to the end of incentives, the long-term prospects for the Indian robotics market remain positive.
Pioneers in robotics innovation
The global robotics market is concentrated in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. China maintains its lead as the largest market, accounting for 51% of installations in 2023, although slightly down from the previous year.
The operational stock of robots in China is nearing 1.8 million units. Japan, while the second-largest market, experienced a 9% decline in installations in 2023, following two years of growth.
The global economic downturn is expected to bottom out in 2024, leading to a period of stability in robot installations. However, the long-term trend of increasing automation is likely to continue, driven by factors such as geopolitical risks and the imperative for efficient production.