IFR counts 5 million industrial robots in active factory service
The International Federation of Robotics says the number of industrial robots in active factory use reached 5 million in 2025, up 9% from the prior year. More than 600,000 new units were installed globally, an 11% increase, with China accounting for 354,000 installations and 59% of the total. Japan's installations fell 19% to 36,219, while South Korea installed 30,000 units, and the IFR said growth was strongest in Asia, followed by the Americas, with Europe advancing more slowly.
The IFR said the worldwide factory robot fleet reached five million in 2025, up 9%. New installations topped 600,000, an 11% gain. China accounted for 354,000 units, or 59% of the worldwide total, while its domestic suppliers reached 195,000 units and a 55% home share.
Japan installed 36,219 units, down 19%, and South Korea added 30,000, down 1%. The U.S. rose 12% to nearly 38,500, passing Japan. India installed almost 10,500, up 15%; Brazil added almost 4,300, up 38%, driven by automotive demand.
The continued rise in factory robots could reshape work for manufacturing employees, with some tasks automated and demand growing for robot maintenance, programming, and integration skills. Smaller suppliers and emerging manufacturing regions may gain from lower costs and wider access, while communities reliant on labor-intensive production may face adjustment pressures. The pace and distribution of these effects may vary by country, industry, and worker training.