Automation is transforming industries at an unprecedented pace, and the World Robotics 2024 report from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) captures this shift in detail. This year’s findings reveal not only the rapid growth of industrial robot adoption but also the changing dynamics of global automation leadership. We have compiled the most important key insights for you.
China has climbed to third place globally for robot density, now having 470 robots per 10,000 workers in the manufacturing sector. This marks a rapid ascent for the country, which entered the top 10 rankings just four years ago. Between 2018 and 2023, China’s compound annual growth rate for robot installations outpaced Germany’s by a staggering factor of 12. Germany, while still a global leader, has been overtaken and now ranks fourth with 429 robots per 10,000 workers. Despite installing a record 28,355 industrial robots in 2023, its overall growth rate has been more moderate compared to China.
1. South Korea remains the global leader, with 1,012 robots per 10,000 employees - a figure more than six times the global average. This dominance is driven by its robust electronics and automotive industries.
2. Singapore takes second place with 770 robots per 10,000 workers, propelled by its electronics sector, which accounts for the share of industrial robot applications.
3. Japan ranks fifth with 419 robots per 10,000 employees. Despite its lower rank, Japan remains the largest manufacturer of industrial robots globally.
Europe: The EU averages 219 robots per 10,000 workers. Germany leads the list within Europe, followed by other high-ranking nations like Sweden, Denmark, and Slovenia.
Asia: With an average of 182 robots per 10,000 employees, Asia is home to the world’s automation powerhouses—South Korea, Singapore, China, and Japan.
North America: The region averages 197 robots per 10,000 employees, with the U.S. leading automation efforts in manufacturing
The worldwide average robot density reached 162 units in 2023, more than doubling over the past seven years. This surge underscores a fundamental shift as industries embrace automation to address challenges such as labor shortages, rising costs, and demands for higher efficiency. Countries leading the way in automation are setting the standard for productivity and competitiveness in the modern economy. The numbers from this year’s IFR report highlight a clear trend: automation is no longer optional—it’s a cornerstone of industrial strategy.
