On September 24, the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) released its report 'World Robotics 2026,' revealing that China deployed 354,000 industrial robots in 2025, marking a 20% increase year-on-year and accounting for 59% of global installations. This figure surpasses the previous record by nearly 60,000 units, reinforcing China's position as the largest industrial robot market worldwide.
The demand for industrial robots in China is primarily driven by the electrical and electronics, automotive, and metalworking sectors. In 2025, the electrical and electronics industry installed 96,400 robots, a 16% increase, while the automotive sector saw installations rise to 78,900, a remarkable 38% growth. The metalworking industry also experienced a 44% increase, reaching 78,700 units. The automotive sector's growth is particularly noteworthy as it undergoes a transformation towards electrification and intelligence, leading to heightened demand for robots.
Chinese robot manufacturers are expanding their presence in the domestic market, with local suppliers increasing installations by 15% to 195,000 units, representing 55% of the total. The IFR noted that since 2024, over half of the industrial robots installed in China have been supplied by domestic brands. The market is expected to continue growing at an annual rate of 5% to 10% until 2029, driven by demographic changes and labor shortages. Future developments will focus on transforming industrial robots into intelligent equipment capable of adapting to non-standard scenarios.
Editor's Note
China's industrial robotics landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by domestic demand and strategic government initiatives. The shift towards local manufacturing and technological independence is reshaping the competitive landscape, with local brands gaining significant market share. As industries adapt to automation, the focus on intelligent robotics and physical AI will likely redefine operational capabilities in manufacturing.
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