# Global industrial robot stock hits 5 million in 2025, IFR says

Digest AI · Robotics & Physical AI · published 2026-09-24T20:15:51Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/global-industrial-robot-stock-hits-5-million-in-2025-ifr-says

## Summary

The International Federation of Robotics reported that the global operational stock of industrial robots grew 9% in 2025, reaching a record **5 million units**. This increase followed an **11% rise in annual installations**, with over **600,000 new units** deployed worldwide last year. Asia led growth, accounting for **59% of global deployments**, with China installing **354,000 robots**—a **20% year-over-year jump**—and surpassing foreign suppliers domestically. China’s installations reached **195,000 units**, marking a **55% market share** in 2025, down slightly from **57% in 2024**. Japan’s installations fell **19%**, dropping it to third place behind the U.S., while India saw a **15% increase** to **10,500 units**, placing it sixth globally. The Americas also grew, with the U.S. installing **38,500 units** (**12% up**), while Mexico’s installations declined **7% for the third consecutive year**. Europe’s growth remained modest, with Germany installing **25,000 units** (**8% down**) despite being the EU’s largest market. The IFR forecasts **9% growth in 2026**, projecting **655,000 installations**, driven by labor shortages, reshoring, and AI-enhanced robot capabilities. Jon Quick, CEO of Launchpad Build AI, noted that declining costs and rising automation potential are accelerating adoption, though China’s dominance alone won’t address export challenges or domestic consumption gaps.

## Key points

- Global industrial robots reached **5 million operational units** in 2025, up **9%** from 2024, per IFR data
- China installed **354,000 robots** in 2025—**20% more** than 2024—accounting for **59%** of global deployments
- IFR predicts **655,000 installations in 2026**, citing labor shortages and AI-driven automation as key drivers

## Why it matters

The surge in industrial robot adoption reflects shifting supply chains, labor gaps, and AI-driven efficiency gains. China’s dominance signals regional competition, while slower growth in Europe and Japan highlights uneven automation progress. The forecasted **9% annual increase** underscores automation’s role in addressing workforce shortages and reshoring production.

## Sources

1. [5 million robots are now at work in factories worldwide, reports the IFR](https://therobotreport.com/5-million-robots-now-working-factories-worldwide-ifr-reports) (The Robot Report, 2026-09-24)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Global industrial robot stock hits 5 million in 2025, IFR says", 24 September 2026, https://digestai.news/story/global-industrial-robot-stock-hits-5-million-in-2025-ifr-says

---

Written by Digest AI's editorial model from the linked sources; the sources are the record. Headlines, digests and key points are written by Digest AI and may be quoted with a link to the story page. Linked articles belong to their publishers. Terms: https://digestai.news/terms#reuse
JSON: https://digestai.news/story/global-industrial-robot-stock-hits-5-million-in-2025-ifr-says.json