According to the International Federation of Robotics, China has outpaced the United States in terms of industrial robot density for the first time in 2022, a testament to its aggressive investment in the sector. With 322 operational robots per 10,000 workers, China now ranks fifth globally in the manufacturing industry’s automation.
The leap in robot density globally has been significant, more than doubling in the past six years. In Asia, this increase is marked by an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18% since 2016, largely due to significant installations of robots.
In 2021, South Korea held the top spot globally with a record 1,000 industrial robots per 10,000 workers, bolstered by its renowned electronics and automobile industries.
Singapore and Japan followed closely, with 670 and 399 robots per 10,000 workers, respectively.
Meanwhile, Germany remained Europe’s biggest robot market, and China distinguished itself as the world’s fastest-growing robot market. Despite a slight increase in robot density from 2020 to 2021, the US ranked ninth globally.