Accra:Global factory automation reached unprecedented levels as the worldwide active industrial robot inventory exceeded 5 million last year. This surge was fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence and supply chain developments.
According to Anadolu Agency, The International Federation of Robotics reported a 9% annual increase in operational robot stock, with global installations rising 11% to over 600,000 units. China led the field with a 20% increase in annual robot installations, totaling 354,000 units and representing 59% of global deployment. Chinese domestic companies captured 55% of the market share within the country.
Japan experienced a 19% decline in installations to 36,219 units, causing it to drop from second place. The United States took over this position with a 12% rise to 38,500 robots. South Korea remained in fourth place with 30,200 annual installations, followed by Germany, which saw an 8% decrease to 24,800 units. India recorded a 15% increase, reaching 10,500 units.
In Europe, Germany accounted for 41% of all EU installations despite a slowdown in growth, with Italy, France, and Spain also experiencing declines. Global demand for robots is projected to rise, with installations expected to reach 655,000 units this year and 806,000 by 2029.
Labor shortages in advanced economies, reshoring of supply chains, and AI-driven cost reductions for small- and medium-sized enterprises have driven the increase in robot installations. In T¼rkiye, the country ranked 17th globally in the robot market, despite a 9% decrease in installations to 3,194 units, down from a record 4,429 units in 2023. T¼rkiye's operational stock grew 7% to a record 30,990 units, placing it 15th worldwide.
The metal industry in T¼rkiye led automation adoption with an 8% rise in installations to 990 units, representing 31% of the market share, and a total of 6,774 active robots. The auto sector's robot inventory increased by 3% to 889 units, accounting for 28% of new installations and maintaining 11,017 active units. Other sectors saw weakened demand, with the electrical/electronics sector experiencing a 37% drop to 136 units, and the food products, beverages, and tobacco segment seeing a 40% decline to 144 units.
Globally, 59% of new robots were used for handling operations/machine tending, and 16% for welding and soldering. The robot density remains low, with 52 units per 10,000 workers in manufacturing, but the auto sector shows higher density at 374 per 10,000 workers, compared to 35 units per 10,000 workers in other industries.