Robotics
Japan’s Car Industry Has Highest Robot Installations in Five Years
Japan’s automotive industry ranks fourth worldwide with a robot density of 1,531 robots per 10,000 employees.
The Japanese automotive industry installed approximately 13,000 industrial robots in 2024. This is an 11 percent increase compared to the previous year and the highest level recorded since 2020. Source: International Federation of Robotics
FRANKFURT, Germany—The Japanese automotive industry installed approximately 13,000 industrial robots in 2024. This is an 11 percent increase compared to the previous year and the highest level recorded since 2020, according to new data from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR).
“Japan is the world’s predominant robot manufacturing country representing 38 percent of global robot production,” says IFR president Takayuki Ito, who also serves as chief technical advisor at Fanuc Corp. “In terms of factory automation, Japan’s automotive industry ranked fourth worldwide with a robot density of 1,531 robots per 10,000 employees in 2023. This is ahead of the United States and Germany, and it’s behind only Slovenia, Korea and Switzerland.”
The Japanese automotive industry is currently undergoing a restructuring process to adapt to alternative power trains. Most car manufacturers intend to expand their range of battery and fuel cell electric vehicles. In addition, Japanese manufacturers are developing hydrogen-fueled combustion engines. This diversified portfolio will require investment in new production technology.
Car manufacturers represent approximately 25 percent of all robot installations on an annual basis in Japan. The electrical and electronics industry is the only sector that installs more robots. Their installations reached about 14,000 industrial robots in 2024, which reflects a 5 percent decrease.
“The use of robotics not only characterizes modern industrial workplaces in Japan, but also contributes to the development in everyday areas of application,” says Ito.Looking for quick answers on assembly and manufacturing topics? Try Ask ASM, our new smart AI search tool. Ask ASM
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