Robotics
Robot Density Rises Globally As Automation Expands Across Manufacturing
FRANKFURT, GERMANY—Robot density increased across major manufacturing regions in 2024, as companies continued investing in automation to improve productivity and address labor challenges, according to new data from the International Federation of Robotics.
Western Europe led globally with an average of 267 robots per 10,000 manufacturing employees, followed by North America with 204 units and Asia with 131 units. Robot density, which measures the number of robots relative to workforce size, is used to compare automation adoption across economies.
Within North America, robot density rose 4 percent, with the United States ranking eighth globally at 307 robots per 10,000 employees, followed by Canada with 241 units and Mexico with 62.
Asia saw the fastest growth, with robot density increasing 11 percent. South Korea remained the global leader with 1,220 robots per 10,000 employees, followed by Singapore and Japan. China ranked sixth in Asia and 22nd globally, with 166 units per 10,000 workers, but maintained the world’s largest installed base of industrial robots at approximately 2 million units.
China also led in annual installations, accounting for 54 percent of all robots deployed globally in 2024, with approximately 295,000 units installed.
In Europe, robot density rose 3 percent year over year, with multiple countries ranking among the world’s most automated, including Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands. The European Union average reached 231 units.
The latest data highlights the continued expansion of automation across global manufacturing, as companies invest in robotics to increase output, improve consistency and offset workforce constraints.
Looking for quick answers on assembly and manufacturing topics? Try Ask ASM, our new smart AI search tool. Ask ASM
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!
