China took 59% of new installations, followed by the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea. Installations are forecast to reach 655,000 units in 2026.
Why this market is moving now
- China installed 354,000 robots in 2025, and Chinese makers now sell more than foreign suppliers in their home market.
- The United States passed Japan in 2025 to become the second largest robot market in the world.
- Installations are forecast to grow 9% to 655,000 units in 2026 and to reach 806,000 units in 2029.
- ABB agreed in October 2025 to sell its robotics division to SoftBank Group, with closing expected in mid to late 2026.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Factories worldwide installed more than 600,000 new industrial robots in 2025, an increase of 11% on 2024. | 600,000 robots | 2025 | |
| The global operational stock of industrial robots rose 9% to a record 5 million units in 2025. | 5 million robots | 2025 | |
| China installed 354,000 industrial robots in 2025, up 20%, which was 59% of all installations worldwide. | 354,000 robots | 2025 | |
| Chinese robot makers installed 195,000 units in China in 2025, up 15%, a 55% share of their home market compared with 57% in 2024. | 195,000 robots | 2025 | |
| The United States installed almost 38,500 industrial robots in 2025, up 12%, and passed Japan to become the second largest market in the world after China. | 38,500 robots | 2025 | |
| Japan installed 36,219 industrial robots in 2025, 19% fewer than in 2024, and fell from second to third place in the world. | 36,219 robots | 2025 | |
| The Republic of Korea installed 30,000 industrial robots in 2025, down 1%, and remained the fourth largest market worldwide. | 30,000 robots | 2025 | |
| Global robot installations are forecast to rise 9% to 655,000 units in 2026 and to reach 806,000 units in 2029. | 655,000 robots | 2026 | |
| FANUC's robot division had sales of 378,610 million yen in the fiscal year ended 31 March 2026, up 14.9%, or 44.1% of company sales. | 378,610 JPY million | 2025 | |
| ABB agreed in October 2025 to sell its robotics division, which had 2024 revenue of 2.3 billion USD, to SoftBank Group for an enterprise value of 5.375 billion USD. | 5.375 USD billion | 2025 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Companies to watch
FANUC
Japanese robot and factory automation maker; its robot division sold 378,610 million yen in the year to 31 March 2026, up 14.9%.
ABB
Engineering group whose robotics division had 2024 revenue of 2.3 billion USD and about 7,000 staff; it agreed to sell the division to SoftBank Group.
SoftBank Group
Investment group that agreed to buy ABB's robotics division for an enterprise value of 5.375 billion USD.
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
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Frequently asked questions
How big is the global industrial robot market?
Factories worldwide installed more than 600,000 industrial robots in 2025, 11% more than in 2024. The number of industrial robots in operation reached a record 5 million units.
Which countries install the most industrial robots?
China installed 354,000 robots in 2025, 59% of the world total. The United States was second with almost 38,500, Japan third with 36,219 and the Republic of Korea fourth with 30,000.
Who are the largest industrial robot makers?
Chinese makers installed 195,000 robots in China in 2025, a 55% share of their home market. FANUC's robot division sold 378,610 million yen in the year to March 2026. ABB agreed to sell its robotics division to SoftBank Group.
How fast is the industrial robot market growing?
Installations rose 11% in 2025. They are forecast to rise 9% to 655,000 units in 2026 and to reach 806,000 units in 2029.
Is robot demand falling in Japan?
Japan installed 36,219 industrial robots in 2025, 19% fewer than in 2024. It dropped from second to third place in the world, behind China and the United States.
Who is buying ABB Robotics?
ABB agreed in October 2025 to sell its robotics division to SoftBank Group for an enterprise value of 5.375 billion USD. The division had 2024 revenue of 2.3 billion USD. Closing was expected in mid to late 2026.
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