A recent report by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), based in Frankfurt, Germany, reveals that China has surpassed Germany and Japan in industrial robot applications, securing the third spot worldwide. Robot density, a key metric for assessing automation levels in manufacturing, reached a global average of 162 robots per 10,000 workers in 2023, more than double the figure from seven years ago. According to the IFR, South Korea leads the world with 1,012 robots per 10,000 employees, followed by Singapore. China ranks third, boasting 470 robots per 10,000 workers—more than twice the number recorded in 2019. Germany, now ranked fourth, has 429 robots per 10,000 employees, achieving a 5% annual growth rate since 2018. Japan follows in fifth place with 419 robots, reflecting a 7% annual increase over the past four years. The United States, ranked 11th, has a robot density of 295.
Regionally, Europe reached a robot density of 219 in 2023, marking a 5.2% year-on-year growth, with countries like Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and Slovenia among the global top ten. North America’s density rose to 197, with a 4.2% annual increase, while Asia achieved 182 robots per 10,000 employees, a 7.6% rise driven by the significant contributions of South Korea, Singapore, China, and Japan. Takayuki Ito, President of the IFR, emphasized that robot density serves as a benchmark for automation progress worldwide. He noted China’s remarkable investment in automation technologies, propelling the country from outside the top ten in 2019 to third place by 2023.
Fang Xingdong, co-founder of Blog.com, attributed China’s rapid advancements to its vast manufacturing scale and labor market. “The sheer size of China’s manufacturing sector, which accounts for nearly one-third of global production, underpins its strong demand for robotics,” he said. Additionally, labor-intensive industries and historically low automation levels have accelerated the adoption of robots across China’s processing and manufacturing sectors. Beyond manufacturing, the use of service robots in sectors like healthcare and logistics is also expanding rapidly. According to the IFR’s World Robotics Report, released in September, China leads as the largest market for industrial robots, with 276,000 units installed in 2023, representing 51% of global new installations. The share of domestic robot manufacturers in China also rose significantly, reaching 47% in 2023, compared to an average of 28% over the past decade. The report forecasts sustained growth in robot adoption, projecting an annual increase of 5–10% in China’s manufacturing sector through 2027.
Zhong Xinlong, director of the Artificial Intelligence Research Laboratory at the CADI Future Industry Research Center, highlighted the ongoing evolution of robotics technology. While significant strides have been made, the field remains in a developmental stage. To strengthen its robotics industry, China should prioritize investment in fundamental research, including material sciences and advanced algorithms. Zhong also called for greater collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutions to accelerate the commercialization of innovations. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of developing versatile talent skilled in robotics, artificial intelligence, and materials science. Standardizing the industry and expanding the application of robots into areas like medicine, agriculture, education, and high-risk environments were also identified as strategic priorities to enhance global competitiveness.
As China continues to invest in automation, its advancements not only solidify its position as a global leader in industrial robotics but also pave the way for broader adoption of robotics across diverse sectors.