The global industrial robot fleet crossed 5 million units for the first time, according to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). According to their World Robotics 2026 report, a 9% increase comes up in the total operational robot stock compared to the previous year.
Factories worldwide installed 603,000 new industrial robots in 2025. That marks an 11% increase over the previous year. China dominated the market with 354,000 new installations, accounting for 59% of the global total. Chinese brands captured 55% of their domestic market with 195,000 units. The country’s automotive sector added 78,900 robots, growing 38%, while its metal and machinery sector grew 44% with 78,700 new units.
The United States overtook Japan as the second-largest market. American factories installed 38,400 robots, representing a 12% increase. Meanwhile, Japan saw its lowest total in a decade with 36,219 units, declining 19%. South Korea installed approximately 30,000 units with a 1% decline. Germany added 24,842 robots but dropped 8%, though it still accounted for 41% of all EU installations.
India emerged as a notable growth market. The country rose to sixth place globally with approximately 10,500 new installations, growing 15%. IFR President Jane Heffner stated that “the strongest growth is taking place in Asia, followed by Americas.” She added that “Europe is moving ahead more slowly.”
The IFR projects installations will reach 655,000 units in 2026 and climb to 806,000 annually by 2029. Handling and machine tending account for 59% of new robot deployments, while welding and soldering make up 16%. The total global stock has more than doubled from seven years ago.
Unfortunately, Pakistan does appear anywhere on this list in any industrial sector.
