China has more robots than the rest of the world combined
In China, nearly 300,000 new robots were installed in factories last year.
Published on September 29, 2025
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Last year, nearly 300,000 new robots were installed in factories in China, more than in the rest of the world combined. This is according to the World Robotics Report 2025 published by the International Federation of Robotics. Global demand for factory robots has doubled in 10 years.
Germany is the largest in Europe
Japan follows in second place with 44,500 industrial robots installed. Across Europe as a whole, the figure was 85,000. 80% of all robot installations in Europe took place in the EU, representing 67,800 robots. Germany has the largest robot market in Europe and ranks fifth worldwide. The Netherlands is not among the top 10 European countries.
Beijing is investing heavily in robotization
China's dominance did not come out of nowhere. Since 2015, Beijing has been investing heavily in robotization, supported by subsidies and cheap loans. There are now more than 2 million robots in operation, and Chinese factories manufacture a third of all products worldwide.
Robots and AI are playing an increasingly important role
All over the world, robots and AI are playing an increasingly important role in industry. Factory robots range from machines that weld car parts to gripper arms that place boxes on conveyor belts. Because technology allows factories to work faster and smarter, some companies need fewer employees.
