In 2019, more industrial robots operated in factories around the world than ever before, according to the World Robotics 2020 Industrial Robots report from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), which says that the 2.7 million robots in use represents a 12% increase over 2018.
Asia continues to be the strongest market for industrial robots. Operational stock in China rose by 21%, for a total of around 783,000 units in 2019. Japan came in second with a 12% increase to about 355,000 units. Industrial robot deployment in India increased 15%, for an approximate total of 26,300 units.
Europe's operational stock reached around 580,000 units in 2019, an increase of 7%, with Germany representing the main user at about 221,500 units.
In North America, the United States remains the largest industrial robot user, with a 7% increase in operational stock to about 293,200 units. Mexico ranked second with 40,300 units, an increase of 11%, with Canada in third place with approximately 28,600 units, representing a 2% increase.
Collaborative robot installation increased 11% worldwide, with cobot sales representing 4.8% of market share of the 373,000 industrial robots installed in 2019.
Read the full press release on the IFR website here.