The latest World Robotics report has revealed that industrial robot installations worldwide experienced robust growth in 2022, with a year-on-year increase of 5%. Asia emerged as the dominant region for these installations, constituting 73% of all new deployments, while Europe and the Americas accounted for 15% and 10%, respectively.
In post-Brexit United Kingdom, industrial robot installations registered a modest 3% increase, reaching a total of 2,534 units in 2022. However, this figure pales in comparison to Germany, which saw sales ten times higher.
Marina Bill, President of the International Federation of Robotics, commented on the achievement, stating, “The world record of 500,000 units was exceeded for the second year in succession. In 2023, the industrial robot market is expected to grow by 7%, surpassing the 590,000 unit milestone worldwide.”
Asia Dominates Global Market
China, the world’s largest market, witnessed remarkable growth in 2022, with annual installations totaling 290,258 units, surpassing the previous year’s record by 5%. This achievement is even more impressive, considering that 2021 had seen a substantial 57% increase compared to 2020. To cater to this thriving market, both domestic and international robot suppliers have established production plants in China and consistently expanded their capacities. On average, annual robot installations in the country have grown by an impressive 13% per year from 2017 to 2022.
Japan, the second-largest market, experienced a 9% increase in robot installations, reaching 50,413 units in 2022, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Japan remains a key player in global robot manufacturing, boasting a 46% market share of the worldwide robot production. On average, annual installations in Japan increased by 2% from 2017 to 2022.
The Republic of Korea, on the other hand, saw a marginal 1% rise in installations, with 31,716 units in 2022, marking the second consecutive year of minimal growth following four years of declining figures. Despite this, the Republic of Korea maintains its position as the fourth-largest robot market globally, trailing the United States, Japan, and China.
Europe Shows Steady Growth
Within the European Union, robot installations increased by 5% to reach 70,781 units in 2022. Germany emerged as one of the top five adopters worldwide, holding a substantial 36% market share within the EU. Germany’s installations, however, experienced a slight decline of 1%, totaling 25,636 units. Italy followed closely with a 16% market share within the EU, witnessing an 8% increase in installations to reach 11,475 units. France, the third-largest EU market, recorded a regional market share of 10%, with a notable 13% gain, installing 7,380 units in 2022.
Americas Witness Growth, Led by the United States
In the Americas, robot installations surged by 8% to reach 56,053 units in 2022, surpassing the peak level of 55,212 units recorded in 2018. The United States, as the largest regional market, accounted for 71% of these installations, with a 10% increase to 39,576 units, closely approaching the 2018 peak level of 40,373 units. This growth was primarily driven by the automotive industry, which witnessed a remarkable 47% increase in installations, reclaiming a 37% share of the market. Other significant sectors included the metal and machinery industry (3,900 units) and the electrical/electronics industry (3,732 units).
Mexico experienced a 13% growth in installations (6,000 units), while Canada saw a decline of 24% (3,223 units) due to reduced demand from the automotive industry, traditionally one of the strongest adopters.
Brazil, a significant production hub for motor vehicles and automotive parts, showed potential for automation, with 1,858 robot installations in 2022, a 4% increase compared to the previous year.
Outlook for 2023 and Beyond
While the global economic growth is expected to slow down in 2023, the industrial robot installations are projected to continue their upward trajectory. There is no sign that the long-term growth trend will wane, and it is anticipated that the 600,000-unit mark will be reached annually worldwide by 2024.