Robotics Japan’s Automotive Industry Sees Highest Robot Installations in Five Years

Source: Press release 2 min Reading Time

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Japan’s car industry recorded its highest number of industrial robot installations in five years, with approximately 13,000 units installed in 2024, according to preliminary data from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). This represents an 11% year-on-year increase and highlights Japan’s ongoing push toward automation in the face of a rapidly transforming automotive sector.

Japan's automotive industry significantly increases the proportion of robots in production(Bild:  International Federation of Robotics)
Japan's automotive industry significantly increases the proportion of robots in production
(Bild: International Federation of Robotics)

“Japan remains the world’s leading robot manufacturing nation, accounting for 38% of global industrial robot production,” said Takayuki Ito, President of the IFR. “In terms of factory automation, Japan’s automotive sector ranked fourth globally in 2023, with a robot density of 1,531 robots per 10,000 employees—ahead of the United States and Germany, and trailing only Slovenia, South Korea, and Switzerland.”

Automation Drives Japan’s Automotive Transformation

Japan’s automotive industry is undergoing a major restructuring to meet the demands of next-generation powertrains, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), fuel cell vehicles, and hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines. This transformation requires advanced automation technologies, driving increased investment in industrial robotics.

The automotive sector accounted for around 25% of all robot installations in Japan last year. Only the electrical and electronics industry outpaced it, with approximately 14,000 robots installed in 2024, although this marked a 5% decline from the previous year.

Expo 2025: A Glimpse into the Future of Robotics

Highlighting the societal integration of robotics, Japan will host the “Future Creation Robot Week” from July 13–19, 2025, at Expo 2025 in Osaka. The event offers a comprehensive look at how robotics is shaping the future of work and daily life.“Robots are not only redefining modern industrial environments in Japan but are also becoming integral to everyday applications,” said Ito.Visitors can explore cutting-edge technologies from Japan’s top robot manufacturers across three themed zones:
Zone 1: The Future of Work with Robots
Zone 2: New Skills for the Future Workplace
Zone 3: A Future Society of Human-Robot Collaboration

Japan’s Role in Global Robotics

With its strong manufacturing base and commitment to innovation, Japan remains a global leader in industrial automation and robotics. As the automotive sector pivots toward sustainability and smart mobility, Japan’s robot-driven production model sets a benchmark for other nations aiming to modernize their industries.     kib

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