There have never been so many robots in Germany

Robot boom There have never been so many robots in Germany

2024-09-25 Source: IFR | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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The German economy has installed 28,355 new industrial robots - a new all-time high, as the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) has now analyzed.

Robots are currently very popular in German industry, the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) has now discovered. The systems are currently enjoying an all-time high, it says. Find out more about the background to this development and the forecasts ...(Image: Kuka) — Robots are currently very popular in German industry, the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) has now discovered. The systems are currently enjoying an all-time high, it says. Find out more about the background to this development and the forecasts ...
(Image: Kuka)

Last year, sales of robot systems rose by seven percent compared to the previous year, according to the IFR. The operational stock thus reached a new European record of 269,427 units. These are the findings of the IFR's "World Robotics 2024" report. "Germany is therefore the largest market for industrial robots in Europe," says Marina Bill, President of the IFR. And around one in three robot units was installed by German industry in 2023. The operational stock increased by an average of five percent each year between 2018 and 2023, according to the report. Sales in the automotive industry rose by 29% to 9,190 units in 2023, with car manufacturers installing 5,001 units (an increase of 29%) and automotive suppliers installing 4,008 units (31% more). These results from the automotive sector reflected catch-up effects, as production at several manufacturers was temporarily suspended due to a lack of electronic components. However, the orders in question were completed in 2023. The segment's market share was 32% of all installed robots in an industry comparison.

The metalworking industry installed a new record number of 4,916 units in 2023. This is an increase of 16% compared to the previous year. It was followed by the chemical and plastics industry with 1,832 installed units (down 12%) and the electrical and electronics industry with 1,746 units (up 13%).

Current situation and outlook for robots in Germany

The production of industrial robots in Germany thus reached 34,788 units, which is only two percent below the record figure from 2022. This gives manufacturers a market share of six percent of global demand. The market is essentially made up of manufacturers of classic high-performance robots for industry and newer providers that offer relatively inexpensive robotics - so-called low-cost robots. However, the VDMA Robotics + Automation industry association expects 2024 to be a rather challenging year for the German robotics industry, as the high order backlog from previous years has largely been processed, while incoming orders have been trending sideways since the beginning of 2023. The weakness in the domestic market will be partially offset by incoming orders from abroad, according to the association. However, as long as the political and economic uncertainty continues with subdued order placements, 2025 will remain weak. However, stronger growth can be expected again in 2026 or 2027 if deferred investments are made.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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