Japan's Car Industry Has Highest Robot Installations in Five Years

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The Japanese automotive industry installed a total of about 13,000 industrial robots in 2024. This is an 11% increase compared to the previous year and the highest level recorded since 2020. These are preliminary results, presented by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR).

“Japan is the world´s predominant robot manufacturing country representing 38% of global robot production," says Takayuki Ito, President of the International Federation of Robotics. “In terms of factory automation, Japan’s automotive industry ranked fourth worldwide with a robot density of 1,531 robots per 10,000 employees in 2023. This is ahead of the United States and Germany only behind Slovenia, Korea and Switzerland.”

The Japanese automotive industry is currently undergoing a restructuring process in order to adapt to alternative powertrains. Most car manufacturers intend to expand their range of battery and fuel cell electric vehicles. In addition, Japanese manufacturers are developing hydrogen-fueled combustion engines. This diversified portfolio will require the appropriate production technology. Car manufacturers represent approximately 25% of all robot installations on an annual basis in Japan. The electrical and electronics industry is the only sector that installs more robots. Their installations reached about 14,000 industrial robots in 2024, which reflects a 5% decrease.

“The use of robotics not only characterizes modern industrial workplaces in Japan, but also contributes to the development in everyday areas of application,” says Takayuki Ito. “At the ´Future Creation Robot Week´ held during Expo 2025 in July in Osaka, visitors can experience the evolution for a society where robots support everyday life.