China has solidified its position as the world’s robotics powerhouse, installing approximately 290,000 industrial robots in 2024, according to preliminary data from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). This represents a 5% year-over-year increase and accounts for 54% of global installations, up from 51% in 2023. For manufacturing experts, investors, and tech analysts searching China 290,000 industrial robots 2024, IFR World Robotics report, or global robot installations 2025, this surge—driven by advancements in high-tech sectors like new energy vehicles, solar panels, and lithium-ion batteries—highlights China’s accelerating automation strategy, with the country’s operational robot stock nearing 1.8 million units. Despite a global market stagnation at 541,000 installations in 2024, China’s growth underscores its dominance, though experts warn of potential slowdowns due to economic pressures.
The IFR’s data, released in September 2025, projects 5-10% annual growth for China through 2027, far outpacing declines in the US and EU.
China’s Robot Boom: Key Stats and Trends
The 290,000 installations in 2024 mark the second-highest annual figure ever for China, following 290,144 in 2022. This growth, amid a global dip, reflects Beijing’s “Made in China 2025” push, with subsidies and low-interest loans fueling adoption across industries.
- Market Share: 54% of worldwide installations, more than the US, EU, and Japan combined.
- Operational Stock: Nearly 1.8 million units by end-2024, the largest globally.
- Density: 470 robots per 10,000 manufacturing employees (third worldwide, behind South Korea and Singapore).
- Sector Shift: General industries now 53% of installations (up from 38% in 2020), with electronics down to 28% from 45%.
IFR President Marina Bill noted: “China’s rapid development in industrial robot automation is extraordinary.”
| Metric | China 2024 | Global Context | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installations | 290,000 | 541,000 Total | +5% |
| Market Share | 54% | – | +3% |
| Operational Stock | ~1.8M | 4M Worldwide | +10% Overall |
| Density (per 10K Employees) | 470 | South Korea: 1,012 | +4x Since 2017 |
Drivers: High-Tech Industries and Policy Support
China’s surge ties to its green energy and EV dominance:
- New Energy Vehicles: 34% production growth to 12.9 million units, requiring automation for batteries and assembly.
- Solar Panels: Output at 685 GW (up 27%), with lithium-ion batteries at 29 billion units (up 20%).
- Government Incentives: Low-interest loans and direct funding under Made in China 2025, targeting 1 million robots by 2029.
Moody’s report highlights China’s robot density nearly doubling from 246 in 2020 to 470 in 2023.
Global Comparison: China Outpaces Rivals
While global installations stagnated at 541,000 in 2024 (down from 553,000 in 2023), China’s 5% rise contrasts with declines elsewhere:
- US: Down 5% to ~50,000 units, led by automotive slowdowns.
- EU: Up 9% to 92,393, driven by Spain, Slovakia, and Hungary.
- Japan: ~50,000 units, second globally but stable.
IFR forecasts global recovery in 2025, with China sustaining 5-10% growth.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite momentum, risks include economic slowdowns and overcapacity in base metals. Morgan Stanley projects China’s robotics market doubling to $108 billion by 2028 (23% CAGR), fueled by humanoids like Unitree’s $6,000 bots.
Conclusion: China’s Robotic Revolution Accelerates
China’s 290,000 industrial robot installations in 2024 affirm its manufacturing supremacy, with 54% global share and 1.8 million stock. As high-tech sectors boom, the IFR’s 5-10% growth forecast signals sustained dominance. For global players, it’s a wake-up—will automation gaps widen? The factories hum on.
