The US automotive sector has significantly increased its use of industrial robots. According to preliminary data from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), robot installations in the car industry grew by 10.7% in 2024, reaching 13,700 units.
Takayuki Ito, president of IFR, stated, “The US has one of the most automated car industries globally. Its ratio of robots to factory workers ranks fifth, tied with Japan and Germany, and ahead of China. This reflects strong modernization efforts. However, in other manufacturing sectors, the US still trails behind its competitors.”
Most Robots Are Imported
Most industrial robots in the US are imported, as few manufacturers produce robots domestically. Worldwide, 70% of robot installations come from four countries: Japan, China, Germany, and South Korea. Among these, China has shown the fastest growth. Its robot production, driven by a large domestic market, more than tripled between 2019 and 2023, making China the second largest producer after Japan.
China’s success is tied to its national robotics strategy. Between 2021 and 2023, its manufacturing sector installed around 280,000 robots annually. In contrast, the US recorded 34,300 installations in 2024.
Automation Trends in Manufacturing
China’s use of robots is widespread across all manufacturing levels. In 2023, China had a robot density of 470 robots per 10,000 manufacturing workers, ranking third in the world and surpassing Germany and Japan.
The US ranks 10th globally in robot density, with 295 robots per 10,000 manufacturing employees. Automation in the US is heavily focused on the automotive sector, which accounted for 40% of all new industrial robot installations in 2024. The metal and machinery industry followed with 3,800 units, making up 11% of the market. The electrical and electronics sector recorded 2,900 new robot installations, representing 9% of the total.
