The latest report from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) reveals a significant trend in the adoption of industrial robots
globally. As depicted in the chart from "World Robotics 2024," the operational stock of industrial robots has been growing steadily, indicating the rapid shift towards automation in various industries.?The graph, sourced from the World Robotics 2024 report, illustrates a steady upward trend in the number of industrial robots deployed across the globe from 2013 to 2023. The data showcases a remarkable growth of over 10% in the operational stock between 2022 and 2023, reaching 4,282,000 units.
- 2013 to 2023 Growth: In 2013, there were approximately 1.3 million operational industrial robots. By 2023, this figure had more than tripled to 4.28 million, representing a staggering increase of over 220% in just ten years.
- Annual Growth Trends: The most notable jumps occurred between 2017 and 2021. The number of robots in operation grew from around 2.1 million units in 2017 to over 3 million in 2020, showing how companies accelerated automation strategies during the pandemic.
- Recent Growth: The stock of industrial robots reached 4.28 million units in 2023, marking a 10% increase from the previous year (2022), which recorded 3.9 million units. This continued rise demonstrates the ongoing demand for industrial automation in both manufacturing and other sectors.
- Technological Advancements: Robotics technology has seen continuous improvements in performance, flexibility, and cost-efficiency, making them more attractive to a wide range of industries.
- Industry 4.0 and Smart Factories: The shift towards smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 has been a major driver. Companies are integrating robotics with AI, IoT, and data analytics to optimize production, improve precision, and enhance supply chain efficiencies.
- Labor Shortages: Many countries are facing challenges related to an aging workforce and labor shortages, especially in manufacturing sectors. Automation via robotics helps to fill these gaps and maintain productivity.
- Pandemic Push: The COVID-19 pandemic intensified the need for automation as companies sought to minimize human contact and disruptions in production lines, leading to a rapid rise in robot adoption.
