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19. June 2025
Eu Automakers Drive Robot Revolution With Record Investments
The European automotive industry continues to be at the forefront of robotics adoption, with investments in automation reaching new heights. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the total number of industrial robots installed in Europe reached 23,000 in 2024, making it the second-best result in five years.
The IFR attributes this growth to the region’s strongest customer industry for robotics - the automotive sector. Car manufacturers account for around a third of annual manufacturing installations in Europe, with the combined number of 23,000 European robot installations in the car sector exceeding that of North America at 19,200 units in 2024.
“The European automotive sector is our strongest customer industry for robotics,” said Takayuki Ito, president of the IFR. “Car makers are driving innovation and investment in automation, which is benefiting from the latest advancements in AI and machine learning.”
The growth in robotics adoption in Europe is not limited to car manufacturers alone. U.S. automakers have also been investing more in automation, with total installations of industrial robots in the automotive industry increasing by 10.7%, reaching 13,700 units in 2024.
However, while the U.S. is installing more robots, it’s not producing most of them. The majority of these robots come from overseas, with four countries - Japan, China, Germany, and South Korea - accounting for 70% of global installations. This trend is expected to continue as European manufacturers maintain their lead in robotics production.
One country that stands out in Europe’s robot density ranking is Switzerland. According to the IFR, Switzerland leads the way with a ratio of 3,876 robots to 10,000 factory workers, making it the top spot globally for automotive industry robotics density.
Other EU member states also feature prominently in the rankings, with Slovenia taking third place at 1,762 units, Germany sixth at 1,492 units, and Austria eighth with 1,412 units. Finland comes in ninth with 1,288 units, and the Benelux countries round out the top ten with 1,132 units.
The EU27 countries’ leading role in robotics is evident across all sectors, accounting for around 85% of regional installations in 2024. This dominance is a testament to Europe’s strong investment in research and development, as well as its highly skilled workforce.
Germany, which is among the top five robot markets in the world, has a significant share of about 30% of total installations in Europe. Italy follows with about 10%, and Spain takes sixth place with about 6%. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of robots installed in Europe was +3% from 2019 to 2024.
On the other side of the globe, China’s national robotics strategy has led its manufacturing industry to install a total of around 280,000 units per year between 2021 and 2023. In just ten years, the country’s global share of industrial robot installations has risen from around one-fifth to more than half of the world’s total demand.
China’s high robot density of 470 robots per 10,000 employees in manufacturing makes it the third highest globally, surpassing Germany and Japan in 2023. This trend is expected to continue as China’s manufacturing industry continues to invest heavily in automation.
In March 2025, China’s government announced plans to invest nearly $137 billion in robotics, AI, and innovation over the next twenty years. This initiative aims to continue China’s technology-driven success in manufacturing and solidify its position as a global leader in robotics.
The future of robotics in Europe and beyond is looking bright. As the automotive industry continues to drive innovation and investment in automation, it’s clear that robotics will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of manufacturing. With countries like Switzerland, Germany, and China leading the way, it’s exciting to think about what the next decade will hold for this rapidly evolving field.
The growth of robotics in Europe is also having a positive impact on the wider economy. According to the IFR, the global robotics market was valued at over $140 billion in 2024, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 10% from 2025 to 2030. This growth will have far-reaching implications for industries beyond manufacturing, including logistics, healthcare, and education.
As the demand for automation continues to rise, it’s essential that we prioritize investment in robotics research and development. By doing so, we can unlock new technologies and innovations that will drive economic growth, improve productivity, and enhance our quality of life.
The European automotive industry remains a driving force behind robotics adoption globally. With investments reaching new heights, car manufacturers are at the forefront of innovation and automation. As countries like Switzerland, Germany, and China continue to lead the way, it’s clear that the future of robotics is bright.