Sep 24, Kathmandu - China's share in the world's connected industrial robots has reached a significant 59%, according to the 'World Robotics 2026' report. In 2025, China installed approximately 354,000 industrial robots, marking a 20% increase compared to the previous year.

Jane Heffner, President of the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) based in Frankfurt, attributed China's rapid progress to a decade-long national robotics strategy. He highlighted that China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) prioritizes the use of robotics and artificial intelligence to modernize its industrial sector.

The demand for industrial robots in China primarily stems from the electrical and electronics, automotive, metal, and machinery industries. In 2025, the electrical and electronics industry installed around 96,400 robots, the automotive sector 78,900, and the metal and machinery industries 78,700 robots. Additionally, Chinese robot manufacturing companies have increased their market share domestically; robot installations supplied by Chinese firms grew by 15% last year, reaching 195,000 units, accounting for 55% of the total installations.

The IFR reports that China's industrial robot market is still not saturated and is expected to grow annually by 5 to 10% until 2029. Demographic shifts and labor shortages are driving automation demand, with increased robot usage helping industries remain flexible amid labor constraints.