International Federation of Robotics (IFR)

The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) is a professional non-profit organization established in 1987 with the core mission to promote, strengthen, and protect the robotics industry worldwide. The IFR aims to create awareness of the positive impact of robots on lives and society, increase their accessibility, and enable the industry to collaboratively leverage trends and advancements. The organization's headquarters are located in Frankfurt, Germany.

The IFR serves as a central body for the global robotics community, providing worldwide market data through its annual "World Robotics" reports, which cover both industrial and service robots. It acts as a focal point for organizations and governmental representatives in robotics-related activities, promoting research, development, use, and international cooperation in the field. Additionally, the IFR sponsors the International Symposium on Robotics (ISR) and the IERA Award, fostering links between science and industry.

In recent leadership changes, Jane Heffner was elected as the new President of the IFR in July 2026, with Adrien Brouillard appointed as Vice President. The IFR actively publishes research and reports, including its "World Robotics 2025 Report," which highlighted China's strategic focus on AI-powered robots and a significant increase in US robot installations in 2025. In August 2026, the IFR released a new position paper, "The Impact of Robots: Employment, Productivity and Competitiveness," examining how robot adoption affects labor markets and economic growth. The organization also champions diversity within the industry, recognizing "Women in Robotics" to inspire more women to pursue careers in STEM and robotics.