China Dominates Global Industrial Robot Installations with 59%…

Event summary

China installed 354,000 industrial robots in 2025, capturing 59% of global installations.
Electrical and electronics industry was the largest customer, installing 96,400 units (up 16%).
Automotive industry saw a 38% increase, installing 78,900 units.
Domestic Chinese suppliers accounted for 55% of total installations, up 15% year-over-year.

The big picture

China's dominance in industrial robot installations is driven by its national robotics strategy, part of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030). The strategy emphasizes technological self-reliance and modernization of traditional industries, positioning China as a key player in the global robotics market. The country's labor shortage due to demographic changes further accelerates the adoption of robotic automation.

What we're watching

Market Saturation: Whether China's industrial robot market can sustain 5% to 10% annual growth until 2029 amid labor shortages.
Technological Innovation: The pace at which China transitions from robotics adopter to innovator in physical AI and intelligent industrial robotics.
Foreign Competition: How foreign robot suppliers will respond to China's increasing reliance on domestic brands.