US Surpasses Japan as Second-Largest Robotics Market Behind China…

Event summary

The US installed 38,400 industrial robots in 2025, a 12% year-on-year increase, surpassing Japan to become the second-largest market behind China.
The automotive sector remains the largest customer with 13,500 installations, though it saw a 1% decrease from the previous year.
The food and beverage industry saw a 30% rise in robot installations, reaching 2,900 units in 2025.
China installed 354,200 units in 2025, accounting for 59% of global demand.

The big picture

The US robotics market's rise to second place reflects broader trends in industrial automation and reshoring. While the automotive sector remains the largest customer, the significant growth in the food and beverage industry highlights diversification. China's dominance, with 59% of global installations, underscores the scale of its industrial automation efforts. The US market's future will hinge on navigating short-term trade uncertainties and leveraging long-term reshoring opportunities.

What we're watching

Market Dynamics: How the US can sustain its growth trajectory in robotics amid global trade tensions and reshoring policies.
Industry Shifts: Whether the food and beverage sector's 30% growth in robot installations signals a broader trend in automation adoption.
Competitive Positioning: The pace at which domestic US robot manufacturers can challenge the dominance of imported robots from Japan and Europe.