According to preliminary data released by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the installation of industrial robots in the U.S. automotive industry reached 13,700 units in 2024, representing a 10.7% increase from the previous year. This growth underscores American automakers' ongoing commitment to automation, driving significant improvements in production efficiency. Growth Context IFR President Takayuki Kajihara noted that the U.S. automotive manufacturing sector has an impressive robot density, ranking fifth globally and on par with Japan and Germany. Robot density is defined as the number of robots per 10,000 factory workers. In 2023, the U.S. had a robot density of 295 units, while China surpassed both Germany and Japan with a density of 470 units, placing it third globally. Despite this progress, a substantial portion of the industrial robots used in the U.S. are imported. Approximately 70% of industrial robots worldwide are produced by Japan, China, Germany, and South Korea. In contrast, the share of domestically produced robots remains low. This discrepancy highlights the competitive gap between the U.S. and leading robotics nations like China, where government support and strategic investments have fueled a rapid expansion in domestic manufacturing capabilities. From 2019 to 2023, Chinese manufacturers more than doubled their robot production, now holding the second-largest capacity in the world after Japan. Industry Sector Breakdown In 2024, the U.S. automotive industry accounted for the largest portion of new industrial robot installations, with 5,480 units installed, approximately 40% of the total. The metal and mechanical manufacturing industry came second, installing 3,800 units (11%), followed by the electronics and electrical industry with 2,900 units (9%). This distribution indicates a trend toward greater automation across various manufacturing sectors, with the automotive industry at the forefront. Rise of the Chinese Market China's robotics and automation technologies have deeply penetrated multiple production areas, particularly in manufacturing, where the country's robot density stands at 470 units in 2023, also global third. The surge in China's robotics market is largely attributed to strong governmental backing and robust corporate investment. Over the past three years, China has consistently installed around 280,000 robots annually, reinforcing its position as a leader in the global robotics landscape. Upcoming Industry Events On May 14, 2025, IFR Vice President Jan Havnes will present the latest robot installation data for North America at the Automate Show in Detroit, scheduled for 10:30 AM at the Automate Show Theatre (Booth Number: 4832). Following this presentation, the IFR Robotics Executive Roundtable will convene to discuss major trends and technologies shaping the robotics industry. Key participants include: Marina Beer from ABB Torsten Krueger from Intrinsic Julia Astrid Remeschneider from United Robots Group & Rethink Robotics Matthew Whicks from Zebra Technologies Robert Hirschka from A3 Association Expert Evaluation and Company Profiles Industry experts view the double-digit growth in U.S. automotive robotics as a crucial step toward modernization. However, they emphasize the need for faster advancements in other automation sectors to maintain competitiveness. The rapid rise of China’s robotics market, driven by government support and corporate engagement, is expected to continue influencing the global landscape. IFR, founded in 1987 and headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, plays a pivotal role in promoting and researching global robotics technology and markets. It comprises members from robot manufacturers, system integrators, and research institutions worldwide. By regularly publishing market statistics and research reports, IFR provides valuable insights and support to the industry. For more information, visit their official website and follow them on LinkedIn and YouTube. Future Prospects The U.S. automotive industry is poised to further intensify its investment in automation and technological upgrades to stay ahead in a highly competitive global market. The growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and connected cars is likely to accelerate this trend, as these advanced vehicle technologies require sophisticated manufacturing processes that benefit significantly from robotic automation. As EVs and connected cars become increasingly prevalent, the adoption of robotics in the automotive sector is anticipated to grow, enhancing flexibility, productivity, and safety in production lines. Broader Impact Beyond the automotive industry, the increased use of industrial robots in the U.S. reflects a broader adoption of automation across various manufacturing sectors. While the automotive industry leads, the metal and mechanical and electronics and electrical industries are also making significant strides. This trend not only boosts overall production efficiency but also addresses labor shortages and safety concerns. However, the reliance on imported robots suggests that the U.S. needs to bolster its domestic robotics manufacturing capabilities to fully capitalize on the benefits of automation. Initiatives to promote local production and innovation in robotics could play a critical role in achieving this goal and ensuring long-term competitiveness in the global market. Conclusion The 2024 data from the IFR highlights a promising upward trend in U.S. automotive robotics, driven by the sector’s strategic focus on modernizing production processes. While this growth is commendable, it also points to the necessity for broader and faster adoption of automation technologies in other industries. China’s rapid advancement, supported by government and corporate efforts, sets a benchmark for the future. IFR’s upcoming presentation and roundtable discussion at the Automate Show in Detroit will provide valuable insights into how current trends and emerging technologies are reshaping the global robotics industry.