In a significant shift in the global manufacturing landscape, China has overtaken Germany in the use of industrial robots, according to the latest annual report from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR).
The report highlights robot density, a key metric for assessing the automation level within the manufacturing sector. South Korea maintains its position as the world leader with an impressive 1,012 robots per 10,000 employees, marking a 5% increase since 2018.
Singapore follows closely, while China stands out with 470 robots per 10,000 workers – more than double its density in 2019. This surge places China ahead of Germany, which currently has 429 robots per 10,000 employees and has experienced a steady annual growth rate of 5% since 2018.
“China has invested heavily in automation technology and ranks third in robot density in 2023 after South Korea and Singapore, ahead of Germany and Japan,” said IFR president Takayuki Ito.
Germany, traditionally reliant on its robust industrial base and exports for economic growth, now faces intensified competition from China. The report also notes that Germany is expecting an economic contraction for the second consecutive year in 2024, positioning it as the worst performer among the Group of Seven (G7) nations.
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China overtakes Germany in industrial use of robots, IFR report finds
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