Japan’s Automotive Industry Installed Approximately 13,000 Industrial Robots in 2024

Compared with the previous year, this figure increased by 11%, reaching the highest level since 2020. This is the preliminary result released by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR).

Takayuki Ito, President of the International Federation of Robotics, stated: “Japan is a major global robot manufacturer, accounting for 38% of global robot production. In terms of factory automation, the robot density of Japan’s automotive industry ranks fourth globally—with 1,531 robots per 10,000 employees in 2023. This figure is higher than that of the United States and Germany, and only lags behind Slovenia, South Korea, and Switzerland.”

Japan’s automotive industry is currently undergoing restructuring to adapt to alternative powertrains. Most automakers plan to expand their product lines of battery and fuel cell electric vehicles. Additionally, Japanese manufacturers are developing hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines. This diversified product portfolio requires appropriate production technologies. Automakers account for approximately 25% of all robot installations in Japan each year. The only industry with more robot installations is the electrical and electronics industry. By 2024, the number of industrial robot installations in this industry was approximately 14,000, a decrease of 5%.

“The application of robotics is not only a feature of modern industrial workplaces in Japan but also promotes the development of daily application areas,” Takayuki Ito said.