The International Federation of Robotics reported that more than 600,000 industrial robots were installed in 2025, up 11% on the previous year, and that five million are now operating in factories worldwide, more than double the number seven years ago.
China installed 354,000 units, up 20% and 59% of the world total. The United States installed 38,500 units, while German installations fell 8%. IFR forecasts 655,000 installations in 2026 and 806,000 by 2029.
For Malaysia, the figures underline how concentrated robot demand and supply have become in China, and why building a regional supply base matters.