BEIJING: China installed a record 354,000 industrial robots in 2025, more than any other country and accounting for 59 per cent of all industrial robots installed worldwide, as Beijing accelerates the use of automation and artificial intelligence to transform its manufacturing sector.
The figures, released by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), highlight the scale of China’s push to integrate robotics into factories and strengthen its position in advanced manufacturing.
The latest figures reinforce China’s position as the world’s largest market for industrial robots, as Beijing places automation, robotics and artificial intelligence at the centre of its industrial development strategy.
The drive comes as China implements its 15th Five-Year Plan for 2026-30, which identifies robotics and physical artificial intelligence as key engines of future economic growth.
IFR President Jane Heffner said China’s progress in modernising its industrial system was based on a national robotics strategy launched a decade ago.
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She said the latest policy direction sought to channel AI research towards practical industrial applications, with robots expected to become an increasingly important driver of economic growth.
Electronics manufacturers remained the largest users of industrial robots in China, installing 96,400 units in 2025, an increase of 16 per cent from the previous year and accounting for 27 per cent of total installations.
The automotive sector recorded the fastest growth among major industries, with robot installations rising 38 per cent to 78,900 units. The increase reflects continued investment in electric vehicle manufacturing and smart-factory technologies.
The figures underline the growing role of automation in China’s manufacturing sector as the country seeks to strengthen advanced production capabilities and integrate AI more deeply into industrial processes.
