The number of robots installed in the UK increased by more than half (51%) in 2023 and annual installations globally exceeded half a million units for the third consecutive year, according to figures from the latest International Federation of Robotics (IFR) World Robotics Report.
There are now 4.2 million robots operating in factories worldwide, which marks a 10% year-on-year increase in the amount of operational stock and the highest number in use to date. The data shows businesses in all corners of the globe are continuing to embrace automation to enhance productivity and efficiency.
Driven by the automotive industry
The UK’s record high saw the highest year-on-year growth in Europe with 3,830 units installed. A huge 50% of this growth was driven by the automotive industry, where installations almost tripled (197%) to 1,924 units due to the completion of a number of major EV (electric vehicle) projects. Other industries also saw significant growth: food and beverage installations increased by 59% to 555 units and demand from the metal industry was up a fifth (20%), with 324 units installed.
It’s likely the surge was accelerated by the government’s ‘super deduction’ tax break, which was introduced to encourage companies to invest in plant and machinery, and which closed at the end of March 2023.
However, despite the increases, the UK still lags behind other European countries. Operational stock stands at 28,831 units, an increase of 9% but still about half as much as France which has 58,572 industrial robots, a third of Italy’s 96,803 units and just over 10% of Germany’s 269,427 stock.
A global comparison
Elsewhere in the world, Asia continues to dominate with 70% of global robot installations. China alone accounted for more than half (51%) of all new robots deployed in 2023, just slightly down from 2022. Despite the dip, it remains the world’s largest market for industrial robots with nearly 1.8 million units in operation. Japan, the second-largest global market, also saw installations fall slightly this year after two strong years.
The emerging player in the region is India, which recorded a remarkable 59% growth. Like in the UK, this was driven primarily by the automotive industry which saw demand soar by 139%.
In the Americas, installations exceeded 50,000 units for the third year in a row, and the United States remained the largest market (68%) despite a 5% decline in installations. Canada saw a strong 37% increase, while Mexico experienced a slight drop, all attributed to fluctuating demand from the automotive industry.
Looking ahead
As we look ahead, investment in automation globally shows no sign of abating. The IFR is forecasting steady demand for robots throughout 2024, as manufacturers look to remain competitive on a global scale. Moving into 2025 and beyond, it’s expected we’ll see take-up accelerate even further, driven by advances in technology and increased demand for robotic solutions.
In the UK specifically, the picture looks slightly different: with the expiration of the super deduction in 2023, the country is expected to see a sharp decline in installations in 2024. However, with automation playing a growing part in UK manufacturing, this is likely to be a temporary dip and we should see a gradual recovery and renewed growth in 2025 – vital if UK companies are to compete on an international stage.
