Robotics continues to evolve rapidly, and industrial robotics is no exception. This article reviews key trends in 2025, based on the World Robotics 2025 – Industrial Robots report by the IFR, and highlights how Robotnik’s solutions help companies leverage these trends to optimize operations.

Robotics continues to evolve rapidly, and industrial robotics is no exception. This article reviews key trends in 2025, based on the World Robotics 2025 - Industrial Robots report by the IFR, and highlights how Robotnik's solutions help companies leverage these trends to optimize operations.

From Specialized to Multipurpose Robots
Industrial robotics has expanded beyond specialized manufacturing robots to include versatile service robots. Multipurpose robots, equipped with AI, collaborative features, and modular designs, are transforming industries such as aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and agriculture by improving productivity, flexibility, and precision. Robotnik contributes with Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and Mobile Manipulators, integrating into complex industrial environments from logistics to assembly lines.

Global Robot Installations
In 2024, factories installed 542,076 industrial robots, more than double the volume from ten years ago, bringing the global operational stock to around 4.66 million units, with 9% year-on-year growth. Robotnik has expanded its reach internationally, helping companies automate transport and handling tasks, reducing internal logistics times by up to 30%.

Regional Distribution
• Asia: China leads, with 295,000 robots installed in 2024 and over 2 million units in operation, driven by electronics, machinery, and local manufacturers. Japan installed 44,500 units and South Korea 30,000, maintaining their positions as innovation leaders.
• Europe: 85,000 new robots were installed, with growth uneven—Germany and Italy declined, while Spain surpassed France to become the third-largest market.
• The Americas: 50,077 installations, led by the U.S., reflect moderate but steady growth.
Leading Industrial Sectors
• Electronics: 128,899 units installed, now the most automated sector.
• Automotive: High levels maintained, with slight declines in new deployments.
• Metal Industry: Rapid growth, with Robotnik's RB-ROBOUT+ and RB-KAIROS+ widely adopted.

Key Trends for 2026
• Sustained growth: Robot installations have doubled over the past decade.
• Collaborative robots and AI: Cobots and AI systems are enabling safe human collaboration and expanding automation to complex tasks.
• Smart, connected factories: Integration with digital systems allows real-time management, boosting efficiency.
• Regional differences: Asia leads, while Europe and the Americas grow more moderately.

In 2025, industrial robotics shows record global installations and a sectoral shift toward electronics. The integration of AI, collaborative robots, and smart factories is shaping a future where automation is more efficient, flexible, and collaborative-driving productivity and quality across industries.