The new World Robotics report by the International Federation of Robotics shows 
that robot sales in Japan increased by 21% to about 55,000 units, representing 
the highest value ever for the country. The annual global sales value reaches 
16.5 billion USD in 2018 – a new record. IFR forecasts shipments in 2019 will 
recede from the record level in 2018, but expects an average growth of 12 
percent per year from 2020 to 2022.

The average annual growth rate for Japan of 17% since 2013 is remarkable for a 
market with an already highly automated industrial production. Japan is the 
world's number one industrial robot manufacturer and delivered 52% of the 
global supply in 2018.

Asia, Europe and the Americas - overview

Asia is the world's largest industrial robot market. In 2018, there was a mixed 
picture: Installations in China and the Republic of Korea declined, while Japan 
increased considerably. In total, Asia grew by 1%. Robot installations in 
Europe increased by 14% and reached a new peak for the sixth year in a row. In 
the Americas, the growth rate reached 20% more than the year before also a new 
record level for the sixth year in a row.

"We saw a dynamic performance in 2018 with a new sales record, even as the main 
customers for robots – the automotive and electrical-electronics industry – had 
a difficult year," says Junji Tsuda, President of the International Federation 
of Robotics." 

Please find full text version of IFR press release at:
https://ifr.org/ifr-press-releases/news/robot-investment-reaches-record-16.5-billion-usd


About IFR 
The International Federation of Robotics: www.ifr.org

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Carsten Heer
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Email: press@ifr.org

Source: The International Federation of Robotics