“China is by far the biggest robot market in the world regarding annual sales and the operational stock,” says Milton Guerry, President of the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). “IFR’s robot density statistics is a useful indicator of China‘s dynamic developments, counting the number of industrial robots per 10,000 employees: China’s robot density in the manufacturing industry currently ranks 9th globally (246 units) – compared to 25th (49 units) just five years ago.”

Automation race in China

The automation race in China today is mainly catered by foreign robot manufacturers with a combined market share of 73%. With some volatility in the past 8 years, this share has been constant. In 2020, installations of robots from abroad – mainly imported from Japan, Korea and Europe – grew strongly by 24% to 123,030 units. This number also includes units produced in China by non-Chinese suppliers. Chinese robot manufacturers mainly deliver to their domestic market, where they held a market share of 27% in 2020 with 45,347 units shipped.

IFR China data overview – new peak in 2020

Sales:

• 168,377 new robots installed (thereof, 45,347 units from Chinese suppliers), 20% higher than in 2019
• CAGR 2015–2020: +20%
• Global ranking 2020: No.1
• Shares of total supply: Handling operations 42%, welding 21%, electrical/electronics industry 37%, automotive industry 16%

Stock of operational robots:

• About 943,200 units, 21% higher than in 2019
• CAGR 2015–2020: +30%
• Global ranking 2020: No. 1