There’s no denying the importance of industrial robots in manufacturing. Countries all over the world are installing more and more robots to improve production. The most recent figures for global robot density suggest that we can expect more of the same in the future.
Global robot density
Data from the International Federation of Robotics shows that average global robot density is now at 74 industrial robot units per 10,000 employees.
The world’s average robot density from the previous year was at 66 robot units per 10,000 workers.
An eight unit increase may not seem like much, but the growth is significant, especially in some parts of the world.
The most automated countries
Asia has the highest growth rate in robot installations, followed by North and South America, and then Europe.
Three of the world’s top nations for industrial robot installations come from Asia. The Republic of Korea ranks number one, Singapore number two, and Japan takes the fourth spot.
- The Republic of Korea installed 631 industrial robots per 10,000 workers in the manufacturing industry in 2016.
- Singapore installed 488 robots per 10,000 workers.
- Japan installed 303 robots per 10,000 workers.
Robot installation in China is growing faster than anywhere else in the world. The number of robot installations almost tripled in three years. While China currently sits at 23rd in global robot density, predictions place China in the top 10 by 2020.
Where does the U.S. rank in robot density?
The United States is the seventh most automated country in the world. The U.S. manufacturing sector added 189 robots per 10,000 workers in 2016.
This highlights a growing trend in modernizing U.S. factories, as well as an emphasis on reshoring.
52 percent of all industrial robots sold in the United States were installed in the automotive industry.
The IFR report suggests that industrial robot sales will continue to increase over the next few years.
Maybe you plan on contributing to these figures in the near future. You intend on waiting until your system needs an upgrade, however. We can help ensure that your Indramat system runs like it should until then. Call today for Indramat service or support!