Munich, Jun 20, 2018 — Global sales of industrial robots reached the new record of 387,000 units in 2017. That is an increase of 31 percent compared to the previous year (2016: 294,300 units). China saw the largest growth in demand for industrial robots, up 58%. Sales in the USA increased by 6% - in Germany by 8% compared to the previous year. These are the initial findings of the World Robotics Report 2018, published by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR).
Frankfurt, May 30, 2018 — Nearly 70 percent of employees believe that robotics and automation offer the opportunity to qualify for higher skilled work. This is the result of a worldwide automatica survey of 7,000 employees in seven countries. The technological change calls for targeted training and further education for employees. More than 3 million industrial robots will be in use in factories around the world by 2020. This means that the operational stock will more than double within seven years (2014-2020).
Results by the Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW)
Frankfurt, Apr 19, 2018 — At 309 units per 10,000 employees, robot density in German manufacturing industry is the third highest worldwide. At the same time, the number of people employed in Germany reached 44 million in 2017, the highest figure since reunification. The rapid spread of industrial robots hasn’t made a dent in employment figures: today, new tasks have been created for the workforce alongside once performed by machines.
The IFR’s use of the term “industrial robot” is based on the definition of the ISO: an “automatically controlled, reprogrammable multipurpose manipulator programmable in three or more axes”
Service Robots
The International Organization for Standardization defines a “service robot” as a "robot in personal use or professional use that performs useful tasks for humans or equipment”
Robotics Research
The IFR fosters links between the robotics industry and institutes. Our members engage in an intensive exchange on new technologies and emerging robots at the International Symposium on Robotics ISR
Position Papers
Information and IFR opinion on topical issues regarding robots and automation
Case Studies
Case Studies of Industrial and Service Robots. Robots in action can be found everywhere. Robot Manufacturers give examples of robot applications in different industries
Robots and Sustainability
Which of UN's 17 Sustainability Development Goals can be met with the support of robots?
“I believe that robots and related technologies are important elements that enrich people’s lives while reducing the burden of their daily work. Several decades ago, the scenes of humans and robots sharing the common space and working together was considered a fantasy world, but such a day is not too far off.
IFR will take the lead for the people to be ready to enjoy such a world.”
Takayuki Ito - IFR President and Standing Advisor & Chief Technical Advisor at FANUC Japan
"IFR is a well recognized organization which unites national robot associations, academia and manufacturers all over the world. To join IFR will let us know the latest statistics and information, to have the channel to present our ideas and thoughts in front of global peers. We hope to have more opportunities for international cooperation and promote the high-speed and healthy development of the robotics industry."
Wei You - IFR Executive Board member and CEO and Chairman of EFORT group
"SCHUNK is a member of the International Federation of Robotics to stay updated on global trends, policies, and advancements in robotics. Membership allows contribution to shaping standards, policies, and fostering robot adoption worldwide."
Milton Guerry - Chair IFR Marcom Committee; President of SCHUNK US
"As the CEO of PAL Robotics, I am proud to bring our 20+ years of pioneering expertise in service robotics to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). Serving as the Chair of Service Robotics, it's an honor to collaborate with industry leaders. Together, we're committed to shaping a future where robotics and human society coexist beneficially, driving innovation and enhancing the quality of life globally."
Francesco Ferro - Chair IFR Service Robot Group and CEO of PAL Robotics
"IFR is a unique international association having members from groups, companies and research institutes from around the world who are involved in robotics. IFR widely offers useful data, opportunities and other benefits not only to its members, but also to the world at large. There are high expectations that IFR will enhance the synergy and mutual support among all its members to become drivers to energetically establish a sustainable society."
Kenji Yamaguchi - past IFR Vice President and Representative Director, President and CEO of FANUC Corporation, Japan
“Joining IFR is a source of pride, the sharing expertise of the worldwide members is key to progress rapidly in the deployment of robotics, build up a powerful innovation ecosystem and drive excellent research. IFR strengths are the possibility to create new opportunities of partnerships, to promote the transfer of knowledge in order to shrink the distances between robotics world and the society and the excellent research networks”.
Sandro Santamaria - IFR General Assembly Member and CEO, ROBOTECO Spa, Italy
"IFR brings opportunity to network and engage with other professionals and entrepreneurs in the field of robotics to together ensure both that more companies and more people benefit from adopting technologies. I believe we are witnessing one of the greatest technological shifts in the history of mankind, during which Robotics, AI and related technologies have the potential to transform every industry and aspect of our lives within the next decade."
Marina Bill - Vice Chair IFR Industrial Robot Suppliers Committee and Global Head of Marketing & Sales, ABB Management Services Ltd.
Established in 1987, IFR has brought together the international robotics players in more than 20 countries. It is a unique platform for sharing information and exchanging ideas, thus contributing to the dynamic development of the robotics around the world. The role of IFR is becoming more and more important for further global development of robotics in the future. CRIA is proud to be part of this international robotics family.
Xiaogang Song - IFR Executive Board Member and Secretary General, China Robotics Industry Alliance (CRIA)
"The International Federation of Robotics is here to provide a reliable and highly trained professional network for the robotics community. By sponsoring the International Symposium on Robotics (ISR), the IFR stands as a major driver for researchers and engineers from around the globe, allowing them to present their pioneering works in service and industrial robotics."
Professor Alexander Verl - Chairman IFR Research Committee and Head of Institute for Control Engineering of Machine Tools and Manufacturing Units / University of Stuttgart
“What I have learned from IFR: The market data on new technologies and trends provided by the IFR are essential for anyone involved in robotics. The IFR meetings have been tremendously beneficial for bringing together industry and academia, and providing invaluable networking opportunities.”
Jong-Oh Park - IFR Executive Board Member and Professor School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University
"One of the key benefits of the IFR is its influence on public opinion, to bring across the positive impact robotics has on economic performance, and to ease fears of technology. Particularly in times such as these, in which populist messages are prevalent, society needs an institution that informs objectively about robotics with well-founded statistics and research."
Bruno Schnekenburger - past IFR Vice Chairman of Robot Suppliers Committee and President / CEO Yaskawa EMEA
World Robotics – Industrial Robots: Record of 4 Million Robots in Factories Worldwide
The new World Robotics report recorded 4,281,585 units operating in factories worldwide - an increase of 10%. Annual installations exceeded half a million units for the third consecutive year. By region, 70% of all newly deployed robots 2023 were installed in Asia, 17% in Europe and 10% in the Americas.
World Robotics – Service Robots: Worldwide sales of professional robots grew by 48%
In 2022, worldwide sales of professional service robot grew by 48%. Almost 158,000 sold units were registered by IFR Statistical Department. The size of the RaaS fleet grew by 50% to more than 21,000 units. At the same time sales of Consumer robots decreases by 12% to about 5 million units. There are hardly any RaaS models offered in this category.
The IFR Newsletter - published quarterly - informs about sector relevant news - press releases, in-depth blogs, positioning papers and case studies on robot use. In addition, we inform about upcoming events, and new IFR members. Each newsletter highlights a report by the current IFR president. Please register for an automatic supply.