GENERAL NEWS
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Global robot density in factories hits new record
Robot adoption in factories around the world continues at high speed . The new global average robot density reached a record 162 units per 10,000 employees in 2023 , more than double the number measured only seven years ago ( 74 units ). This is according to the World Robotics 2024 report , presented by the International Federation of Robotics ( IFR ).
Robot density serves as a barometer to track the degree of automation adoption in the manufacturing industry around the world ,” said Takayuki Ito , President of the International Federation of Robotics . “ This year ’ s runnerup is China , which ranks third worldwide behind Korea and Singapore , but right up with Germany and Japan .”
According to the IFR report , the European Union has a robot density of 219 units per 10,000 employees ( an increase of 5.2 %) with Germany , Sweden , Denmark and Slovenia in the global top ten . North America ´ s robot density is 197 units per 10,000 employees ( up 4.2 %). The United States ranks tenth in the world among the most automated countries in the manufacturing industry . Asia has a robot density of 182 units per 10,000 people employed in manufacturing , an increase of 7.6 %. The economies of Korea , Singapore , mainland China and Japan are among the top ten most automated countries .
“ The Republic of Korea is the world ’ s number one adopter of industrial robots with 1,012 robots per 10,000 employees . Robot density has increased by 5 % on average each year since 2018 . With a world-renowned electronics industry and a strong automotive industry , the Korean economy relies on the two largest customers for industrial robots ,” said the IFR .
“ Singapore follows with 770 robots per
10,000 employees . Singapore is a small country with a very low number of employees in the manufacturing industry , so it can reach a high robot density with relatively small operational stock . China took third place in 2023 , surpassing Germany and Japan . The country ’ s push to the use of automation technology results in a high robot density of 470 robots per 10,000 employees ( 2022 : 402 units ). China only entered the top 10 in 2019 . It has managed to double its robot density within four years ,” continued the association .
“ Germany ranks fourth with 429 robots per 10,000 employees . The robot density of Europe ´ s largest economy has grown by 5 % CAGR since 2018 . Japan is in fifth place with 419 units . Robot density of the world ’ s predominant robot manufacturing country grew by 7 % on average each year ( 2018-2023 ). Robot density in the United States reached 295 units in 2023 . The country ranks tenth in the world ,” it concluded .
Women in Robotics award
IFR would like to highlight and honour Women in Robotics ( in particular , women in the robotics industry ) and give them more visibility . It will select a list of ten women to officially honour as “ IFR ’ s Women in Robotics : 10 Women Shaping the Future of Robotics ” in 2025 .
“ This should inspire girls and young women to pursue a career in STEM subjects or robotics and will also help companies to reach gender equality and overcome staff shortages ,” it said . n
https :// ifr . org /
Registration is now open for the Southern Manufacturing & Electronics exhibition 2025 ( 4-6 February 2025 ), which has now become an international event . It will be held at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre in the UK . This new 20,000m ² venue offers modern facilities , easy access and free onsite parking .
Now owned and managed by Easyfairs , the comprehensive annual industrial trade show is a major platform for new technology in production and inspection equipment , components and subcontract services across a wide spectrum of industries . Professionals engaged in design , manufacturing and procurement can explore a wide array of equipment including machinetools ; tooling ; workholding ; production hardware ; automation and robotics ; test and measurement equipment ; quality control solutions ; engineering software ; materials supply and other technologies . The exhibition also showcases a range of more general products and services .
The event includes a free technical seminar programme over the three days . These include CPD-accredited sessions as well as a complementary blend of technical and business topics covering a wide range of issues facing manufacturing businesses today . Examples include electronics and engineering seminars .
ISMR is a media supporter of the event and will distribute its February issue throughout the show . To read our full show preview , see page 42 of this issue . n
www . southern-manufac turing-electronics . com
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