Japan’s automotive industry installed approximately 13,000 industrial robots in 2024, marking an 11% year-on-year increase and the highest level since 2020, according to preliminary data released by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). This surge reflects the sector’s ongoing transformation as it adapts to next-generation powertrains and evolving production demands.
“Japan is the world’s predominant robot manufacturing country, representing 38% of global robot production,” said Takayuki Ito, President of the IFR. He highlighted Japan’s strong global position in automation, noting that its automotive sector ranked fourth in robot density worldwide in 2023, with 1,531 robots per 10,000 employees. This places Japan ahead of the United States and Germany, trailing only behind Slovenia, South Korea, and Switzerland.
The growth in robot deployment comes amid a major restructuring phase within Japan’s automotive sector. Manufacturers are expanding their portfolios to include battery electric vehicles (BEVs), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), and hydrogen-fueled combustion engines. These alternative powertrains demand flexible and advanced production systems, contributing to the increased need for automation.
Car manufacturers continue to account for around 25% of all robot installations in Japan annually. The only industry to surpass them in this regard is the electrical and electronics sector, which installed roughly 14,000 industrial robots in 2024, a slight 5% decline from the previous year.
Ito also emphasized the broader societal role of robotics in Japan, beyond industrial settings. “The use of robotics not only characterizes modern industrial workplaces in Japan but also contributes to the development in everyday areas of application,” he said.
Highlighting Japan’s commitment to robotics innovation, the upcoming ‘Future Creation Robot Week’ at Expo 2025 in Osaka will showcase advancements in robotic technology aimed at supporting daily life, offering a glimpse into a future where automation is seamlessly integrated into society.
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