Global sales of industrial robots have grown by 29%, reaching 380,000 units

Between 2016 and 2017, the global sales of industrial robots rose by 29% from 294,300 units to 380,550.

The rise in sales were driven by China, which saw a growth in industrial robot sales of 58% - installing 138,000 units.

Asia was accountable for a lot of robotics sales, with South Korea purchasing 40,0000 units and Japan acquiring 38,000 units.

The US became the largest single market for robotic sales at 33,000 units – a rise of 8% – whilst Germany saw a 6% increase reaching 22,000 units sold.

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The automotive industry is still leading the demand for robots, having acquired 125,200 robots last year, a 21% rise on the previous year.

However, the metal industry saw the largest increase in sectors, with the units it bough rising by 54%.

This was followed by the electrical and electronics industry and the food industry, which had growths of 27% and 19% respectively in 2017.

“The growth of industrial robots continues at an impressive pace worldwide,” commented Junji Tsuda, President of the International Federation of Robotics.

“Key trends such as digitalisation, simplification and human-robot collaboration will certainly shape the future and drive forward rapid development.”