Global robot population set to pass two million
Accelerating demand for industrial robots is set to continue, with 15% more robots installed in 2014 than in 2013, and forecasts for 12% growth for the next two years. That will see the global robot population in factories top two million by the end of 2017.
These are the findings of the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) in its study ‘World Robotics 2014 – Industrial Robots’ which has just been published.
The highest volume of industrial robot orders will continue to come from the automotive industry. Usually, investments of the automotive industry are cyclical. However, since 2010, investments have been on the rise without a considerable cyclical effect. This outstanding development will continue also in 2014 and beyond.
Outside of automotive, the electrical/electronics industry is increasing robot investments in production automation as well as in retooling for new production processes. A further increase of robot orders from other industries is also likely, particularly from the rubber and plastics industry, pharmaceutical industry, the food and beverage industry, and the metal and machinery industry.
Major growth in Asia
Major growth of about 21% is expected in Asia in 2014, particularly in China and Taiwan, in Korea and in most of the other Southeast Asian markets. Robot sales to the Americas will increase by 11% in 2014 driven by the increasing demand in North America and Brazil. Robot installations in Europe are estimated to rise by 6%, with the German market in particular expected to have further growth).
Between 2015 and 2017, robot sales are estimated to increase by about 6% in the Americas as well as in Europe, and about 16% in Asia/Australia on average per year.
Sales of industrial robots will gain considerable momentum in the coming years in China. In 2014, it is estimated that sales will increase to about 50,000 units. From 2015 to 2017, an increase of at least 25% on average per year is possible, to about 100,000 units in 2017. By 2017, more than 400,000 industrial robots will be installed in the factories of China. More and more Chinese robot suppliers have been entering the market. The competition between foreign and Chinese robot suppliers is expected to increase. The Chinese market offers huge potential for installation of various kinds of robots in the coming years.
Visit the IFR website for more information.
