German industry is the European leader in robot automation: 40 per cent of all factory robots within the European Union are operated in Germany. This is according to the World Robotics 2025 Report by the International Federation of Robotics.
German industry installed a total of 27,000 new industrial robots in 2024. This is the second-best result since the surveys began and, at minus five per cent, is only just below the record figure from the previous year. Average annual growth between 2019 and 2024 was four per cent.
"The positive trend for the use of robotics and automation is continuing in Germany. In a global comparison of annual robot installations, Germany ranks fifth, behind Korea, the USA, Japan and China. Broken down by sector, the metalworking industry recorded the greatest growth. Contrary to the trend, however, the automotive industry, which is particularly important for Germany, invested significantly less in industrial robotics in 2024."
Takayuki ItoPresident of the International Federation of Robotics
Sales in the automotive industry fell drastically by 25 per cent to 6,900 units in 2024 - the weakest result in 15 years. In contrast, the metalworking industry installed 6,000 units in 2024, the best result since surveys began. This is an increase of 23 per cent compared to the previous year. This is followed by the chemical and plastics industry with 3,100 installed units (plus 71 %) and the electrical/electronics industry with 2,100 units (plus 18 %).
The production of industrial robots in Germany reached 31,200 units, 10 per cent below the previous year. This gives manufacturers a market share of six per cent of global demand. In recent years, new suppliers have entered the market, serving various market segments and expanding the domestic product portfolio. This also includes the production of low-cost robots.
Outlook
The VDMA Robotics + Automation industry association expects the German robotics industry to a challenging year 2025. Hopes for new investments in many robotics customer industries are linked to the Trade and Customs Agreement between the European Union and the United Stateswhich was agreed at the end of July 2025. This has removed an important source of uncertainty.
There is also the expectation of a substantial political turnaround to strengthen the industrial base as a result of the change of government. After a weak year in 2025, opinions are divided on growth in 2026. At the latest in the years 2027 and 2028 a majority of experts anticipate stronger growth in the German robotics industry again.
Source: IFR
