This is you Robotics Industry Insider: AI & Automation News podcast.

The robotics and automation sector is experiencing a pivotal moment as artificial intelligence and advanced technologies reshape manufacturing globally. Industrial robot installations reached 542,076 units in 2024, more than double the volume from a decade ago, bringing the global operational stock to approximately 4.66 million units with nine percent year-on-year growth. This trajectory reflects a fundamental shift in how factories approach productivity and efficiency.

Asia continues to dominate this landscape, with China leading at 295,000 robots installed in 2024 and over 2 million units in operation. Japan and South Korea maintain their positions as innovation leaders, while Europe installed 85,000 new robots despite uneven regional growth. The Americas showed moderate but steady expansion with 50,077 installations led by the United States.

What's particularly significant is the sectoral transformation occurring right now. The electronics industry has become the most automated sector with 128,899 units installed, surpassing traditional leaders like automotive manufacturing. This shift signals where capital and innovation are flowing as companies race to meet demand for consumer electronics and advanced components.

The integration of collaborative robots and artificial intelligence systems represents the most transformative development in 2025. These cobots enable safe human-robot collaboration while expanding automation to previously complex tasks that required human dexterity and decision-making. According to Robotnik's analysis of the World Robotics 2025 Industrial Robots report, multipurpose robots equipped with AI and modular designs are transforming industries from aerospace to agriculture by improving productivity, flexibility, and precision.

Recent developments underscore this momentum. The European Investment Bank announced a 50 million euro investment in Comau for research and development in advanced automation solutions, machine tools, and digitalization. This funding, part of the broader InvestEU program, targets critical sectors including battery manufacturing, aerospace, construction, and renewable energy. Such institutional backing demonstrates confidence in automation's role in Europe's industrial competitiveness.

The broader market reflects this optimism. The industrial automation services market was valued at 175.38 billion dollars in 2024 and is expected to reach 192.75 billion dollars in 2025, growing at 10.8 percent annually through 2030. According to AlixPartners projections, the entire industrial automation market will surpass 400 billion dollars by 2030, with regional markets expected to grow near 10 percent compound annual growth rates.

While 2025 experienced temporary cooling due to investment climate adjustments and supply chain recalibrations, the outlook strengthens significantly from 2026 forward. Pharmaceutical and medical technology industries will lead growth, followed by battery manufacturing and food and beverage sectors. The fundamental drivers remain compelling: labor shortages, demand for operational efficiency, and technological breakthroughs in AI and connectivity.

For manufacturers considering automation investments, the message is clear. Current technology offers unprecedented flexibility and capability. Industry partnerships and funding mechanisms are making advanced solutions more accessible. The window to gain competitive advantage through intelligent automation is open now.

Thank you for tuning in to Robotics Industry Insider. Join us next week for more developments in artificial intelligence and automation. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more content, check out Quiet Please dot A I.


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