China accounted for nearly three out of every five industrial robots installed worldwide last year, showing the country’s accelerating automation of manufacturing while positioning robotics and artificial intelligence at the centre of its industrial strategy.

China installed a record 354,000 industrial robots in 2025, equivalent to 59 percent of global installations, according to the World Robotics 2026 report released on Thursday by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). The figure further cements the country’s position as the world’s largest industrial robot market.

The milestone comes as the country deepens its focus on advanced manufacturing under its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), which identifies physical AI and robotics as key engines of future economic growth.

“China’s success in modernising its industrial system is based on its national robotics strategy, which was initiated ten years ago,” IFR President Jane Heffner said in a statement. The latest policy update aims to channel AI research toward real-world industrial applications, with robots expected to become a major driver of economic growth, she said.

The figures highlight how China continues to automate its factories. Electronics manufacturers remained the largest buyers of industrial robots, installing 96,400 units in 2025, up 16pc from a year earlier and accounting for 27pc of total demand.

The automotive industry, one of China’s key customer segments, recorded the fastest expansion among major industries, with installations rising 38pc to 78,900 units, reflecting continued investment in electric vehicle production and smart manufacturing.

Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2026