Apr 24, 2015
Global demand for industrial robots went off in 2014 and exceeded 200,000 units for the first time, according to Arturo Baroncelli, president of International Federation of Robotics. "Driver of the growth was again the automotive industry followed by the electronics industry," he said.
Based on the preliminary results of the global statistics on industrial robots, IFR estimates that about 225,000 units were sold in 2014, 27% more than in 2013. The main impulses came from Asia, particularly from China and South Korea. In total, about 140,000 units were sold in the whole region, by far the highest volume ever recorded. Robot sales to the Americas and to Europe also reached new peak levels.
Robot sales increased in all major markets. China was again by far the biggest destination of industrial robots in 2014. About 56,000 units were sold— 54% more than in 2013. Thereof, Chinese robot suppliers delivered 16,000 units and international robot suppliers about 40,000 units.
Meanwhile, due to considerable investments of the automotive industry, South Korea was the second largest destination with about 39,000 units. It was followed by Japan, the United States and Germany. The five largest robot markets represent 75% of the total sales in 2014.
Source: Control Engineering Asia