Germany Records 24,842 Industrial Robot Installations in 2025, Accounting for 41% of EU Total
The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) has reported that Germany installed 24,842 new industrial robots in its factories in 2025, representing 41% of all industrial robot installations across the European Union. The figures were published in the World Robotics 2026 report, which provides insights into industrial automation, robot adoption, manufacturing trends, and developments in the global robotics industry.
Germany continues to maintain a significant position in the global industrial robotics market, with annual installations ranking fifth worldwide, behind the Republic of Korea, the United States, Japan, and China. However, the latest figures indicate a slowdown in demand, particularly from the manufacturing sector, which experienced declining investment activity in 2025.
According to the report, industrial robot installations in Germany grew at an average compound annual growth rate of 2% between 2020 and 2025. Despite this long-term growth, annual installations declined by 8% in 2025, reflecting weaker demand across several manufacturing industries.
Industrial Automation in Germany
Germany remains one of Europe’s major industrial automation markets, supported by its established manufacturing base, advanced engineering capabilities, and widespread use of robotics in production facilities.
“Industrial automation in Germany is on a high level,” said Jane Heffner, President of the International Federation of Robotics. She noted that Germany’s annual industrial robot installations rank among the five largest markets worldwide.
The country’s manufacturing industries have increasingly adopted robotics to support production processes, improve operational efficiency, and address changing industrial requirements. However, economic uncertainty and weaker demand in key sectors have affected investment decisions.
The decline in installations during 2025 highlights the challenges facing manufacturers as they evaluate production capacity, capital expenditure, and automation projects amid changing market conditions.
Automotive Industry Remains the Largest Customer
Germany’s automotive industry continued to represent the largest customer segment for industrial robots in 2025, accounting for 23% of total installations.
A total of 5,785 industrial robots were installed in the automotive sector during the year. Although the industry maintained its leading position, its share of installations has declined considerably compared with 2020, when automotive manufacturers accounted for 40% of the country’s total industrial robot installations.
The reduction reflects changing investment patterns in the automotive sector. Lower-than-expected demand, particularly for electric vehicles, along with political and economic uncertainty in domestic and international markets, has influenced manufacturers’ investment plans.
Several automotive companies have postponed investment projects and reconsidered production capacity as they respond to evolving market conditions.
Germany remains the world’s fourth-largest producer of passenger cars, underscoring the importance of the automotive industry to the country’s industrial economy.
Despite the decline in its share of robot installations, the automotive sector continues to be a major driver of industrial automation, particularly in vehicle assembly, material handling, welding, and other production processes.
Metal and Machinery Industry Records 5,272 Installations
The metal and machinery industry was the second-largest customer segment for industrial robots in Germany in 2025.
The sector accounted for 21% of total installations, with 5,272 industrial robots deployed during the year. However, installations in this industry declined by 13%, reflecting weaker demand for automation equipment.
Metalworking and machinery manufacturers use industrial robots in a variety of applications, including welding, machining support, material handling, assembly, and other production operations.
The decline in installations indicates that manufacturers in this segment have also faced challenges in expanding or upgrading their automation capabilities.
Plastic and Chemical Products Industry Sees Lower Installations
The plastic and chemical products industry represented another significant market for industrial robotics in Germany.
In 2025, the sector accounted for 12% of total industrial robot installations, equivalent to 2,989 units. Installations declined by 5% compared with the previous year.
Industrial robots are used in plastic and chemical product manufacturing for applications such as handling, packaging, assembly, and the movement of materials between production stages.
The decrease in installations reflects the broader slowdown in industrial robot demand across Germany’s manufacturing sector.
Industrial Robot Production Declines by 24%
Germany’s industrial robot production experienced a significant decline in 2025.
According to the IFR report, domestic industrial robot production fell by 24% to 23,710 units during the year.
The reduction in production highlights the impact of weaker market demand on the country’s robotics manufacturing industry. As manufacturers face lower orders and changing investment conditions, production levels have adjusted accordingly.
Germany remains an important center for industrial robotics technology and manufacturing. However, the latest figures indicate that the sector is experiencing pressure from both domestic market conditions and developments in international demand.
Industrial Robot Exports Fall by 37%
Industrial robot exports from Germany also declined significantly in 2025.
Exports fell by 37% to 15,096 units, according to the World Robotics 2026 report.
The IFR identified production relocation and the role of international robot suppliers operating distribution centers in Germany as important factors influencing export figures.
Many international robotics companies use Germany as a distribution hub for serving European markets. As a result, German export statistics include not only robots produced domestically but also equipment re-exported through these distribution networks.
Weak demand across Europe has reduced re-exports to other European markets and lowered imports into German distribution centers.
These developments have contributed to the decline in export volumes, reflecting broader challenges in the European industrial automation market.
Outlook for Germany’s Industrial Robotics Market
The IFR expects overall industrial robot demand in Germany to contract again in 2026.
The anticipated decline reflects continuing uncertainty in the manufacturing sector and the cautious investment environment facing industrial companies.
However, industry experts broadly expect industrial robot installations in Germany to increase from 2027 onward.
The expected recovery will depend on developments in manufacturing demand, investment activity, and the broader economic environment.
As manufacturers reassess their production strategies and automation requirements, industrial robotics is expected to remain an important component of Germany’s long-term industrial development.
About the World Robotics 2026 Report
The World Robotics 2026 report, published by the International Federation of Robotics, provides information on industrial robot installations, production, exports, and developments across major manufacturing markets.
The report tracks industrial automation trends and offers insights into the adoption of robotics across industries and regions.
For the full press release and related graphics, visit the IFR press release page: https://ifr.org/ifr-press-releases/
About the International Federation of Robotics
The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) represents the global robotics industry and serves as a voice for organizations involved in robotics and automation.
Founded in 1987, the non-profit organization represents more than 3,000 organizations and supports the exchange of information and knowledge about robotics developments worldwide.
For more information, visit https://www.ifr.org.
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