China Leads Global Automation with Industrial Robots

Industry Insights from Next Move Strategy Consulting

China’s aggressive adoption of automation has cemented its status as the world’s leader in industrial robotics, with approximately 295,000 new industrial robots deployed in 2024. The 2025 World Robotics Report by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), as reported by Business Standard, reveals that this surge has pushed China’s total active robot count to a record 2.027 million, surpassing all other nations.  

According to the report by Next Move Strategy Consulting, the Industrial Robotics Market size is predicted to reach USD 47.86 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 14% from 2024-2030.

Accounting for more than half of the 542,000 industrial robots installed globally last year, China’s automation drive is transforming sectors such as automotive, electronics, and logistics.

Automation Counters Demographic Decline

With China’s population declining since 2022-down by 1.39 million in 2024, 0.1% decrease-industrial robots are bridging critical labor shortages in manufacturing. These robots handle repetitive, precision-driven tasks, ensuring sustained productivity despite a shrinking workforce. From automotive assembly to logistics operations, automation is bolstering China’s global manufacturing dominance.

Gao Xudong, a professor at Tsinghua University, emphasized, “The shift to robots for simple, repetitive tasks is inevitable. Coupled with enhanced education and broader robot adoption, China’s manufacturing competitiveness remains robust.”

Humanoid Robots Signal a New Era

China’s automation vision is evolving with the rise of humanoid robots, designed for sophisticated, human-like functions. A notable milestone is Guangdong-based Tiantai Robot’s record-breaking order of 10,000 humanoid robots for elderly care, marking a transition from research to commercial application. This development highlights China’s ambition to extend automation into new domains, addressing societal challenges driven by demographic shifts.

Key Automation Trends in China:

• Unprecedented Scale: 295,000 new industrial robots in 2024, over half the global total.

• Broad Industry Impact: Robots driving efficiency in automotive, electronics, and logistics.

• Humanoid Robot Expansion: Commercial deployment in elderly care and other sectors.

• Labor Resilience: Automation mitigates a 0.1% population drop in 2024.

Skilled Labor Challenges Persist

Despite its automation leadership, China faces a projected shortage of 50 million high-skilled blue-collar workers by 2030, according to the Human Resources and Social Security Information Centre. This gap underscores the need for ongoing investment in workforce training to support intelligent industries and sustain China’s automation-driven growth.

Impact on the Industrial Robots Market: Next Move Strategy Consulting’s View

China’s massive robot deployment is reshaping the global industrial robots market, driving innovation and investment. China’s demand for versatile, scalable robotic solutions is fueling market growth, particularly with the rise of humanoid robots in healthcare and service sectors. The skilled labor shortage, however, highlights the importance of integrated automation and human expertise, guiding future market strategies toward hybrid solutions.

Redefining Global Manufacturing

With nearly 295,000 new robots in 2024, China’s automation surge is setting a new standard for global manufacturing. By leveraging robotics to address demographic challenges and pioneering humanoid robot applications, China is not only maintaining its industrial leadership but also shaping the future of automation worldwide.

Source: Business Standards 

Prepared by: Next Move Strategy Consulting