October 28, 2026. China's industrial robot production grew 29.1 % from January to September 2026, according to the National Bureau of Statistics cited by Xinhua on October 20. The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) had already measured the trend in World Robotics 2026: in 2025 China installed 354,000 industrial robots, 59 % of all installations worldwide.
China's numbers
According to Xinhua's quarterly report, China's industrial value added grew 5.3 % in the first three quarters; equipment manufacturing rose 10.2 % and high-tech manufacturing 14.3 %. Robot output grew 29.1 % and 3D printing equipment 62.5 %.
The IFR report of September 24 adds the 2025 detail:
- China installed 354,000 robots, a record and 20 % more than in 2024.
- Chinese suppliers raised installations 15 % and hold 55 % of the home market.
- Foreign suppliers also grew in China, by 27 %.
- Electrical and electronics was the top customer (96,400 units), followed by automotive (78,900, a record) and metal and machinery (78,700, +44 %).
The Americas
More than 600,000 robots were installed worldwide in 2025 (+11 %), and the operational stock reached a record 5 million units. The United States installed almost 38,500 (+12 %), Brazil almost 4,300 (+38 %) and Canada almost 4,000 (+5 %). Mexico fell 7 % to under 5,200, its third annual decline.
Buying automation from China
Our take: a huge home market where Chinese brands already lead gives Latin American manufacturers more options for robot arms, welding cells, palletizing and packing lines. Manage the risks from day one:
- Service and spare parts: get response times, parts stock and local partner in writing.
- Integration: confirm software language, communication protocols and included training.
- Electrical specs and safety certifications for your plant.
- A factory acceptance test with your real part before shipping. A factory audit checks the maker first.
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