Robohub.org
 

168,000 robots were sold in 2013; 5% more than in 2012


by
21 February 2014



share this:

Based on the results of the IFR Quarterly Statistics, the IFR estimates that in 2013 about 168,000 industrial robots were sold, 5% more than in 2012.

Robot sales to the Americas continued to increase due to necessary automation processes in the North American industry. Robot sales to Asia rose considerably due to strong demand from China, South Korea and other growing Asian markets. In the fourth quarter 2013, the start of recovery in the euro-zone pushed robot demand substantially but due to the rather weak development in the first three quarters, robot sales in Europe stagnated in 2013.

“The global demand for industrial robots reached an all-time-high of about 168,000 units in 2013,” said Arturo Baroncelli, IFR President, on Wednesday in Frankfurt.  “The success story of the robotics industry is continuing.”

“As clearly shown by the IFR quarterly statistics, the automotive industry has made major investments in Asian countries including China. In comparison to 2012, our shipments have been on the rise in most markets.  This is mainly led by the automotive industry and is also due to strong demand from the other industries, such as food and beverage, building and construction related sectors.  We expect that demand from the mentioned industries will remain stable in the next few years.  Moreover, there will be a great expansion in the emerging markets and new fields such as the bio-medical sector. The semi-conductor industry remained steady throughout 2013.  This trend is expected to continue in 2014,” said Yoshikatsu Minami, Corporate Vice President and General Manager Robotics Division, Yaskawa Electric, Japan.

 

“ABB Robotics recorded its best year ever in 2013. Whilst gains were posted across all industries, the sustained growth witnessed in the Automotive and Food & Beverage segments coupled with the relentless growth trajectory of the Consumer Electronics industry merit particular mention. Regionally, resilience in Europe and continued strength across the board in Asia helped drive our business to levels previously unseen. With global demand for flexible automation solutions at an all-time high, I look forward to yet another excellent year for ABB Robotics and the industry in 2014.” Per Vegard Nerseth, Group Senior Vice President Head of Business Unit Robotics Discrete Automation & Motions Division, ABB, Switzerland.



tags: , ,


Frank Tobe is the owner and publisher of The Robot Report, and is also a panel member for Robohub's Robotics by Invitation series.
Frank Tobe is the owner and publisher of The Robot Report, and is also a panel member for Robohub's Robotics by Invitation series.





Related posts :



Livestream of RoboCup2025

  18 Jul 2025
Watch the competition live from Salvador!

Tackling the 3D Simulation League: an interview with Klaus Dorer and Stefan Glaser

and   15 Jul 2025
With RoboCup2025 starting today, we found out more about the 3D simulation league, and the new simulator they have in the works.

An interview with Nicolai Ommer: the RoboCupSoccer Small Size League

and   01 Jul 2025
We caught up with Nicolai to find out more about the Small Size League, how the auto referees work, and how teams use AI.

RoboCupRescue: an interview with Adam Jacoff

and   25 Jun 2025
Find out what's new in the RoboCupRescue League this year.

Robot Talk Episode 126 – Why are we building humanoid robots?

  20 Jun 2025
In this special live recording at Imperial College London, Claire chatted to Ben Russell, Maryam Banitalebi Dehkordi, and Petar Kormushev about humanoid robotics.

Gearing up for RoboCupJunior: Interview with Ana Patrícia Magalhães

and   18 Jun 2025
We hear from the organiser of RoboCupJunior 2025 and find out how the preparations are going for the event.

Robot Talk Episode 125 – Chatting with robots, with Gabriel Skantze

  13 Jun 2025
In the latest episode of the Robot Talk podcast, Claire chatted to Gabriel Skantze from KTH Royal Institute of Technology about having natural face-to-face conversations with robots.

Preparing for kick-off at RoboCup2025: an interview with General Chair Marco Simões

and   12 Jun 2025
We caught up with Marco to find out what exciting events are in store at this year's RoboCup.



 

Robohub is supported by:




Would you like to learn how to tell impactful stories about your robot or AI system?


scicomm
training the next generation of science communicators in robotics & AI


©2025.05 - Association for the Understanding of Artificial Intelligence


 












©2025.05 - Association for the Understanding of Artificial Intelligence