US robotics grew by double digits in 2025
English translation from Unibot. Source published 2026-06-20.
The number of industrial robots installed in the US increased by 11% compared to last year. This data is provided by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). In 2025, 38 thousand such machines were installed in the country.
The food industry is growing
The recovery was driven by the food industry and other non-manufacturing sectors, the Frankfurt-based organization explained. But the main customer is still the auto industry - 13.5 thousand units, only 1% less than last year’s result.
“The US is on the rise again,” said IFR President Takayuki Ito. - The automotive industry showed its third best result in seven years. But the data highlights growing demand for flexible automation in the food industry, with adoption soaring 30%. Now this sector is on par with metalworking, mechanical engineering and electronics - each with approximately 3 thousand installations in 2025.”
Robot density: 8th highest in the world
The level of automation in the United States, measured by robot density, is 307 industrial machines for every 10,000 workers in manufacturing. This is eighth place in the world - two places higher than a year ago.
The USA is behind the leaders: South Korea (1220 robots), Germany (449) and Japan (446), but ahead of China (166).
USA versus China: why a national strategy is needed
However, in terms of market size, China is far ahead of everyone. In 2024, 295 thousand robots were installed there - this is 54% of the world market. The IFR has not yet published preliminary data for China for 2025, but estimates that there are about ten times more installations there than in the United States.
This success is the result of a national strategy launched ten years ago. The recently adopted 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) places robotics at the center of the modern industrial system, IFR notes. The goal is to direct AI research toward physical applications, where robots will become the main driver of economic growth.
IFR's outlook for industrial modernization in North America and the US remains very positive. The drivers are the acceleration of reshoring (return of production) and the chronic shortage of qualified personnel. The Federation expects sustainable long-term growth in automation in the region.
Manufacturers will increase investment in automation to close structural gaps in the workforce, and demand will shift beyond traditional industries.
A3 lobbying for US robot strategy
The Association for the Advancement of Automation (A3) has officially presented its “Vision for a National Robotics Strategy” to lawmakers. The industry group is advocating for the creation of a Federal Robotics Authority and a national commission. They would coordinate policies to integrate government research and encourage public-private partnerships.
The proposed strategy also includes:
market tax incentives
expansion of retraining of technical personnel
updating security standards
federal requirement to purchase domestic robotics technology - to accelerate commercial adoption