New report reveals there are 162 robots deployed for every 10,000 employees globally
South Korea has emerged as the number one adopter of industrial robots worldwide, with a reported 1,012 units deployed per 10,000 employees in its manufacturing sector in 2023.
This is according to the World Robotics 2024 report, as presented by the International Federation of Robotics.
The report found that South Korea's robot density has increased by five per cent on average each year since 2018. Robot density refers to the number of operational industrial robots relative to the number of employees.
"With a world-renowned electronics industry and a strong automotive industry, the Korean economy relies on the two largest customers for industrial robots," the report said.
Robot density data
South Korea's robot density is much higher than the global average of 162 units per 10,000 employees, which is already more than double the number compared to the 74 units seven years ago.
"Robot density serves as a barometer to track the degree of automation adoption in the manufacturing industry around the world," said Takayuki Ito, president of the International Federation of Robotics, in a statement.
Asian countries led the world when it comes to adoption of industrial robots, with Singapore and China coming after South Korea.
Singapore saw 770 robots deployed per 10,000 employees in the manufacturing sector, while China reported 470 robots per 10,000 employees.
"Singapore is a small country with a very low number of employees in the manufacturing industry, so it can reach a high robot density also with a relatively small operational stock," the report said.
Japan has also entered the top five, with 419 units deployed per 10,000 employees, according to the report.
"Robot density of the world's predominant robot manufacturing country grew by 7% on average each year (2018-2023)," it said.
Despite four countries in the top five, however, Asia as a region fell behind the European Union and North America when it comes to robot density.
In Asia, robot density was only at 182 units per 10,000 employees in 2023, an increase of 7.6%, according to the report.
The European Union reported a robot density of 219 units per 10,000 employees, while North America saw 197 units per 10,000 employees.
