China has raced ahead of Germany in industrial automation, ranking third globally for robot density in factories, according to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). With 470 robots per 10,000 workers—more than double its 2019 numbers—China’s tech-driven manufacturing boom is reshaping global industry.
South Korea remains the undisputed leader with 1,012 robots per 10,000 employees, while Singapore takes second place. Germany, once a titan of automation, trails at 429 robots and faces economic challenges as competition heats up.
“China’s massive investments in automation are paying off,” said IFR President Takayuki Ito, highlighting its leapfrog over Germany and Japan. Meanwhile, Germany’s economy—the weakest in the G7—is set to shrink again in 2024, signaling shifting tides in global manufacturing.
For young professionals and entrepreneurs tracking tech trends, this report underscores Asia’s growing dominance in innovation. Could automation be the new gold rush?
