The 27 Member States currently account for 84% of operational industrial robots in Europe. The EU's robot stock has increased by more than 80% over the last decade, rising from approximately 390,000 units in 2015 to 712,000 in 2025.
This long-term evolution contrasts with the decline recorded in new installations during the last fiscal year.
Robot installations fall by 11% in 2025
In 2025, 60,500 new industrial robots were installed in the European Union, representing an 11% drop compared to the previous year.
Despite this decline, the evolution between 2020 and 2025 shows a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3% in installations.
IFR data also shows differences with other regions. Asia recorded 457,315 new installations during 2025, 14% more than the previous year. In the Americas, 57,044 units were installed, also with a year-on-year growth of 14%.
The automotive industry continues to be the main sector
The automotive industry was the largest market for industrial robots within the EU in 2025. The sector installed 14,900 units, although this figure represents a 25% reduction compared to the previous year.
The automotive sector accounted for approximately a quarter of all new robot installations in the European Union.
The second largest sector by volume was the metallurgical industry, with 13,000 units and a year-on-year decrease of 13%.
The plastics and chemicals industry installed 7,400 robots, down 3%, while the food and beverage industry reached 5,300 units and registered an increase of 4%.
Germany accounts for 41% of EU facilities
Germany remained the leading market for industrial robots in the European Union and the fifth largest globally in 2025. The country recorded 24,800 new installations, representing 41% of the EU market.
The automotive industry accounted for 23% of German demand for new robots, followed by the metalworking industry, with a share of 21%.
Italy ranked second within the EU, with 13% of installations. The country added 7,800 industrial robots during 2025. The metalworking industry was its main consumer sector, accounting for 29% of national installations.
Spain installs 4,300 industrial robots
France and Spain each accounted for approximately 7% of new industrial robot installations in the European Union during 2025.
France installed 4,500 units. The automotive industry accounted for 21% of national demand, while the metallurgical sector represented 18%.
Spain registered 4,300 new installations. The automotive industry stands out in this market, accounting for 43% of national demand for industrial robots during the year.
Thus, the four main markets —Germany, Italy, France and Spain— accounted for a significant portion of the new installations carried out in the EU during 2025.
Automation of European industry
The data from *World Robotics 2026* reflects two different trends in the European market. On the one hand, the industrial robot fleet continues to grow in the long term and has surpassed 700,000 units in operation for the first time. On the other hand, new installations contracted during 2025.
The evolution of European industrial automation will be conditioned, among other factors, by manufacturing activity, production costs, the availability of workers and companies' investments in modernizing their production processes.
The European market is also experiencing changes in its manufacturers' offerings. In addition to established suppliers from Japan, South Korea, and other markets, there is a growing presence of Chinese manufacturers, some of whom have begun to establish distribution networks in Europe.
