Europe has the fastest-growing robotics industry

According to data from AltIndex.com, the European robotics industry is expected to expand by 68%, reaching a market value of $28.8 billion by 2029 – outpacing growth in North America and Asia.

European robotics industry set for significant growth

The expansion of Europe’s robotics industry is driven by several key factors: technological innovations, strong government support, labour shortages – especially in manufacturing and logistics – and rising demand for automation in sectors such as automotive, healthcare, and agriculture. These drivers have contributed to the market’s substantial growth over the past five years, increasing its value by nearly 50% to reach $17.1 billion. Europe’s robotics sector is expected to continue on this upward trajectory, outpacing the technological powerhouses of the US and China in the coming years.

According to a survey from Statista, the European robotics industry will grow by an impressive 68% over the next five years, adding over $10 billion to its market value. In comparison, North America, where the United States accounts for 85% of the market, is projected to grow by 53% by the end of the decade, adding over $6 billion in value – 15% less than Europe. The Asian robotics market, including key players such as South Korea and China, is expected to see a similar growth rate of 51%, reaching a total value of $23.2 billion within the same period.

Global robotics market comparisons

While Europe leads in terms of growth, Asia maintains a significant lead in the overall number of robots. According to Statista, the total number of robots in Asia – across industrial and service sectors – will more than double by 2029, reaching 23.1 million units. This comes as no surprise, given that Asia is home to three of the five most automated nations in the world: China, Japan, and South Korea, the latter boasting 1,012 installed robots per 10,000 employees, seven times the global average.

Europe, although witnessing robust growth, will still trail behind Asia in terms of total robot numbers. By 2029, Europe is expected to have 19.2 million robots, up from 9.3 million this year, but still 16% fewer than in Asia. Meanwhile, the North American robotics market will reach approximately 17 million robots by 2029, an increase from 11.6 million units in 2024.

Europe’s robotics industry: leading the future of automation

Europe’s remarkable growth in the robotics sector positions it as a key player in the future of global automation. While Asia continues to lead in sheer numbers, Europe’s rapid market expansion, supported by advancements in automation technology and favourable policy environments, sets the stage for the continent to drive innovation in robotics across diverse industries.

As the global robotics industry is projected to grow by 58%, reaching a market value of $73 billion by the end of the decade, Europe’s outsized growth underscores its emerging role in shaping the future of automation.