India is now counted among the top 10 global markets for robot installations. With a 59% increase in 2023, India’s industrial automation space is catching up rapidly.
Modern manufacturing is increasingly reliant on industrial robots to boost efficiency and output. As of 2023, there were 4.28 million operational robots in factories across the world, growing by 10% year on year. Annual installations crossed 5,00,000 for the 3rd consecutive year, with Asia accounting for the largest chunk at 70%, followed by Europe with 17% and the Americas with 10%.
India has emerged as a significant player in the global robotics landscape. In 2023, the country installed 8,510 industrial robots, a sharp 59% increase over the previous year. This propelled India to the seventh position among global markets. While China led with 2,76,300 units, followed by Japan and the United States, India’s growth rate was the highest among all major economies.
India’s journey in robotic adoption has seen consistent improvement over the past decade. Starting with 1,917 installations in 2013, the numbers have steadily risen with intermittent declines. Significant growth was observed in 2016 and 2017 at over 27% and 30%, respectively. A sharp rebound began in 2021 with close to 60% growth, and the trend continued through 2023, supported by a revival in industrial activity.
The automotive industry continues to be the largest consumer of industrial robots in India. In 2023, installations surged 139% to reach 3,551 units, accounting for 42% of the total market. Both car manufacturers and parts suppliers are deploying robots to enhance precision and productivity.
This sector led installations within the general industry category. With 408 new units, it recorded a 17% increase in 2023, reflecting rising automation in material handling and product shaping processes.
The metal sector remained stable with 329 installations. While the figures did not show high growth, the sector continues to integrate automation in machining and welding tasks.
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Despite the rapid growth, India lags behind in robot density, a key metric that measures the number of robots per 10,000 employees in manufacturing. India had just 7 robots per 10,000 workers in 2021, far below the global average of 141. In the automotive sector, India stood at 148, while South Korea recorded 2,867, Germany 1,500 and China 772.
India’s adoption of robots reflects a growing ambition in industrial modernisation. Although the current base is low, the pace of growth indicates strong momentum. With supportive policies, technology access and cost efficiency, India may bridge the gap with global leaders over the next decade.
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Published on: Jun 9, 2025, 2:59 PM IST
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