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![IFR said U.S. manufacturers continued to invest in automation.](https://www.therobotreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IFR_US_Manufacturing.jpg)
IFR says U.S. manufacturers are increasingly adopting automation.
The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) announced today that total installations of industrial robots will increase 12% to 44,303 in 2023 as U.S. manufacturers invest heavily in automation. According to IFR's preliminary results, the automotive industry still ranks first, followed by the electrical and electronics sector.
“The United States has one of the most advanced manufacturing industries in the world,” said IFR President Marina Bill. She said, “The first IFR outlook for preliminary results shows once again strong robotics demand across all major sectors of U.S. manufacturing in 2023.”
American automakers still lead.
According to IFR, sales in the automotive sector rose by a record 1% in 2023, with 14,678 robots installed. This comes after the Frankfurt, Germany-based organization pointed out that installations will surge by 47% in 2022, reaching 14,472 devices.
Automotive and parts manufacturers' market share reached 33% of total U.S. industrial robot installations in 2023. The United States has the second largest production of automobiles and light vehicles in the world, after China.
“Automakers are currently investing in robotics primarily to drive the electric vehicle transition and respond to labor shortages,” Bill said.
Introduction of robots to the electrical and electronics industry
According to IFR, installations in the electrical and electronics industry increased 37% to 5,120 units in 2023. This figure is close to reaching the pre-pandemic level of 5,284 units recorded in 2018.
The latest results represent a 12% market share of all industrial robots installed in the U.S. manufacturing industry. IFR said global installations hit record numbers in 2022.
It attributed recent demand for industrial robots from U.S. electronics manufacturers to efforts to strengthen domestic supply chains and projects to transition to clean energy.
Learn from Agility Robotics, Amazon, Disney, Teradyne, and more.
Demand is strong among other US manufacturers
Other U.S. industries with installations exceeding 3,000 units included metals and machinery (4,123 units, +6%) and plastics and chemicals (3,213 units, +5%).
IFR says these robots will account for a market share of 9% and 7%, respectively, of U.S. manufacturers' robotic installations in 2023.
Canada and Mexico also rose
Canada's robot installations increased 43% to 4,616 units. The automotive industry accounts for 55% of domestic robot installations. Automotive segment sales increased by 99% to 2,549 units installed in 2023. This is an all-time high.
Robotic installations in Mexico's manufacturing industry remained virtually unchanged at 5,868 units in 2023. The main adopter in Mexico is the automotive industry, accounting for 69% of robot installations in 2023.
IFR said Mexican sales in 2023 reached 4,068 units (-0%), the third-best result after the peak of 4,805 units in 2017.
IFR reveals more results
IFR plans to publish a presentation on the preliminary figures by Bill at the IFR Executive Roundtable on May 8. The federation said it would announce the latest results. World Robotics This is data as of September 24th.
The organization will also be at Automate in Chicago next week at booth 2790.