The US is investing in robotics - a 12% increase in installations in 2023

The US - a leader in industrial automation

In 2023, the market industrial robots in the United States showed significant growth - the number of installed units reached 44,303, which represents an increase of 12% compared to the previous year. This is not only a record level but also confirmation of a long-term trend in investment in automation. The data is preliminary and based on the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) report, which emphasizes that the US has one of the most advanced industries in the world.

The significance of this growth is not limited to numbers - it is a signal for the entire economy. Automation allows companies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase flexibility in production. In the context of global changes - such as the transition to clean energy or the labor shortage crisis - investments in robots are becoming not only beneficial but also necessary.

Automotive and electronics as the main drivers of automation

In the automotive sector in the US, a record number of installations were recorded - 14,678 robots in 2023. This is 1% more than the previous year, but above all, it is another stage of long-term growth. In 2022, installations increased by as much as 47%, which shows that investments are sustainable and aimed at new goals: production of electric vehicles and compensation for labor shortages in plants.

The second largest investor is the electrical and electronics sector - its installations increased by 37% to 5,120 units. This is almost the level from 2018, before the pandemic. This growth is due to the need to strengthen local supply chains and support the energy transition. Together, both sectors occupy a significant part of the market. industrial robots in the USA.

Investments in neighboring countries - Canada and Mexico

The growth of automation is not limited to the USA. In Canada, the number of installed robots increased by 43% - to 4,616 units, with the automotive sector accounting for 55% of all installations. The largest growth in this segment was 99% - 2,549 robots were installed, which is the highest result in the country's history.

In Mexico, the situation is different: the number of installations remained almost unchanged - 5,868 units. However, the automotive sector still dominates, accounting for 69% of the market. It is worth noting that sales to this sector amounted to 4,068 units - the third best result since the peak in 2017. This suggests stability and long-term investments.

What does this mean for the future of manufacturing?

The growth in robot investments is not accidental. It is a response to real challenges: labor shortages, time pressure, the need for sustainable production and global climate change. In the future, these trends are expected to intensify - especially in sectors related to clean energy and new technologies.

However, it should be remembered that the data is preliminary. The full results of World Robotics 2024 will be published on September 24, 2024. Until then, it is not yet possible to fully verify the trends. It is also worth noting that the increase in installations does not automatically mean a larger number of robots in each factory - it may be the result of modernizing existing lines or migrating production.

It is worth emphasizing that the increase in investment in robots is not only a result of technological progress, but also a response to structural changes in the economy. Labor shortages, especially in sectors requiring precision and continuous production, are forcing companies to seek alternative solutions. Automation allows not only to maintain output levels, but also to reduce human errors, improve quality, and accelerate the implementation of new production models. In the context of the transition to a low-carbon economy, robots are key to optimizing energy and material consumption, which increases the attractiveness of local production compared to global supply chains.

Although the data is preliminary, its consistency with long-term trends - such as the development of e-mobility or labor shortages - suggests that investments in robotics in the USA are not a temporary phenomenon, but a foundation for the future competitiveness of the American industry. A 12% increase in installations is not just a number - it is a signal of deep structural transformation that will shape production in the coming years.