Robotics Industry in Germany

The Robotics Industry in Numbers

INDUSTRIE 4.0 and Cobots  

Industrie 4.0 has become an international by-word for intelligent, networked production – with Germany consolidating its reputation as the world’s factory outfitter and a country capable of meeting the challenges of the digital age. Collaborative robots ("cobots") complement production in smart factory environments and make digital manufacturing affordable for SMEs not previously able to afford turnkey solutions.  

According to the World Robotics Report, the portfolio of cobots in the market has been continuously expanding, with new suppliers entering the market as the number of applications increases. Increased client accessibility in terms of robot programming and user-friendly product interfaces should drive increased cobot demand. With more cobots being sold and used, the variety of applications has also grown.  

Application Segments  

Industrial Robots

Global robot density (the number of industrial robots per 10,000 persons employed in the manufacturing industry) continues to grow, rising from 163 to 177 in 2024. Germany has the fourth highest industrial robot density in the world (449) after Korea, Singapore and China respectively. Almost three out of four of the 821,384 operational robots installed in Europe in 2024 were installed in western Europe, with almost half of them situated in Germany.

The automotive industry is still the leading client sector for industrial robots in Germany. According to the VDMA, the automotive industry – and its suppliers – are investing in electric and hybrid drive technologies that insist upon new production processes and equipment, particularly in battery production. The second-largest client industry is the electrical and electronics sector. Beyond big industry, many SMEs are now looking at industrial robot implementation as a solution to increase production system flexibility.

Top Service Robots Application Areas 2024

Service Robots

Service robot sales increased by 18 percent in Europe in the last year – double the global growth rate of nine percent. According to projections, the service robot sector is expected to grow by 27 percent between 2025 and 2028.

The top five application groups for professional service robots (excluding medical robots) by unit sales in 2024 were transportation and logistics, followed by hospitality, professional cleaning, agriculture, and search & rescue, security.

Mobile Robots – Transportation and Logistics  

With a 14 percent increase in units sold (103,000) and over half of all professional service robots used for transporting goods or cargo, the mobile robots sector enjoyed significant growth in 2024.

Hospitality Robots

In 2024, more than 42,000 hospitality robot units were sold. These robots are commonly used for hospitality tasks including room service and guest assistance in hotels and restaurants.

Agricultural Robots

Nearly 20,000 units have been sold in 2024 – marking a six percent growth. These robots enhance efficiency in planting, harvesting and other farming tasks.

Professional Cleaning Robots  

More than 25,000 professional cleaning robot units were sold in 2024 – equivalent to a 34 percent increase. These robots are used for large-scale cleaning operations.

Search and Rescue/Security Robots

Search and Rescue/Security robots recorded a 19 percent increase in sales in 2024, with 3,128 robots sold during the 12 month period. Robots of this type are essential for emergency response and security tasks.

Medical Robots

Sales grew by 36 percent with nearly 6,200 units sold in 2023. Typically used in surgeries and for diagnostics purposes, medical robots are helping transform healthcare.

Source: IFR World Robotics Report 2025 - Service Robots

A Tradition of Engineering Quality  

German robotics and automation (R&A) industry strength is supported by its engineering tradition, technological leadership, and highly diversified industrial base. The machinery and equipment (M&E) industry is a driving force in Germany’s high-tech economy, combining key future technologies such as materials, electronics, software, and robotics. Researchers, companies and employees active in the R&A industry profit from the country’s reputation and global know-how. The “Made in Germany” quality seal has long been recognized as a sign of engineering excellence and precision across the globe.  

Europe's Leading R&A Investment Location  

Germany is Europe’s leading and the world’s second leading automation and robotics investment destination.

Germany led Europe in R&A foreign direct investments from 2019 to 2024 – with over 450 FDI projects in the sector. The country is also the top destination for R&A inward investments, with R&A projects comprising 20 percent of all R&A investments. Key investor countries include China, the USA, Switzerland and Japan.

Supporting Digital Platforms – PAiCE  

As part of its High-Tech Strategy, Germany supports digital technologies through the PAiCE program. PAiCE allocates EUR 50 million over five years to develop digital platforms and promote collaboration. With partner contributions, the total volume exceeds EUR 100 million, covering 17 projects in areas including 3D printing, logistics and robotics.

Generous Public Incentives  

Germany offers various incentives for investors such as cash grants for direct investment costs and R&D support. The High-Tech Strategy 2025 provides funding for research on human-technology interaction, with annual grants of around EUR 70 million until 2026.

Academic Study Programs  

The country’s network of universities offers approximately 300 study programs in robotics and automation. Germany's global reputation for R&D activity supports innovation and industry growth.