According to data from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), approximately 517,000 new industrial robots were installed worldwide in 2021.
Of this number, 74% of installations were in Asian factories, while 26% were spread across Europe and America.
The countries with the highest number of industrial robot installations in 2021 were China, Japan, and the United States.
The main user sectors were the electronics, automotive, metal and machinery, plastics and chemicals, and food industries, with installation volumes as shown in the graph.
"The use of robots and automation is developing at an astonishing pace," said the IFR in a press release accompanying the publication of its *World Robotics* report in October 2022.
Cumulatively, between 2011 and 2021, 3.47 million robots were in operation globally. The IFR projects this trend to continue in the future.
"Rising energy prices and shortages of electronic components are indeed challenges for all sectors. But orders for industrial robots are full, and demand has never been higher. Global industrial robot installations are expected to grow by 10% in 2022," said the IFR.