-

Investment In Robotics Research – Global Report 2021 by IFR

  • International Federation of Robotics releases “World Robotics R&D Programs”

FRANKFURT, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the economies reopen from the pandemic, Asia, Europe and America adjust their robotics research funding programs (R&D). What are the targets of the officially driven government programs today? This has been researched by the International Federations of Robotics and published in the 2021 update paper of “World Robotics R&D Programs”.

“The first version of World Robotics R&D Programs was introduced in June last year. Since then, dozens of countries have updated their robotics R&D programs.” says Prof. Dr. Jong-Oh Park, Vice-Chairman IFR Research Committee and member of the Executive Board. “The five most advanced robotics countries, South Korea, Japan, Germany, USA and China follow up a very different strategic focus.”

Robotics R&D programs - officially driven by governments

The strategic plan Made in China 2025 comes as a blueprint to upgrade the manufacturing capabilities of Chinese industries. In order to promote the rapid development of intelligent robot technology, the key special projects of "Intelligent Robots" are being deployed in accordance with the requirements of the "Innovation Chain". The statistical yearbook "World Robotics" by IFR shows that China reached a robot density of 187 units per 10,000 workers in the manufacturing industry – the country ranks 15th worldwide.

The new European Framework Program Horizon Europe has been launched on research and innovation over the period of 2021 to 2027. Horizon Europe will support top researchers, innovators, and general citizens to develop the knowledge and solutions needed to ensure a green, digital, and healthy future. The robotics-related work program 2021-2022 in Cluster 4 will provide total funding of 240 million USD (198.7 million EUR).

The National Robotics Initiative (NRI) in the USA was launched for fundamental robotics R&D supported by the US Government. A key sector is “Space Robotics”, where NASA launched a lunar program named “Artemis” with the purpose to return astronauts to the lunar surface by 2024 and to construct promising capabilities for Mars missions after 2024.

Please find FULL TEXT including JAPAN, KOREA and GERMANY at:
https://ifr.org/ifr-press-releases/news/investment-in-robotics-research-global-report-2021

Files for Download
Please find the information paper “World Robotics R&D Programs” by IFR
for download at: https://ifr.org/r-and-d

Video: FACTS about ROBOTS at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_kApx8C-O4

About IFR
www.ifr.org

Contacts

International Federation of Robotics
Carsten Heer
phone +49 (0) 40 822 44 284
E-Mail: press@ifr.org

International Federation of Robotics

Details
Headquarters: Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland
Website: IFR.org
CEO: Gudrun Litzenberger
Employees: 50
Organization: NON

Release Versions

Contacts

International Federation of Robotics
Carsten Heer
phone +49 (0) 40 822 44 284
E-Mail: press@ifr.org

Social Media Profiles
More News From International Federation of Robotics

Jane Heffner is New President of International Federation of Robotics

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jane Heffner has been elected as the new President of the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). Heffner is taking over the rotating presidency from Takayuki Ito of Fanuc Corporation. The new President holds the position of Global Vice President of Channel Communication at Teradyne Robotics. Her new Vice President, Adrien Brouillard, heads the robotics division at Stäubli as Executive President. He completes the federation's new leadership team....

US Robot Industry Returns to Double Digit Growth – IFR Reports

FRANKFURT, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The number of industrial robot installations in the United States rose by 11% year-on-year, to reach 38,000 units in 2025. This significant recovery is driven by robust growth in the food industry and other non-manufacturing sectors. However, the automotive industry remains the largest adopter and reached 13,500 units, just 1% below last year's result. These are preliminary statistics, presented by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). “The United...

IERA Award 2026 Goes to Flying Warehouse Robots by Verity from Switzerland

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The 2026 “Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Robotics & Automation” (IERA) goes to Swiss deep-tech company Verity for its fully autonomous indoor drone system. The aerial robots help in the logistics and retail sector, continuously keeping track of inventory without GPS or human intervention. The drones autonomously navigate aisles and scan barcodes before returning to charging stations. Across deployed fleets, a centralized cloud-based...
Back to Newsroom