-

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

China Makes “AI-Powered Robots” Core of National Strategy – IFR Reports

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--China has launched its 15th Five-Year Plan by placing robotics at the heart of its modern industrial system. The aim is to pivot its AI research towards physical applications with robots as main drivers for economic growth. This is a next step in the country's strong automation development: 54% of annual industrial robots installed worldwide were deployed in China. This is according to the World Robotics 2025 Report by IFR. “The outline of the 15th F...

Robot Density Surges in Europe, Asia, and Americas – IFR reports

FRANKFURT, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Economies worldwide are prioritising the integration of factory robots, as automation becomes a critical tool for boosting productivity. In the global automation race, the Western European countries reached a record 267 robots per 10,000 employees in the manufacturing industry 2024 – ahead of North America with 204 units and Asia with 131 units. This is according to the World Robotics 2025 report, presented by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR)....

WOMEN in ROBOTICS 2026 Awarded by International Federation of Robotics

FRANKFURT, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Global industrial robotics installations are forecast to surpass 700,000 units in 2028 – representing a compound annual growth rate of about 7% (CAGR, 2025-2028). On their way to strengthen competitiveness, companies actively set up strategies to benefit from female participation. Success stories from the Americas, Asia and Europe show how women contribute to the development of next-generation robotic systems. To give women in the industry more visibility an...
Back to Newsroom