Automation and AI have led to record high orders, production, and shipment values for Japanese robots. According to the Japan Robot Association (JARA), which includes member companies such as Fanuc, KUKA, ABB, and Yaskawa Electric, the surge in demand for automation and AI-related investments has resulted in significant growth.
In the last quarter of 2025 (October to December), the value of orders for industrial robots in Japan rose by 29.1% compared to the same period last year, reaching 271.4 billion yen. This marks the sixth consecutive quarter of growth, surpassing the previous record of 256.7 billion yen set in the first quarter of 2022.
Production of robots also saw a remarkable increase of 26.0% year-on-year, totaling 228.6 billion yen. This represents the fifth consecutive quarter of growth, exceeding the previous record of 223.1 billion yen achieved in the third quarter of 2022.
Furthermore, the total shipment value of robots (including domestic and export sales) skyrocketed by 34.1% to 244.5 billion yen, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of growth and surpassing the previous high of 227.5 billion yen from the fourth quarter of 2022. Notably, export sales surged by 50.2% to 200.8 billion yen, while domestic shipments saw a decline of 10.2% to 43.7 billion yen, marking the third consecutive quarter of contraction.
In terms of regional exports, Japan’s robot exports to Asia increased by 46% compared to the previous year, reaching 139.2 billion yen for the sixth consecutive quarter of growth. Exports to China alone jumped by 38% to 76.5 billion yen, continuing a growth trend for the fifth quarter. Exports to markets outside of China surged by 57% to 62.7 billion yen, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of growth. Exports to North America soared by 66% to 35.3 billion yen, achieving a new high not seen in twelve quarters since the fourth quarter of 2022. Exports to Europe also increased by 58% to 22.9 billion yen, continuing growth for the second quarter.
In summary, the value of robot orders in Japan for 2025 rose by 27.8% to 925.8 billion yen, marking the second consecutive year of increase. The production value for the same year increased by 21.0% to 837.3 billion yen, representing the first growth in three years. Additionally, total robot shipments for 2025 increased by 23.8% to 870.8 billion yen, marking the first increase in three years.
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