Automation Momentum Builds as Manufacturers Boost Robot Investment
North American robot orders rose in 2025, reflecting strong investment in automation across a growing range of industries. According to new data from the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), companies across the region ordered 36,766 robots valued at $2.25 billion last year. Compared to 2024, this represents a 6.6% increase in units ordered and a 10.1% increase in revenue*.
General Industry Drives 2025 Market Gains
Robot demand from non-automotive customers outpaced demand from their automotive industry counterparts in 2025, with general industries capturing the majority share of units ordered throughout the year. Industries such as food and consumer goods, semiconductors and electronics, and life sciences all contributed to this broad-based momentum. While automotive component orders remained below 2024 levels, activity from automotive OEMs showed meaningful improvement. This uptick from major vehicle manufacturers may signal stabilization in core automotive markets heading into 2026.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, companies ordered 10,325 robots valued at $579 million. These figures represent a 6.6% increase in units and an 8.7% rise in revenue compared to Q4 2024, using adjusted comparisons from matched reporting companies. This marks the sixth consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth and lifted annual totals to their highest level since 2022.
Collaborative Robots Secure 20% Market Share
Collaborative robots continued their upward trajectory, accounting for 28.6% of all robots ordered in Q4 2025 and 14.7% of quarterly revenue. This represents 2,953 units valued at $85 million, the highest quarterly volume recorded since A3 began reporting collaborative robot as a distinct category in Q1 2025.
Across the full year, collaborative robot orders totaled 7,212 units valued at $241 million. This represents 19.6% of total robots ordered in 2025 and 10.7% of total revenue, underscoring the growing importance of collaborative systems as part of modern automation strategies.
Automation Momentum Expected to Continue into 2026
“The rebound in robot orders over the course of 2025 reflects renewed confidence in automation as a long-term solution to competitive pressures,” said Alex Shikany, Executive Vice President at A3. “We’re seeing increasing adoption across sectors, especially in general industry applications and at automotive OEMs, as manufacturers look to automation to address workforce shortages, manage reshoring initiatives, and boost productivity.”
For more information: www.automate.org
