Shipments of industrial robots have been steadily increasing. According to robot statistics from the Japan Robot Association (JARA), the April to June quarter marked record orders and outputs in value on a quarterly basis and increased shipment results have been maintained. 

In the April to June quarter, received orders in terms of value increased 56.5 percent annually and outputs increased 32.7 percent, significantly surpassing the figures posted in the same period of the previous year. In terms of shipment results, shipment momentum for Japan remained weak particularly on the automobile manufacturing industry. However, there were signs that the downtrend was coming to an end in some industry sectors and applications. Exports to Asia remained strong mainly those for China, while exports to the United States and countries in Europe headed for recovery. Total exports accounted for more than 80 percent of shipments in terms of value. Last year’s significant increase in the demand for robots for mounting electronic components continued across major countries, and the demand for robots for welding also increased dramatically although there were variations per region. Although there are some concerns about overheating coupled by uncertainties about the future, like the effects of the pandemic and geopolitical risks, robots destined for China strongly drive the demand will continue.

Received orders in the April to June quarter were 71,650 units, an increase of 59.9 percent on the year – the third quarterly increase in a row. Meanwhile, orders posted Yen 250.2 billion (US$2.28 billion), posting an increase for four consecutive quarters.

Outputs were 59,457 units, up by 37.4 percent, and valued at Yen 209.8 billion (US$1.98 billion). Outputs have increased three consecutive quarters both in volume and value.

Shipments in the quarter were 59,693 units, higher by 34.8 percent, and valued at Yen 208.9 billion (US$1.91 billion). Both shipments in volume and value increased three consecutive quarters. 

Shipments in Japan of 9,021 units jumped 21.8 percent, which were worth Yen 38.9 billion (US$355 million), an increase of 12.4 percent. Exports accounted for 50,672 units, an increase of 37.4 percent, and valued at Yen 170 billion (US$1.55 billion). In Japan, shipments in volume turned upward for the first time in nine quarters, and shipments in value turned upward for the first time in seven quarters. Exports has been increasing for three consecutive quarters both in volume and value. 

Of shipments in Japan, those for the electrical machinery manufacturing industry were 2,975 units, higher by 57.5 percent, which were worth Yen12.3 billion (US$112 million); those to the automotive manufacturing industry were 2,477 units, an increase of 1.8 percent, which were valued at Yen11.1 billion (US$101 million). Shipments to the automotive manufacturing industry remained sluggish. Exports of robots for mounting electronic components were 5,363 units, an increase of 40.0 percent, which were worth Yen77.6 billion (US$707.5 million). Exports both in volume and value increased for six consecutive quarters. Exports of robots for welding were 10,076 units, an increase of 59.3 percent, which were worth Yen19 billion (US$173.2 million).  

The statistics are based on monthly statistical survey of JARA member and supporting member companies on industrial robots.