Erkan Teskancan
Corporate
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In 2025, robot orders in North America increased by 6.6%, and automation investments accelerated across general industries.
In 2025, demand for automation across various sectors in North America grew, with robot orders reaching 36,766 units, totaling $2.25 billion. This represents a 6.6% increase in units and a 10.1% increase in revenue compared to 2024.
### General Industry Sectors Driving Market Growth
Robot demand from non-automotive sectors surpassed the automotive sector in 2025. Industries such as food and consumer goods, semiconductors and electronics, and life sciences recorded significant increases in robot orders. While automotive component supplier orders remained below 2024 levels, there was a significant recovery in demand from automotive OEMs. This could signal stabilization in the main automotive markets as we head into 2026.
### Strong Performance in Q4 2025
In the fourth quarter of 2025, 10,325 robot orders were placed, valued at $579 million. This marked a 6.6% increase in units and an 8.7% increase in revenue. This represents the sixth consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth, bringing the annual totals to their highest level since 2022.
### Rise in Collaborative Robots, Reaching 20% Share by Year-End
Collaborative robots (cobots) accounted for 28.6% of orders in the last quarter of 2025 and made up 14.7% of the quarter's revenue. During this period, 2,953 units of collaborative robots were ordered, valued at $85 million. For the full year 2025, a total of 7,212 cobot units were ordered, reaching a value of $241 million. Thus, collaborative robots constituted 19.6% of total annual orders and 10.7% of revenues.
### Automation Growth Expected to Continue in 2026
Alex Shikany, Executive Vice President of A3, stated that the increase in robot orders in 2025 is a sign of long-term confidence in automation. He emphasized that automation is becoming widespread, especially in general industries and automotive OEMs, as manufacturers turn to automation to overcome labor shortages, manage reshoring processes, and increase efficiency.
Shikany also highlighted the importance of the Q4 2025 trends: "The strong rebound from automotive OEMs in the second half of the year is a leading indicator for growth in supplier and component markets. Combined with steady demand in food, electronics, and other non-automotive sectors, it presents a positive outlook for 2026."
### The Future of Automation: Automate 2026
The latest advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, motion control, and vision systems will be showcased at the Automate 2026 exhibition, held in Chicago from June 22-25. This year, the show will be one of the largest events in the industry, featuring A3's popular Humanoid Robot Forum and a dedicated Humanoid Robot Pavilion.
