Significant Drop in Robot Integration within the EU Automotive Industry

In 2024, the European Union’s automotive sector saw the installation of 30,650 industrial robots, marking a 5% decrease compared to the previous year. This downturn is particularly notable as six out of the top ten vehicle-producing EU nations experienced double-digit declines in robotics adoption, according to the latest findings from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) in their 2025 World Robotics report.

Automotive Robotics: A Traditionally Vital Industry Facing Challenges

Takayuki Ito, President of the IFR, highlights that the automotive industry has historically been a cornerstone for industrial robot deployment, accounting for roughly 25% of all robot installations globally by 2024. Despite this, most leading EU car manufacturers have significantly scaled back their investments in automation technologies, diverging from global trends.

Germany’s Declining Robotics Investment Amidst Strong Vehicle Production

Germany remains the EU’s largest car producer and ranks fourth worldwide, with over four million vehicles manufactured in 2024. Historically, Germany’s automotive sector contributed to more than 40% of the EU’s annual domestic robot installations. However, this share has steadily declined-from 35% in 2021 to just 26% in 2024, with only 6,932 robots installed, reflecting a 25% year-over-year drop.

Robotics Installation Trends Across Leading EU Automotive Nations

Several other major EU automotive producers have also reduced their robotics investments:

• Spain: The second-largest vehicle manufacturer in the EU, installed 2,279 robots in 2024, a slight 1% decrease.
• Czech Republic: Ranked third, with 1,116 units installed, experiencing a sharp 28% decline.
• France: Fourth place with 1,018 units, marking a significant 41% reduction.
• Slovakia: Fifth in ranking, with only 398 units installed, a steep 75% drop.
• Italy: Installed 1,002 robots, down 11% from the previous year.
• Romania: Seventh place with 248 units, halving its installations with a 50% decrease.

Hungary’s Remarkable Surge in Robotics Deployment

Contrasting the general downward trend, Hungary’s automotive sector recorded a remarkable 305% increase in robot installations, totaling 3,573 units in 2024. This surge is largely attributed to several large-scale automotive projects, which accounted for 84% of the country’s robotics installations. These projects typically involve deploying between 1,000 and 2,000 robots each.

Other countries showed mixed results: Poland maintained steady robotics adoption with 742 units installed, while Portugal saw a modest 4% increase, ranking tenth in the EU.

Future Prospects for Robotics in the EU Automotive Industry

Looking ahead, the EU automotive sector is unlikely to be a primary driver of robotics growth in 2025. Investment delays stem from subdued demand for electric vehicles and ongoing political uncertainties at both national and international levels. However, the recent trade and tariff agreement between the EU and the United States, finalized in late July 2025, has injected cautious optimism into the market.

Industry analysts remain uncertain about a rebound in robotics investments in 2026 but generally agree that a recovery is expected by 2027 and beyond, as automakers adapt to evolving market conditions and technological advancements.