Japan’s industrial robot orders and production rise for 3rd consecutive quarter in Q1 2025

On April 24, the Japan Robot Association (JARA), chaired by Yasuhiko Hashimoto, President and CEO of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, released its members’ data on industrial robot orders and production for the first quarter of 2025 (January to March). 

Orders rise in value and volume 

According to the report, total orders reached JPY 209.1 billion, a 32.2% increase year-on-year (YoY). The number of units ordered rose to 45,432, up 23.3% YoY. This marks the third consecutive quarter of YoY growth in both value and volume. 

Strong demand for surface-mount technology (SMT) equipment continued from the previous quarter, and articulated robots also showed solid growth. These trends contributed to the sustained expansion of orders. 

Production continues to grow 

Production value increased 22.2% YoY to JPY 198.6 billion, showing growth for the second consecutive quarter. Production volume rose to 44,022 units, up 14.8% YoY, marking the first increase in nine quarters. 

Shipments driven by exports 

Total shipments grew 16.5% YoY to JPY 201.8 billion, and total shipment volume rose 10.2% YoY to 44,688 units. This is the first YoY increase in eight quarters for shipment value and in nine quarters for shipment volume. 

Despite this recovery, domestic shipments for major applications such as electrical machinery and automobiles declined. 

By application, demand increased significantly for spot welding and semiconductor-related robots, while arc welding applications saw a notable decline. 

Export grow in Asia and North America 

Exports climbed 22.8% YoY to JPY 147.6 billion, the first increase in eight quarters. Export volume reached 34,529 units, up 16.0% YoY, also recovering for the first time in nine quarters. 

By region: 

・Asia, especially China, drove the growth, with robust demand for SMT and welding robots. 

・North America also rebounded, particularly in material handling applications, showing its first YoY increase in seven quarters. 

・In contrast, Europe dropped to levels not seen since 2020. 

While both domestic and overseas demand appear to be on a recovery track, the global economic fragmentation continues to cast uncertainty over the industrial robot market.