Japan’s industrial robot orders and units rise for fifth consecutive quarter

On October 23, the Japan Robot Association (JARA), chaired by Yasuhiko Hashimoto (President and CEO of Kawasaki Heavy Industries), released member-based statistics on industrial robot orders, production, and shipments for the third quarter of 2025 (July–September). 

Orders grow on strong electronics and articulated robot demand 

Order value totaled 221.9 billion yen, up 25.9% year-on-year (YoY), while order volume reached 49,213 units, up 20.0% YoY—marking the fifth consecutive quarter of YoY growth for both metrics. Electronic component mounting machines continued to show strong growth, while articulated robots maintained solid performance in both order value and volume. 

Production value increased 20.7% YoY to 207.3 billion yen, the fourth consecutive quarter of YoY growth, while production volume rose 14.8% YoY to 47,525 units, the third consecutive quarter of increase. 

Shipments driven by exports; domestic market remains sluggish 

Total shipment value reached 216.8 billion yen, up 19.8% YoY, and total shipment volume stood at 47,842 units, up 10.5% YoY—both marking the third consecutive quarter of YoY growth. However, domestic shipments remained weak, with declines across major industries and applications. 

Export value totaled 175.0 billion yen, up 33.8% YoY, and export volume reached 40,098 units, up 23.9% YoY—the third consecutive quarter of YoY increases for both.  

Electronic component mounting robots saw significant growth in Asia, particularly in China and Vietnam, while semiconductor applications also maintained strong performance. North American demand continued its robust recovery, led by material handling applications. European shipments, while varying by country and application, recorded their first YoY increase in nine quarters.