Japan’s industrial robot orders and production value hit record highs in Q1 2026

On April 23, the Japan Robot Association (JARA), chaired by Yasuhiko Hashimoto, president and CEO of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, announced orders, production, and shipment figures for industrial robots produced by its member companies for the first quarter of 2026 (January–March).

Orders and production value remain strong

Orders totaled JPY 294.8 billion, up 41.0% year on year, while the number of units ordered reached 60,412, up 33.0% year on year. Both order value and order volume marked year-on-year growth for the seventh consecutive quarter. Production value also rose 22.9% year on year to JPY 244.2 billion. Both order value and production value set new all-time highs for the second consecutive quarter.

Shipment value also rises significantly

Total shipment value reached JPY 251.9 billion, up 24.8% year on year, with total shipment volume of 54,255 units, up 21.4% year on year.

Exports to Asian and North American markets increase sharply

Exports remained particularly strong, with export value rising 35.4% year on year to JPY 199.8 billion and export volume rising 29.3% year on year to 44,630 units. Demand for electronic component mounting robots drove export growth, with notable increases in Asian markets such as China, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as North America. Domestic shipments, on the other hand, remained sluggish, with volume down 5.3% year on year to 9,625 units and value down 4.0% year on year to JPY 52.1 billion. Within domestic shipments, both unit volume and value declined in the electrical machinery and automotive sectors.