The industrial robotics sector has witnessed a significant resurgence in the third quarter of 2025. According to recent data, the three major Japanese industrial robot manufacturers—Fanuc, Yaskawa Electric, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries—reported a combined order intake of 170.4 billion Japanese Yen for the period spanning July to September 2025. This represents a robust 17 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Data from the Japan Robot Association further corroborates this upward trend, showing that industry-wide orders reached 221.9 billion Japanese Yen, marking a 26 percent year-on-year increase. While there was a slight decrease of nearly 1 percent compared to the previous quarter, the year-on-year growth signals a strong recovery in global capital expenditure.
Fanuc Leads with Massive Growth
Among the "Big Three," Fanuc stood out with exceptional performance. The company's robotics division recorded orders of 91.8 billion Japanese Yen, a staggering 39 percent jump from the previous year. This growth is attributed to two primary geographical drivers: the Americas and China.
The Americas: Labor Shortage Driving Automation
In the Americas, demand remains solid and is expected to continue its stable trajectory through the fourth quarter of 2025. The driving force behind this demand is the persistent labor shortage in the manufacturing sector. Companies are increasingly turning to automation solutions to maintain production levels and reshore manufacturing capabilities, effectively substituting human labor with advanced robotics in tasks ranging from assembly to logistics.
China: The EV and IT Boom
Simultaneously, the Chinese market is showing strong momentum, particularly in the automation investment sectors. The demand is heavily fueled by the production of New Energy Vehicles, including electric vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries, and IT-related manufacturing. Despite complex economic conditions, the push for high-tech manufacturing in China continues to generate significant orders for high-precision Japanese robots.
Industry Outlook
The 17 percent growth for the top three manufacturers underscores a global shift towards automated manufacturing. As industries in the West grapple with workforce gaps and the East doubles down on high-tech production (such as New Energy Vehicles), the outlook for the robotics sector remains positive heading into 2026.
