— Latest update: August 2024 —

In the robotics market, Japan uses cutting-edge robotic technologies in various fields besides manufacturing, including service and care-giving robots for the older generation, showing that robophilia has become handy.

MANABINK | Connect with the World Through Learning, Japan’s Robot Technology Cutting Edge: The World Is Watching Japan’s Robot Technology, 2020

In 2015, the Japanese government announced the “New Robot Strategy” (2016-2020) to encourage the use of robots and accelerate automation in the economic sectors with low labour productivity like agriculture, infrastructure and healthcare. As a result, Japan leads the world in robotics; by 2020, the country was manufacturing 47% of global robots, with highly competitive research, development and applied technologies. This progress also is being made toward artificial intelligence (AI), so Japan can become a creator of new values and services. 

In 2019, the Japanese government announced the Robotics for Social Transformation Promotion Plan. This is an initiative led by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), which aims to use robot technology to solve various social issues and achieve a sustainable society. The plan also details market trends and directions for technological innovation in the robotics industry. For example, in the market trend of industrial robots, it is emphasized that Japan is the world's largest producer of robots, especially in the automotive and electrical and electronics industries. In addition, the emergence of new business models utilizing robots and the provision of innovative services through the integration of AI and IoT technologies are also expected.

In 2020, the World Robot Summit was held to promote international exchange and competition in robot technology and, in 2024, specific robotic systems began operating, including the automation of the prepared food serving process. These steps established Japan as an advanced country in robot technology.

Moreover, the model of “Society 5.0”, where everyone and everything is connected and integrated through technology, is being implemented faster due to Japan’s population grey and shrinking workforce, plus the effects of the pandemic. This situation has driven rapid growth in service robots, developing a new generation of robots more suitable for areas like hospitality, transportation, and domestic tasks.

Global X ETFs, Japan's Robot Dominance, 2021
METI, Japan’s Robot Strategy, was compiled, 2015
Robotics 24/7, IFR Reviews National Robotics Plans in Updated “World Robotics R&D Programs”, 2021
METI, the Robotics for Social Transformation Promotion Plan, 2019                               
METI, Robots, 2024

Table of Contents

• Market Overview
• Robotics in Society 5.0
• New trends
  • New Workforce
  • Medical sector
  • Resilience: Disaster-response
• Recommendations for European SMEs  
• Examples of EU-JP cooperation
• Expert Reports & Webinars
• Annual Reports
• Further Reading
• Relevant Organisations and Trade Fairs