What Is IFR? The International Federation of Robotics Behind Robot Statistics and Case Studies

This explainer helps readers avoid mistaking “IFR” for a robot product or manufacturer and understand it as the source of information published by the International Federation of Robotics. Knowing the differences between robots in operation, new installations and installed units makes it easier to interpret IFR statistics and case studies accurately.

“IFR robots” is a search term used to find robot-related statistics, reports and case studies published by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). IFR is not a robot manufacturer or product brand. Our articles cover topics including the number of industrial robots operating worldwide, adoption trends and examples of mobile robot use. ## What is IFR? IFR stands for International Federation of Robotics. It is an organization that publishes and presents robot-related statistics, reports and case studies, not a term for robots themselves. When searching for IFR robot information, it helps to distinguish whether you are looking for statistics or a specific robot adoption case study. Our coverage of IFR announcements addresses different categories, including industrial, service and mobile robots. ## For industrial robot figures, distinguish between “in operation” and “new installations” According to information from IFR covered by our newspaper, the number of industrial robots operating in factories worldwide reached 5 million in 2025. Meanwhile, China accounted for 59% of new installations, while Japan’s figure fell 19% from the previous year. Our article on IFR’s figures for industrial robots in operation and installations by region reports both a rise in the number of robots in operation and regional differences in new installations. An article covering IFR’s “World Robotics 2026” also reported that more than 600,000 industrial robots were installed worldwide in 2025. Our article on the release of World Robotics 2026 and installation figures and the article above cover different measures: robots in operation and installations during the year. When comparing figures, check what is being counted. ## IFR articles cover more than industrial robots The robot information presented by IFR also covers topics beyond industrial robots. We reported that IFR had highlighted a case in which a mobile robot called an elevator. The case of a mobile robot and an elevator shows that robots are used not only for fixed tasks in factories but also for moving around inside buildings. Meanwhile, an article on U.S. regulations reported by IFR said that mobile robots could fall within the scope of certain advanced robotic equipment, while industrial robots would be excluded. As in our article on the FCC’s rules for foreign-made advanced robotic equipment, regulatory treatment can vary by type of robot. Rather than relying on the general term “robot,” readers should check which equipment the article covers. ## What to look for when reading IFR figures and case studies When reading IFR-related articles, first check whether the subject is an industrial, service or mobile robot. For statistics, determine whether the figure refers to robots in operation, installations during the year or sales. For adoption case studies, it is important to identify which company used a robot and for what task, based on the information provided in the article. It is best to understand IFR not as a general term for robots, but as a source of robot-related information. When consulting our coverage, distinguishing between IFR statistics, individual adoption cases and reports on regulations can help readers find the information they are looking for with the search term “IFR robots.” ## Related articles from our newspaper - IFR reports that the number of industrial robots operating in factories worldwide has reached 5 million (2026-10-22) - IFR releases 2026 report saying the number of industrial robots operating worldwide has topped 5 million (2026-10-14) - IFR highlights a case in which a mobile robot calls an elevator (2026-10-06) - FCC adds foreign-made advanced robotic equipment to list of regulated products (2026-10-01) - IFR says global sales of professional service robots rose 24% (2026-09-30) - IFR releases “World Robotics 2026” (2026-09-24)