China, the US and Germany all reached new peak levels between 39% and 51%.

Auto industry, metals and machinery industries were the main drivers.

“In 2011, about 165,000 industrial robots were sold worldwide, by far the highest level ever recorded, 37% more than 2010. The increase of demand in 2010 and 2011 following the worldwide economic crisis exceeded all our expectations. We expect 2012 robot sales will further increase and again reach a new peak level.” [Source: Intl. Fed. of Robotics]