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Comau industrial robots. (Photo: Comau) |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] Seoul, South Korea — Japan’s robotics market is expected to expand significantly by 2034, driven by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and the country’s accelerating demographic shift toward an aging population.
According to a newly released report, “Japan Robotics Market: 2026–2034 Outlook,” from IMARC Group, the market is projected to grow from USD 2.9 billion in 2024 to USD 3.3 billion by 2034—equivalent to approximately KRW 4.8 trillion. The market is expected to post a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.71% during the 2026–2034 forecast period.
The report highlights expanding demand for automation across Japan’s manufacturing sector as a key driver of growth. Industries including automotive, electronics, and machinery are increasingly deploying robotic systems to enhance efficiency and precision while reducing operational costs in production processes.
Japan is also witnessing rapid adoption of autonomous and service robots. Toyota, for instance, has been running a free Level 4 autonomous driving pilot service since last year across a 1.5 km² zone in Tokyo’s Odaiba district.
Another major factor behind the market expansion is the rising need for service robots, particularly in healthcare and eldercare. With Japan aging faster than any other major economy, robots designed for patient assistance, caregiving, and household support are seeing increased deployment. Advanced sensors and AI-powered interaction technologies are improving both safety and convenience in these applications.
Additionally, the logistics, retail, and hospitality sectors are accelerating adoption of service robots to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. In July last year, JR West—Japan’s largest railway operator—introduced a multifunctional heavy-duty maintenance robot to support railway infrastructure upkeep.
알파경제 Paul Lee 특파원(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
