Event Dates
Oct. 11 - 13, 2006 > in Beijing (China - Asia / Pacific)
> Beijing International Conference Center

HISTORY

The International Federation of Robotics was established in 1987 in connection with the 17th International Symposium on Robotics, as a professional non-profit organisation, by robotics organisations from over 15 countries. Since 1970 an International Symposium on Robotics is organised every year on a different continent, in a different country and another city. The Symposium is systematically organised in conjunction with an International Robot Exhibition.

MISSION STATEMENT

The purpose of the International Federation of Robotics is to promote research, development, use and international co-operation in the entire field of robotics to act as a focal point for organisations and governmental representatives in activities related to robotics.

MAJOR ACTIVITIES

Act as the primary resource for world-wide surveys, studies, statistical data on use of robotics.
Sponsor of the annual International Symposium on Robotics.
Co-operate in establishing International Standards.
Stimulate research and development in the field of emerging robotics technologies.
Establish relations and active co-operation with other national and international organisations.
Promote the application and diffusion of robotics through the co-operation with manufacturers endusers, universities and other interested organisations.
NATIONAL ROBOT ASSOCIATIONS

Over 25 National Robots Associations in the world are active members of IFR.

INDUSTRIAL ROBOT SUPPLIERS:

Over 20 world class industrial robot suppliers are active members. As a result, the IFR has become recognised as the major representative of robotics interest throughout the world. IFR is on the UN roster as a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

WORLD ROBOTICS STATISTICS

IFR is the only International Robot Federation which publishes yearly in cooperation with UNECE (United Nations Geneva) an extensive statistical analysis of the robotics market in the world, for more details, see our Web Site at: www.ifr.org, which includes both industrial and service robots.

SOME DATA ON ROBOTICS IN THE WORLD (Source: Worldrobotics 2003)

In 2002, the worldwide operational stock of multipurpose industrial robots was estimated at 769 900 robots, of which 350 170 in Japan, 103 500 in the USA, 233 000 in the EU and 11 640 in Asia and Australia (except Japan).
It is estimated that the worldwide stock of industrial robots will increase to 875 000 units at the end of 2006, representing an average annual growth of 4,50%.

The service robot industry (service to mankind) is a growing activity which will surpass the industrial robot market in the foreseeable future due to its very diversified applications from educational to medical applications. The professional service robot world stock was estimated to be in 2001 18.000 units, some 30.000 more robots are planned during the period 2003 - 2006. The total world stock of non-professional services robots at the end of 2002 is estimated at 54.000 units.
Some 638.000 units will be added to the total world stock of non-professional robots during the period 2003 to 2006.