TMTPOST -- China has surpassed Germany in the use of industrial robots, according to an annual report released by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) on Wednesday. The shift highlights the growing challenges posed to Europe's largest economy by Beijing's advancements in automation. In terms of robot density, a key metric for comparing manufacturing industry automation, South Korea leads the world with 1,012 robots per 10,000 workers, a 5% increase since 2018, the IFR reported. Singapore follows closely, with China now ranking third with 470 robots per 10,000 employees, more than double its 2019 figure. In comparison, Germany has 429 robots per 10,000 workers, with a 5% annual growth rate since 2018. IFR President Takayuki Ito noted, "China has made significant investments in automation technology and ranks third in robot density globally in 2023, behind South Korea and Singapore, and ahead of Germany and Japan." Historically, Germany's industrial base and exports have been crucial to its economic growth. However, it now faces increasing competition from nations like China. The country is projected to experience economic contraction for the second consecutive year in 2024, positioning it as the weakest performer among the Group of Seven industrialized nations.