A Look at the Mexican Robotics Industry

Originally published 02/21/2017; updated 01/31/2025

When thinking about the future of robotics, two areas often spring to mind first: China and the United States. China has been noted for its aggressive pursuit of robotic automation, while the United States remains the world’s third-largest single market for robotics.

However, there are many important stories in robotics going on beyond these two superpowers.

Often unmentioned in all this is Mexico, which is projected to see an annual growth rate of 13.76% with a market volume of $1.39 billion by 2029. Though smaller than its NAFTA partners United States and Canada, the demand for automation and AI is spurring growth in this well-situated country. With an available and enthusiastic workforce, according to Harry Moser of the Reshoring Initiative, Mexican manufacturing holds many key factors for success.

Robots Changing the Game in Mexican Manufacturing

Mexico’s manufacturing sector has seen quick growth while attracting a strong share of direct foreign investment. Areas such as automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, and medical devices all offer distinct opportunities to implement cutting-edge robotic automation.

Mexico is positioning itself as a rising manufacturing powerhouse in large part due to its automotive strength, an industry that typically accounts for two thirds of the total robot installations in Mexico. The automotive industry continues to spur remarkable growth, with plants from many major automakers including Audi, BMW, Kia, and Tesla calling the country home.

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With these major automotive brands now investing billions of dollars in Mexico, this, in turn, sparks more rapid expansion of operations from smaller automotive OEMs. Using robotics, companies across the entire value chain can cut costs, raise quality, and improve the safety of their workforce.

A New Mexican Robotics Age on the Horizon

Many major robotic and automation companies also have operations in Mexico, including Universal Robots, FANUC, and Maxon, just to name a few.

Furthermore, companies like IAS Automation, a leader in automation solutions, are driving innovation by designing and implementing cutting-edge systems entirely within Mexico. IAS Automation is a proudly Mexican company that has earned its reputation as a trusted partner in industrial automation, delivering world-class solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of its clients.

The future of Mexican self-sufficiency in the robotics space depends on maintenance of strong trade relations and the continuing development of a highly-skilled workforce. With increasing global interest in its powerful manufacturing sector, both factors are on Mexico’s side.

If development continues, Mexico could easily become a global dynamo in the robotics space – with output and innovation far exceeding what its relatively small size might suggest.

Since 2016, A3 Mexico is the only trade group organized specifically to serve the automation industry in Mexico. Member companies include leading manufacturers of robotics, vision and motion control equipment, users, integrators, component suppliers, research groups, educators, and consulting firms. For more information about A3 Mexico, please visit our new website automate.org/mexico.