A recent study from Statista confirms that Asia continues to be the world’s largest market for industrial robotics, accounting for 72% of all new installations in 2023, according to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). The region saw 382,000 new units installed, a 5% drop compared to 2022. China alone was responsible for around 276,000 of these units, meaning every other newly installed robot worldwide in 2023 was in China. Japan followed as the second largest Asian market with more than 46,000 new units, down 9% year-on-year. And how about automation and robots in the global secondary market?
Europe sees moderate growth
Europe, the second-largest regional market, recorded around 92,000 new robot installations in 2023, an 8% increase from the previous year. Germany led the region with over 28,000 units, up 7%. Italy followed with 10,000 units (-9%) and France with 6,000 units (-13%).
The Americas show mixed results
In the Americas, the United States recorded over 37,000 new installations, down 5% from 2022. Mexico installed nearly 6,000 units (-3%), while Canada saw strong growth with more than 4,000 units, marking a 37% increase.
Automation in the secondary mobile market
Beyond traditional manufacturing, automation is increasingly reshaping the global secondary mobile market. Sources suggest that around 85% of traded-in devices in the U.S., including Apple iPhones, are now processed and graded through high-level automated systems. Robotics technology, originally rooted in heavy industry, is becoming a vital part of electronics recycling, refurbishment, and resale operations worldwide.
Six types of automation and robotized processing in the secondary mobile market
SecondaryMarket.news has identified six notable types of automation and robotized processing initiatives in the global secondary mobile market.
Leading the way is the high-end, end-to-end processing and grading solution from U.S.-based Apkudo. This large-scale “beast” can handle more than 50,000 units per month. Devices are placed into the system at one end, undergo fully automated grading and functional testing without human intervention, and emerge just minutes later labeled, bubble-wrapped, and ready for shipment in bulk or as individual orders.
Separating grading from processing
FutureDial takes a different approach by separating grading from processing. After grading, a human operator or, as Dis-Connect does, an AI tool, determines the next step, whether refurbishment, resale, or processing as grade D devices. Once graded, devices are cleaned and ready to ship within minutes. FutureDial’s open software architecture integrates easily with ERP systems. With multiple machines, the system can process up to 15,000 devices per month with minimal human interaction.
AI-powered all-in-one testing
NSYS currently dominates the competitive mid-segment with its all-in-one Reeva unit, launched in August 2022. This AI-driven robotic tester, about the size of a small microwave, automates mobile device diagnostics, including cosmetic grading, functional testing, and data erasure. Reeva enhances efficiency, precision, and scalability for wholesalers and retailers. SecondaryMarket.news is aware of a few new initiatives in the market to create a alternative to the all-in one box of NSYS.
Human interface simulation robotics
Some companies focus on robots that replicate human interactions with devices. Founded in 2015, Adapta Robotics has built a strong reputation for delivering smart automation tools across electronics, automotive, and retail sectors. Its flagship #MATTRobot simulates human touch gestures to test touchscreens, responsiveness, and software stability in smartphones and tablets. It is low-cost, easy to implement, and compatible with off-the-shelf testing software like Phonecheck. While not a stand-alone solution, it integrates with human-led workflows.
In-house proprietary systems
Certain companies have developed proprietary automated solutions. In the U.S., Assurant, the world’s largest reseller of used devices, operates massive testing and grading machines, although specific details remain undisclosed. In Europe, Breezy, owned by distributor ASBIS, has built its own automated production line in Poland, serving as a major trade-in enabler, particularly in the Eastern part of Europe.
Device processing as a service
Lastly, companies like Dis-Connect and Cyculus offer “Device Processing as a Service” models, allowing clients to access fully automated grading and processing without upfront investment. Cyculus uses Apkudo’s machines, while Dis-Connect relies on FutureDial systems enhanced with its own AI grading module.
Conclusion
Automation is rapidly reshaping the secondary mobile market, bringing industrial-level precision and speed to the grading, testing, and processing of devices such as Apple iPhones. Advanced robotic systems now handle tasks that once required extensive manual labour, delivering consistent quality and higher throughput. This shift enables refurbishers, distributors, and resellers to scale operations efficiently, reduce turnaround times, and meet rising consumer expectations. By embedding automation into device lifecycle management, the industry moves closer to a truly scalable, sustainable, and profitable circular economy in electronics.
Market
Trade-in
Repair
Refurbishing
