Yaskawa robots are sort of made in the USA, but not really in the way you’d hope. Most Yaskawa robotic arms and Motoman robots still start life in Japan, but select models do get their final bolts tightened in Miamisburg, Ohio. 

It’s a step up from the usual “import everything” playbook, but don’t go bragging about all-American robots just yet. 

Markets and Data projects that the U.S. cobot market will grow at a CAGR of 19.62% and reach $2.74 billion by 2032. So, it matters where your new baby comes from. Especially if you care about shipping speed, compliance, or not waiting six weeks for a spare part.

Where are Yaskawa robots made?

If you picture every Yaskawa robotic arm rolling off an Ohio assembly line with “Born in the USA” blasting, slow your roll. 

The Yaskawa Motoman story starts in Japan, way back in 1915. Most Motoman robots are still manufactured by Yaskawa Electric Corp in Asia, but the plot thickens in the Buckeye State.

How does the global-to-Ohio pipeline really work?

• Japan is still home base: Every core part, from servos to processors, is shipped from Yaskawa’s megafactory in Japan.
  
  
• Miamisburg, OH is Motoman’s American HQ: Since 1989, Yaskawa’s U.S. division has handled final assembly, testing, and some packaging, but don’t mistake it for a full-on robot factory.
  
  
• Expanding, but not all-in: The Ohio plant is expanding, but most models are still mostly “made in Japan, assembled in Ohio.” Curious about what you actually get? Check out our full Yaskawa robot breakdown.
  
  
• “Assembled in the US” ≠ “Made in the US”: If you need a robot that’s American from start to finish, you’ll need to look elsewhere. And yes, we’ll get to that, patience.

What is assembled in the US?

Let’s cut through the PR: Yaskawa’s Miamisburg, Ohio HQ is as close as most global robot brands get to “We’ve got US presence.” In 2024, they cranked up capacity, nearly doubling the facility, because North America wants more robots.

What goes down in Ohio?

• Final assembly, not from scratch: Most Motoman robots, including those famous Yaskawa robotic arms, arrive from Japan in pieces. The Miamisburg crew handles the last-mile build, testing, and packing so they’re ready for your floor.
  
  
• Full system integration: Need something custom or a robot retrofitted for a unique job? The Ohio team builds, integrates, and even revives older units, so there’s no need to ship your “retired” bot overseas for a facelift.
  
  
• Engineering flex: This site is loaded with engineering support. Whether it’s tweaking integration kits or troubleshooting before delivery, the U.S. squad keeps projects on track.
  
  
• Critical stuff still imported: Don’t get it twisted, the parts that make a Motoman tick (servo motors, control boards, etc.) are still born in Japan.
  
  
• Local jobs, real impact: That recent expansion? Seventy new jobs, over 400 employees total, and a boost for the Miamisburg, OH economy. That’s a bigger U.S. footprint than almost any robotics rival.
  
  
• Want to see how Motoman stacks up to other power players? FANUC vs. Yaskawa has all the tea.

Why does US cobot assembly matter in 2025?

Anyone who’s tried to rush a robot order knows: waiting for hardware to clear customs is the opposite of “lean manufacturing.” When your Motoman robot is finished in Ohio instead of floating over from Japan, it’s a major win for real-world U.S. shops.

Why is local assembly the secret weapon?

• Faster deployment, less hand-wringing: Need a Yaskawa robotic arm on your floor before Q3? U.S. assembly means shorter lead times and less “where’s my crate?” anxiety.
  
  
• Training and support you can high-five: Local engineers mean you get in-person training, troubleshooting, and quick fixes that don’t involve late-night Zoom calls.
  
  
• Reshoring perks and compliance gold stars: Want to chase federal projects, tax breaks, or USA brownie points? Assembly in Miamisburg, OH, can tip the scales with compliance officers and grant writers.
  
  
• Repairs don’t go on tour: If something breaks, parts are closer, and so are the people who know how to install them. Your downtime shrinks, your hair stays … not so gray.
  
  
• More U.S. jobs, stronger supply chains: Every Motoman robot finished in Ohio means another paycheck for an American engineer, and less risk of being held hostage by major shipping outages. 

What to know before buying a Yaskawa robot

Yaskawa Motoman has history, brand power, and a shiny Ohio address, but buying one isn’t just “sign, ship, and plug in.” 

What might the sales guy not mention?

• Not all models are Ohio-made: Some Motoman robots still take the full Tokyo-to-Toledo journey, so double-check assembly details before you brag about “domestic” hardware.
  
  
• Third-party integrator? Hope you like phone tag: Vision systems and user interfaces aren’t native. If you want ready-to-rock, expect to wrangle extra software and schedule time with a local integrator who’s probably already overbooked.
  
  
• Customization can get slow and pricey: The more tweaks you need, the more you wait and pay. Custom material handling setups? Welding cell mods? Bring snacks, and get your wallet out.
  
  
• Legacy automation DNA: Welding, painting, material handling, yeah, Yaskawa’s a beast. But if you’re chasing next-gen, AI-powered flexibility, you’ll hit the ceiling fast.
  
  
• Want to see how Yaskawa stacks up, dollar-for-dollar? Check our latest robot pricing breakdown.

Introducing Standard Bots RO1, a US-assembled alternative

Ready for something different? Meet RO1 by Standard Bots: the robot that skips the import forms and actually puts its American address (Glen Cove, New York) where its end effector is. 

While Yaskawa’s busy shipping parts across oceans, RO1 is made, tested, and shipped right here in the U.S., no tracking a container, no begging customs for mercy.

Why is RO1 the U.S. alternative worth flexing?

• U.S.-made: No “final bolt” technicalities. RO1 is built, tested, and shipped from American soil, end of story.
  
  
• AI-powered, no-code interface: Setting it up is less “call an integrator,” more “have your line worker press Go.” Seriously.
  
  
• 3D vision, CNC-ready, and future-proof: With ±0.025 mm repeatability and an 18 kg payload, RO1 is designed for shops that want flexibility and getting a lot out of an arm rather than just one job.
  
  
• Transparent pricing and a risk-free trial: Forget waiting for a quote. RO1’s price is upfront, with a list price of $37K, and you can run it for 30 days before making a commitment.
  
  
• Full MES compatibility out of the box: Plug it into your shop’s digital workflow and watch it work, no legacy drama required.

Comparing Yaskawa Motoman vs. RO1

This isn’t your average feature chart. Here’s the no-spin, tell-your-boss-why breakdown between Yaskawa Motoman and Standard Bots RO1.

Summing up: Are Yaskawa robots made in the USA?

So, Yaskawa robots are made in the USA a bit, but it’s mostly a “built in Japan, finished in Ohio” story. You get more American content than most robot brands, but don’t expect a Motoman with a birth certificate from Miamisburg. 

If your shop’s chasing speed, simplicity, and real U.S. assembly, it might be time to leave the import snafus behind and try a robot that’s as local as your favorite takeout.

Next steps with Standard Bots

Ready to skip the import shuffle and bring home a robot that’s made, shipped, and supported in the USA? Standard Bots’ RO1 is the six-axis cobot that ditches the customs drama and puts U.S. service on speed dial.

• Affordable and adaptable: Priced at $37K (list).
  
  
• Precision and power: With ±0.025 mm repeatability and an 18 kg payload, RO1’s ready for everything from CNC to weird one-off jobs.
  
  
• AI-driven simplicity: No-code, no nonsense. Even your least techy operator will look like a robotics genius.
  
  
• Support, shipping, and service, all in the U.S.: No more waiting for parts to clear customs.

Schedule your risk-free, 30-day on-site trial today and see how RO1 (fully assembled and supported in the USA) can bring AI-powered greatness to your shop floor.

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FAQs

1. Are Yaskawa Motoman robots made in the US?

Technically, yes, but only after a long vacation from Japan. Most get their final assembly in Miamisburg, OH, not a full birth certificate.

2. Which Yaskawa robots are assembled in Ohio?

Select Motoman cobots and Yaskawa robotic arms. Think of it as “American finishing school” for robots.

3. Is local support actually better with U.S.-assembled robots?

Totally. You get faster repairs and less time on hold. “Miamisburg, OH” beats “please hold for Tokyo” every time.

4. What’s the best U.S.-assembled alternative to Yaskawa in 2025?

If you want full assembly, AI-driven controls, and no shipping mayhem, RO1 is the shop-floor hero you actually deserve, and need.