China’s Industrial Robot Capacity Leads Global Market
China’s installed capacity of industrial robots currently accounts for over 50 percent of the world’s total. Statistics show that there are over 1.5 million robots operating in Chinese factories, double the number found in Europe.
Chinese robotics companies have recently seen success in expanding into overseas markets, particularly in countries with aging populations and high labor costs.
Automation at Weichai Power
At Weichai Power Co., Ltd., a leading powertrain manufacturer in Shandong Province, automated guided vehicles are used to transport engine parts across the production line. The company has extensively adopted industrial robots, resulting in a nearly fully automated production process.
Weichai reports that the automation rate of its equipment is 99 percent. The implementation of industrial robots has significantly improved production efficiency, reducing the required workforce for green energy-powered engine production by 80 percent.
China is the world’s largest industrial robot market, with a density of 392 units per 10,000 workers in the manufacturing sector. In 2022, China’s industrial robot output exceeded 443,000 units, marking a 20 percent year-on-year increase. The country also installed more than half of the world’s new industrial robots in 2023, according to the International Federation of Robotics.
Broader Applications of Industrial Robots
FAIR Innovation (Zibo) Robot Technology Co., Ltd., established in 2019, produces various robots used in welding, spraying, precision processing, and catering. The company emphasizes research and development, with all core components independently developed and produced in-house.
China’s industrial robot manufacturing technologies are diverse, and the application scope is expanding. Companies like Uroica Precision Information Engineering Co., Ltd. and Shenzhen Sunwin Intelligent Co., Ltd. are developing specialized robots for mine inspection and industrial inspection, respectively. The rise of e-commerce has also increased the demand for logistics robots.
International Expansion of Chinese Robotics Companies
Chinese robotics companies have made significant inroads into overseas markets, targeting regions with high labor costs and aging populations. Latin America, Southeast Asia, and other rapidly developing areas are also key markets due to the need for industrial upgrading.
Dobot Robotics, based in Shenzhen, has established branches in the United States, Germany, and Japan, with products sold in over 140 countries and regions. At its manufacturing base in Rizhao, Shandong, robots are produced on a fully automated line. The company has been the largest exporter of domestic robots for five consecutive years, with over half of its sales coming from international markets.
Future Prospects for Industrial Robots
Experts believe that the development of generalist robots, capable of performing a variety of tasks in diverse environments, will open new application areas. Smarter robots are expected to play significant roles in fields such as rescue operations, autonomous driving, modern agriculture, and home services.
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