The 2017 China Robotics Innovation Summit recently kicked off in Guangzhou, bringing together industry leaders and experts to discuss the future of industrial robotics in China. Among the notable attendees was Li Yizhong, former Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, as well as the president of the China Federation of Industrial Economics. He emphasized the rapid growth of the sector while also highlighting key challenges that need to be addressed.
One of the most encouraging signs is the rising demand for industrial robots. From January to July this year, China produced over 70,000 units, marking a year-on-year increase of more than 50%. Industry forecasts suggest that sales will reach 110,000 units in 2017, with projections climbing past 200,000 by 2020—nearly doubling the number from 2015. By 2020, the total number of industrial robots in use is expected to surpass one million.
Li Yizhong noted that Chinese manufacturers have made significant progress in technological development. They now possess the capability to design and produce industrial robots, including control systems, software, and kinematics planning. In particular, microcontroller and microprocessor technologies have seen remarkable advancements.
The integration of industrial robots into manufacturing has led to improved efficiency, reduced labor costs, and greater precision. The sector is currently experiencing strong economic performance, with an average profit margin of around 15%—well above the 6% typical in other manufacturing industries.
However, despite these achievements, several challenges remain. Li pointed out that China’s industrial robot industry still lacks core competitiveness. Most domestic robots are limited to three- to five-axis models, with 85% of high-end six-axis robots being imported. Additionally, the robot density in China's manufacturing sector is low—only 40 robots per 10,000 workers, compared to over 15% in developed countries. There are also gaps in accuracy, durability, and reliability when compared to foreign counterparts.
Another issue is the lack of focus on R&D and the prevalence of redundant production. With nearly 1,000 robot manufacturers in China, many are focused on assembly rather than innovation, leading to a crowded and inefficient market.
In terms of successful practices, Guangdong has emerged as a leader, accounting for a quarter of the country's total robot output. A comprehensive industrial chain has been established, covering R&D, manufacturing, service, and application. Li highlighted four key strategies: government guidance, supporting leading enterprises, establishing public service platforms, and increasing financial support.
To accelerate development, Li proposed four main recommendations. First, the government should strengthen its role in planning and layout to avoid duplication and ensure strategic direction. Second, research and development efforts must be integrated to tackle core technology gaps, such as perception, intelligent control, and human-robot collaboration. Third, real-world applications should drive innovation, with demonstrations in areas like logistics, chemicals, and emergency response. Finally, China should embrace international mergers and acquisitions to boost the market share of domestically developed products.
With continued investment and smart policy, the future of China's industrial robotics sector looks promising.
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