China eyes robot manufacturing as way to fuel economic growth

“Robots are deeply integrated with the new generation of information technology, with enhanced automation and adaptability and expanding applications. [They have] penetrated every aspect of the economy and society,” Xin told the opening ceremony of the six-day World Robot Conference in Beijing on Wednesday.

Xin said the use of industrial robots has rapidly expanded in new energy vehicles, lithium batteries, photovoltaics and other emerging industries.

“The robotics industry is now approaching a tipping point towards a revolutionary leap, containing huge investment opportunities and surging development momentum,” Xin said.

He also said the government will continue to promote the government’s Robot Plus Application Action Plan, which aims to increase the use of robots in 10 sectors – including manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, energy, healthcare, education and elderly services – making China a robotics global power by 2025.

China’s industrial robotics industry has grown significantly over the past few years, last year generating more than 170 billion yuan (US$23 billion) in revenue. The production of industrial robots rose tenfold between 2015 and 2021 to reach 366,000 units, according to the industry ministry.

China produced 222,000 industrial robotic units in the first half of 2023, up 5.4 per cent from the same period the previous year. It also produced 3.53 million service robot units, a 9.6 per cent rise, over the same period, according to the ministry’s figures.

Xin added that China will expand international cooperation in robotics technology and encourage foreign robotics companies to invest in China.