Collaborative Robots Help China's Intelligent Manufacturing "Curve Road Overtaking"

For five consecutive years, China has remained the largest consumer of industrial robots in the world. According to data from the Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (GGII), 136,000 new industrial robots were added to the domestic market in 2017, marking a 60% year-on-year increase. Despite this impressive growth, Chinese-made industrial robots still face significant challenges in competing with foreign brands. Industry experts suggest that multinational companies have maintained a dominant position due to their early entry into the market and accumulated technological expertise. The so-called "Big Four" — ABB, KUKA, Fanuc, and Yaskawa — collectively hold about half of the global industrial robot market. In contrast, Chinese robotics firms struggle with talent shortages, limited access to core components, and low brand recognition. However, some see collaborative robots as a potential game-changer for domestic manufacturers trying to catch up. Yi Jianqiang, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Automation, explained that collaborative robots represent a growing research focus. “They are designed to work alongside humans or collaborate with other robots to perform specific tasks efficiently,” he said. According to the *Collaborative Robot Industry Development Blue Book 2017* published by the China Academy of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, global collaborative robot sales and market size grew at annual rates of 74.71% and 71.23%, respectively, between 2014 and 2016. Data from the China Robotics Industry Alliance shows that domestic industrial robots accounted for approximately 25% to 32% of total sales from 2013 to 2016, with only modest improvements. In the first half of 2017, sales of domestic industrial robots rose by about 20%, far below the overall industry growth rate. Zexu Wang, CEO of Zeta Technology, believes that collaborative robots offer an effective solution for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) seeking flexible smart manufacturing, and could provide a path for domestic companies to gain a competitive edge. “Collaborative robots based on modular joints can be customized, with prices ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 yuan. They significantly reduce long-term usage costs through joint reuse, making them ideal for small-volume, customized production,” said Wang Xiezhe. SMEs with limited budgets find this model particularly appealing. While China’s robotics industry still needs to strengthen its core technologies, the country’s well-established industrial ecosystem supports a relatively complete supply chain for robots, which is beneficial for the development of collaborative robots. Wang Xiaozhe highlighted that while Japanese harmonic components are known for their high quality, they come with strict pricing and delivery terms that are difficult for domestic companies to meet. “Domestic harmonic decelerators have made significant progress and can now meet the requirements of collaborative robots. For customers who are price-sensitive and require flexibility, domestic suppliers offer clear advantages.” He also emphasized the importance of collaboration across the SME and robotics industry chain. “We hope all stakeholders will focus on collaborative and reconfigurable robots, working together to support China’s smart manufacturing and industrial upgrading.” Yi Jianqiang noted that although AI-based environmental awareness has improved, there are still gaps in understanding intentions and adapting to complex environments. He stressed that achieving effective robot collaboration requires joint efforts from both the technology and business communities.

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