In a significant move to bolster foundational research, foster original innovation, and advance high-tech development in intelligent robotics, the “2016 National Robot Development Forum” was grandly convened at the Jianghong International Hotel in Chongqing from April 13 to 14, 2016. Jointly organized by the Chinese Association of Automation, the Chongqing Association for Science and Technology, and the People’s Government of Yongchuan District, Chongqing, the forum aimed to enhance China’s independent research and development capabilities and industrial foundational strength in robotics. The event sought to promote the deep application of robotics in smart manufacturing, intelligent living, smart industries, and national defense security, thereby assisting industrial transformation and upgrading. This gathering marked a pivotal step in the strategic layout of the robotics sector in central and western China, underscoring a national commitment to driving the sustainable development of the China robot ecosystem.
The forum featured an extensive agenda comprising six specially invited keynote reports, 23 parallel session presentations, and exhibitions showcasing robot applications and industrial advancements. The participation of leading academics, industry experts, and government representatives highlighted the collaborative effort to position China robot initiatives at the forefront of global technological innovation. The discussions and demonstrations emphasized the critical role of robotics in modernizing industries and improving quality of life, aligning with broader national strategies for technological self-reliance and economic growth.
Keynote Presentations: Insights from Global Leaders
The特邀主旨报告 (specially invited keynote report) segment served as the intellectual cornerstone of the forum, featuring presentations from esteemed scholars and industry pioneers. Their insights provided a comprehensive outlook on the current state and future trajectory of robotics, with a particular focus on advancements within the China robot domain.
- Academician Feng Xisheng from the Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, detailed the research progress in underwater robots. He introduced and prospectively analyzed the innovative development of marine robotics in China, emphasizing the strategic importance of such technologies for oceanic exploration and resource utilization. His presentation underscored how China robot projects in subsea applications are overcoming technical challenges to achieve autonomous operation in complex environments.
- Academician Zheng Nanning from Xi’an Jiaotong University, adopting the role of an “Artificial Intelligence Master,” provided a detailed analysis of research frontiers in AI and the challenges it faces. He discussed the integration of AI with robotics, highlighting how cognitive capabilities and machine learning are revolutionizing robot functionality. This synergy is pivotal for the next generation of China robot systems, enabling smarter automation in various sectors.
- Professor Ma Ou from New Mexico State University and Tsinghua University briefly outlined the special technical requirements and main difficulties in the design and development of space robots. He shared trends in space robotics research, pointing out the rigorous standards needed for operations in extraterrestrial environments. His talk highlighted the growing contributions of China robot research institutions to aerospace technology, aiming for greater self-sufficiency in space missions.
- Professor Luo Zhiwei from Kobe University, drawing on lessons from the world’s first nursing robot development, emphasized the importance of building a systematic innovation platform for health robot research and development. He explored practical applications of health robots in disease examination, diagnosis, treatment, and surgery. This perspective is highly relevant for China robot initiatives in healthcare, where demographic shifts are increasing demand for assistive and medical robotics.
- Mr. Liang Rui, Head of ABB Robotics and Application Business in China, shared insights on the technological development trends of industrial robots in the “Internet+” era and ABB’s corresponding strategies. He discussed how connectivity, data analytics, and collaborative robots (cobots) are transforming manufacturing. His presentation illustrated how international companies like ABB are collaborating with local industries to advance the China robot manufacturing landscape, fostering knowledge transfer and capacity building.
These keynote addresses collectively painted a vivid picture of a rapidly evolving global robotics arena, with the China robot sector actively engaging in cutting-edge research across diverse fields—from the depths of the ocean to the vastness of space, and from factory floors to hospital wards.
Interdisciplinary Research Spotlight: High-Power BLDC Motor for Hybrid Buses
Parallel to the forum’s broad discussions on robotics, significant research in enabling technologies was showcased. A pertinent example is the study on high-power permanent magnet brushless DC (BLDC) motors designed for hybrid electric buses, which exemplifies the kind of foundational work supporting the broader China robot and electric vehicle industries. This research, relevant to propulsion systems in automated and electric vehicles, demonstrates advanced control capabilities crucial for energy efficiency and regenerative braking—key aspects for sustainable transportation solutions.
The motor system features composite control functions for both electric operation and energy feedback (regenerative braking), enabling reliable performance in driving and braking modes to meet the requirements of hybrid electric bus drive systems. In electric state, controlling the bus current allows for precise management of motor torque. During regenerative braking, factors such as braking torque, flywheel speed, and Boost circuit duty cycle limitations significantly impact the efficiency of energy feedback to supercapacitors.
Energy feedback is primarily achieved through a Boost circuit that pumps the motor’s back electromotive force (back-EMF) to exceed the supercapacitor voltage, thereby charging it. Relaxing the duty cycle restriction facilitates feedback of low back-EMF energy corresponding to low speeds to the supercapacitors. Experimental results on energy feedback efficiency under different Boost duty cycles are presented below.
| Motor Speed at End of Electric Operation (rpm) | Initial Supercapacitor Voltage (V) | Supercapacitor Voltage at End of Electric Operation (V) | Supercapacitor Voltage at End of Feedback (V) | Bus Current Closed-Loop Setpoint (A) | Boost Feedback Circuit Duty Cycle Limit (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 470 | 320 | 106 | 125.5 | 10 | 80 |
| 470 | 320 | 106 | 142.3 | 10 | 90 |
| 425 | 320 | 267 | 281 | 10 | 95 |
The data indicates that a higher Boost duty cycle is more conducive to feeding back energy from low rotational speeds to the supercapacitors, resulting in higher efficiency. For instance, at a 95% Boost duty cycle, the waveform of the feedback current at 10 A demonstrates effective energy recovery. These findings have implications for optimizing regenerative braking systems in electric vehicles, a critical component for the advancement of the China robot and new energy vehicle sectors, where energy management directly influences range and performance.
Furthermore, comparative efficiency data at different speeds underscores the system’s adaptability:
| Motor Speed at End of Electric Operation (rpm) | Initial Supercapacitor Voltage (V) | Supercapacitor Voltage at End of Electric Operation (V) | Supercapacitor Voltage at End of Feedback (V) | Bus Current Closed-Loop Setpoint (A) | Boost Feedback Circuit Duty Cycle Limit (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 470 | 320 | 106 | 142.3 | 10 | 90 |
| 425 | 320 | 221 | 236.7 | 10 | 90 |
Such research on efficient motor control and energy regeneration is integral to developing robust powertrains for automated buses and logistics vehicles, which are a growing segment within the China robot application landscape. As cities invest in smart public transport, the integration of advanced motor systems with autonomous driving technologies will be key, further solidifying the synergy between electric vehicle research and the broader China robot industry.
Forum Sessions and Exhibitions: Showcasing Innovation
Beyond the keynote speeches, the forum’s 23 parallel session reports covered a wide array of topics, including robot perception and control, human-robot interaction, industrial automation, service robotics, and educational robotics. These sessions provided a platform for researchers and engineers to present recent findings, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue. Many presentations highlighted projects funded under national initiatives aimed at strengthening the China robot innovation chain, from core components like reducers and controllers to integrated systems.
The accompanying exhibition area featured live demonstrations from academia and industry. Participants witnessed cutting-edge applications such as collaborative robots performing precision assembly, mobile robots navigating dynamic environments, and healthcare robots assisting with rehabilitation exercises. These exhibits tangiblely demonstrated the progress of the China robot sector in translating research into practical solutions. Companies specializing in robotics for manufacturing, agriculture, and disaster response showcased their latest products, reflecting the diverse market opportunities being explored within the China robot ecosystem.
The Strategic Imperative: Layout in Central and Western China
The choice of Chongqing’s Yongchuan District as the forum venue was strategic, signaling a deliberate effort to promote the balanced regional development of the robotics industry in China. Traditionally concentrated in coastal hubs, the industry is now being encouraged to expand into central and western regions. This geographical diversification aims to leverage local manufacturing bases, talent pools, and policy incentives to create new growth poles. For the China robot industry, this inland push helps mitigate supply chain risks, reduces logistical costs for serving vast domestic markets, and stimulates technological upgrading in traditional industries within these regions.
Yongchuan, in particular, has been actively developing itself as a robotics industry cluster, offering favorable conditions for R&D, production, and application. The forum served to attract investment, talent, and attention to this emerging hub. Government representatives outlined support measures, including tax benefits, funding for startups, and the establishment of public innovation platforms. This aligns with national plans to cultivate several world-class robotics innovation centers across China, ensuring that the China robot industry is not only large in scale but also globally competitive in technology and innovation.
Challenges and Opportunities for the China Robot Industry
Throughout the forum, several challenges were acknowledged alongside the opportunities. Key issues discussed included:
- Core Technology Dependence: Despite rapid progress, parts of the China robot industry still rely on imported core components such as high-precision speed reducers, servo motors, and controllers. Achieving breakthroughs in these areas is crucial for autonomy and cost reduction.
- Talent Shortage: There is a high demand for interdisciplinary talent combining mechanics, electronics, control, and AI. Expanding education and vocational training programs is essential to sustain the growth of the China robot sector.
- Integration and Application: Effectively integrating robots into existing industrial processes and developing user-friendly applications, especially in SMEs, remains a hurdle. Demonstration projects and standardization efforts are needed.
- International Collaboration and Competition: While fostering domestic innovation, the China robot industry must also engage in global cooperation to access advanced knowledge and markets, while navigating increasing technological competition.
However, the opportunities are vast. The push for smart manufacturing under “Industry 4.0” initiatives, the aging population driving demand for service and healthcare robots, and national security needs for specialized robots all create sustained demand. The China robot industry is poised to benefit from these trends, with the forum acting as a catalyst for aligning research directions with market needs.
Conclusion: A Sustainable Path Forward
The 2016 National Robot Development Forum successfully convened stakeholders from across the spectrum to chart a course for the sustainable development of robotics in China. By highlighting both foundational academic research, as seen in advanced motor control studies, and applied industrial innovations, the event underscored the comprehensive approach needed. The emphasis on布局中西部 (layout in central and western China) reflects a long-term vision to build a resilient and geographically distributed industry ecosystem.
The insights from keynote speakers, the depth of technical sessions, and the vitality of the exhibitions all point to a dynamic and ambitious China robot sector. As research continues to push boundaries in areas like AI-driven autonomy, energy-efficient actuation, and human-robot collaboration, the integration of these advancements will define the next era of robotics. Forums like this are instrumental in fostering the collaboration necessary to overcome challenges and seize opportunities, ensuring that the China robot industry not only grows but does so in a manner that is innovative, inclusive, and sustainable, ultimately contributing significantly to global technological progress and economic development.
The momentum generated in Chongqing is expected to ripple across the nation, inspiring further investment, research, and policy support for robotics. As the China robot industry continues to evolve, its success will be measured not just by production volumes, but by its ability to deliver transformative solutions that enhance productivity, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges—a testament to the power of technological innovation guided by strategic vision and collaborative spirit.