The China Robot industry has reached a significant milestone with the release of the “China Robot Industry Application Innovation White Paper (2021)”, compiled by the China Software Testing Center (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology Software and Integrated Circuit Promotion Center) and the National Robot Quality Inspection and Testing Center (Beijing). This document highlights the rapid growth and technological advancements in China’s robot sector, positioning robots as the “jewel in the crown of manufacturing” and a critical indicator of national innovation and high-end manufacturing capabilities. During the “13th Five-Year Plan” period, fueled by favorable policies, enterprise innovation, and technological革新, the China robot industry has flourished, with expanding scale, enhanced技术, diverse products, and numerous innovative applications across key fields. The integration of robots with新一代信息技术, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, and new materials is driving the industry toward intelligent, networked, and digital directions.
The China robot industry has experienced substantial growth in scale. Industrial robots have maintained their position as the world’s largest application market for seven consecutive years, while service robots show巨大 potential, and special robots have significantly expanded their application scenarios. In 2020, revenue growth was notable among规模以上 robot manufacturing enterprises. Industrial robot manufacturers achieved营业收入 of 531.7 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 6.0%, with a total profit of 1.77 billion yuan. Special operation robot manufacturers saw营业收入 of 28.8 billion yuan, up 24.7% year-on-year, and profits of 120 million yuan. Service and consumer robot manufacturers reported营业收入 of 103.1 billion yuan, a surge of 31.3%, with profits of 70 million yuan. These figures, sourced from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, underscore the robust expansion of the China robot sector.
Technological breakthroughs are a hallmark of the China robot industry. With the gradual完善 of a协同 innovation system involving industry, academia, research, and application, the competitiveness of domestic robot brands has strengthened. Key components such as robot controllers, servo systems, and reducers have seen advancements, with the market share of domestic core parts increasing. Domestic harmonic reducers now hold over 60% of the market in自主品牌机器人, while domestic RV reducers have entered batch production and application stages. Moreover, as China robot products penetrate more细分领域, innovation-driven technological upgrades have significantly improved智能化 levels, including environmental perception, semantic understanding, and flexible control.
Innovative applications of China robot products are proliferating. Compared to traditional methods, robots offer advantages in functional precision, professional services, and application intelligence,极大地推动ing the expansion into new fields. The density of manufacturing robots in China is already higher than the global average, and service and special robots are becoming important carriers for automation and digital transformation in vertical sectors like logistics, education, entertainment, security, and healthcare. The global COVID-19 pandemic has increased demand for “contactless” public services, stimulating faster penetration of China robot solutions in more细分领域.
The white paper selects 11典型 application scenarios from the “13th Five-Year Plan” period, providing detailed analysis and summaries of application needs, technical challenges, case studies, investment and financing, and development trends. Below is an overview of these scenarios, showcasing the dynamism of the China robot industry.
- Production Manufacturing
The demand for manufacturing transformation and upgrading is a key driver for the China robot industry. As人口红利 diminishes and labor costs rise, robots offer advantages in high-repetition, high-risk, and harsh environments, enabling长时间 continuous operation with high precision, stability, and low defect rates. This makes robots essential for improving product consistency, optimizing processes, and advancing manufacturing升级 in China. While robot density in Chinese manufacturing continues to increase, it still lags behind leading developed countries, indicating significant growth potential for China robot adoption.
Technical challenges in this scenario for China robot solutions include motion control technology, core component technology (e.g., controllers, reducers, servo drives), process algorithm technology, and digital twin technology. These areas require ongoing innovation to enhance performance and reliability.
An application case involves Luoshi Robot’s XB series industrial robots, used for打磨,搬运,分拣, and质检. In 2020, these China robot units were deployed in a piston manufacturing enterprise in Shandong, performing毛刺清理 on various parts with custom浮动打磨机构 and tools, improving production efficiency by 30%.
Investment and financing in the production manufacturing segment of the China robot industry have been active. Statistics show 9投融资 events in 2018, 43 in 2019, 55 in 2020, and 47 in 2021, reflecting strong investor confidence in China robot innovations.
Development trends for China robot in manufacturing highlight needs for improved整机 and component performance and reliability, breakthroughs in integration application工艺, deeper fusion with new technologies like AI and 5G, and enhanced safety防护 to address functional and information security concerns.
- Smart Logistics
The logistics industry in China is entering a phase of密集创新 and rapid expansion, with growing市场规模 and increasing investment in logistics equipment. Traditional methods face high costs and poor timeliness, making robots an effective solution for reducing operational expenses and improving efficiency in the China robot ecosystem.
Technical challenges include navigation and positioning, motion control, autonomous driving, and multi-robot cluster control technologies, which are critical for the success of China robot applications in logistics.
A case study features Lanjian Intelligent’s Hive-style Smart Warehousing System, comprising stackers, high-speed sorters,智能多层穿梭车, and AGVs. This China robot system was applied in Huizhou Tobacco’s intelligent warehousing and sorting system, achieving integrated management and elevating智能化水平.
Investment in smart logistics China robot enterprises saw 15 events in 2018, 28 in 2019, 33 in 2020, and 16 in 2021, indicating sustained interest.
Trends suggest that China robot products in logistics need diversification, improved environmental adaptability, faster integration with technologies like machine vision and IoT, and better结合 with other industry platforms to optimize logistics ecosystems.
- Intelligent Security
The智能化升级 of the security industry and labor shortages are driving demand for China robot solutions. Robots can provide定制化 services in diverse environments like airports, warehouses, and communities, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Technical challenges encompass motion control, multi-sensor information recognition and fusion, and real-time video technologies, which are vital for reliable China robot performance in security scenarios.
An example is Dalu Zhiyuan’s ANDI security inspection robot, deployed in locations such as the Xinjiang Public Security Department and hospitals during COVID-19. This China robot offers stable底盘,流畅 operation, and rich functionalities, aiding in反恐 and防疫 tasks.
投融资 events for intelligent security China robot companies numbered 2 in 2018, 4 in 2019, and 3 in 2021, showing gradual growth.
Future development requires improvements in cross-scene navigation switching, complex environment adaptability, and functional completeness for China robot systems to handle dynamic scenarios and协同作业 effectively.
- Live-Line Operation
The need for uninterrupted maintenance in power grids and high-risk作业 environments fuels demand for China robot applications. Robots can assist or replace humans in带电作业, reducing accidents and improving reliability.
Technical challenges include binocular vision positioning, visual servoing, force telepresence, hydraulic manipulator, and path planning technologies, which are essential for precise and safe China robot operations in电力行业.
A case involves Guoji Intelligent’s live-line operation robot, demonstrated in南方电网广州供电局. This China robot features advanced control technologies and has been sold to State Grid and Southern Grid, showcasing practical adoption.
投融资 data shows 2 events in 2018 for this China robot segment.
Trends point to needs for enhanced safety design, better human-robot collaboration, lightweight design, and improved tool switching systems to advance China robot capabilities in带电作业.
- Tunnel Boring
Infrastructure growth and hazardous施工 conditions are propelling the China robot industry in隧道掘进. Robots can mitigate risks, improve quality, and increase efficiency in隧道建设.
Technical challenges involve intelligent围岩分级, 3D reconstruction, automatic drilling navigation, and智能 control technologies, crucial for China robot applications in complex tunnel environments.
CRCC Heavy Industry’s tunnel construction intelligent special robots, including智能凿岩机器人 and TBM智能支护机器人, have been used in projects like Zhengwan High-Speed Railway and international ventures. These China robot solutions enhance safety and productivity, with significant sales revenue reported.
Development trends emphasize advancing intelligent control technologies, broadening application scenarios, and customizing China robot designs for different隧道 forms to meet diverse engineering needs.
- Commercial Cleaning
Labor shortages in cleaning, service mode转型, and pandemic-induced demand for contactless services are accelerating China robot adoption. Robots can handle高强度清洁 tasks in places like airports and malls, reducing感染风险.
Technical challenges include清扫路径规划, intelligent perception, and cluster control technologies, which are key for efficient China robot operations in cleaning.
Gaoxian Cleaning Robots have been deployed in Beijing Daxing International Airport and Guangzhou International Bio-Island. These China robot units use SLAM algorithms and AI for path planning, improving清洁面积覆盖率.
投融资 events for commercial cleaning China robot enterprises were 3 in 2018, 5 in 2019, 11 in 2020, and 2 in 2021, reflecting波动 interest.
Trends highlight needs for better运动性能 and智能化, enhanced cleaning capabilities, improved cluster control, and expansion into more细分领域 for China robot solutions in cleaning.
- Smart Retail
Retail’s digital transformation and pandemic-driven contactless service需求 are fostering China robot innovation. Robots can制作 and售卖 goods, enhancing customer experience in智慧零售.
Technical challenges involve协同控制, human-robot interaction, and autonomous driving technologies, important for seamless China robot services in retail.
Liebao Xingkong’s Barista Master robot, used in venues like Tongrentang and shopping malls, demonstrates high-precision机械臂 operation and AI vision. This China robot can produce over 1000 beverages daily, offering安全 protection and efficiency during COVID-19.
投融资 events numbered 2 in 2018, 4 in 2019, and 2 in 2020 for smart retail China robot companies.
Future development requires better integration with retail backends, improved comprehensive制售能力, and enhanced commercial推广价值 to scale China robot applications in retail.
- Rehabilitation Training
巨大 talent gaps in rehabilitation services and the limitations of traditional methods are driving China robot demand. Robots can assist patients in康复训练, reducing costs and improving outcomes.
Technical challenges include intelligent control, human-robot interaction, brain-computer interface, electromyographic control, and lightweight design technologies, critical for effective China robot solutions in healthcare.
Haitian Intelligent’s brain-computer interface rehabilitation robot has been adopted in over 400 medical institutions across China. This China robot enables active康复 through脑电解码, with a correct recognition rate of 92.3%, benefiting numerous patients.
投融资 events were 2 in 2018, 8 in 2019, 11 in 2020, and 19 in 2021, showing increasing investment in this China robot领域.
Trends focus on improving协作安全性, lightweight levels, and康复效果 through advanced sensors and cloud platforms for China robot systems in rehabilitation.
- Intelligent Delivery
The智能化升级 of delivery services and pandemic-related contactless需求 are boosting China robot applications. Robots can配送 items in hotels, hospitals, and campuses, enhancing efficiency and safety.
Technical challenges encompass environment perception, low-speed autonomous driving, autonomous navigation, voice interaction, multi-robot scheduling, and IoT technologies, essential for reliable China robot performance in delivery.
Yunji Technology’s Run 3 delivery robot, used in thousands of hotels globally, offers智能建图 and elevator integration. During COVID-19, this China robot facilitated contactless services in buildings like Guangzhou Fortune Tower, solving last-mile delivery issues.
投融资 events were 3 in 2018, 5 in 2019, 15 in 2020, and 9 in 2021 for intelligent delivery China robot enterprises.
Development trends call for better human-robot interaction, enhanced autonomous driving safety, improved item安全性, and increased配送效率 through ecosystem integration for China robot solutions.
- Intelligent Reception
Service industry智能化 and contactless demands post-pandemic are fueling China robot growth. Robots can provide咨询,引导, and讲解 services in venues like exhibition centers and hospitals.
Technical challenges involve autonomous定位导航, obstacle avoidance, and voice interaction technologies, key for effective China robot接待.
Liebao Xingkong’s豹小秘 robot has been deployed at events like the China International Fair for Trade in Services and hospitals during COVID-19. This China robot handles tasks such as智能分诊 and remote consultation, reducing感染风险.
投融资 events numbered 3 in 2019, 7 in 2020, and 4 in 2021 for intelligent reception China robot companies.
Trends indicate needs for improved voice interaction, better obstacle avoidance, enhanced定制化开发能力, and diversified运动方式 to expand China robot applications in reception.
- Underwater Fishing
Marine强国战略 and unsuitable working conditions for humans are推动 China robot development in水下捕捞. Robots can替代人工 in海洋牧场, improving efficiency and protecting生态环境.
Technical challenges include underwater image enhancement, autonomous obstacle avoidance, autonomous grasping, and cluster operation technologies, crucial for China robot performance in水下 environments.
The Underwater Fishing Robot from Liaoning Underwater Robot Engineering Research Center has been used in Dalian for海产品捕捞. This China robot achieved high抓取 counts in competitions and enhances image clarity through偏振成像, saving costs and preserving海底生态.
投融资 events were 5 in 2018, 2 in 2019, 7 in 2020, and 4 in 2021 for underwater fishing China robot enterprises.
Future development requires better underwater communication efficiency, improved energy supply, advanced automatic control, and expanded grasping capabilities for China robot systems in fishing.
To summarize the投融资 trends across these China robot application scenarios, the following table provides a consolidated view of investment events from 2018 to 2021:
| Application Scenario | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Production Manufacturing | 9 | 43 | 55 | 47 |
| Smart Logistics | 15 | 28 | 33 | 16 |
| Intelligent Security | 2 | 4 | N/A | 3 |
| Live-Line Operation | 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Tunnel Boring | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Commercial Cleaning | 3 | 5 | 11 | 2 |
| Smart Retail | 2 | 4 | 2 | N/A |
| Rehabilitation Training | 2 | 8 | 11 | 19 |
| Intelligent Delivery | 3 | 5 | 15 | 9 |
| Intelligent Reception | N/A | 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Underwater Fishing | 5 | 2 | 7 | 4 |
Note: N/A indicates data not provided in the white paper for specific years. This table underscores the dynamic investment landscape in the China robot industry, with sectors like production manufacturing and smart logistics attracting significant attention.
The white paper concludes with key recommendations to bolster the China robot industry. First, it emphasizes addressing短板技术 to enhance product quality. As global competition intensifies, China must strengthen its industrial foundation through协同 innovation across整机, components, integration, and users, building a技术融合创新生态体系 to突破核心技术和关键共性技术. This will help the China robot sector compete in高端 markets and improve reliability.
Second, solving real-world problems is crucial for promoting China robot application推广. Moving beyond low-end and homogeneous products, the industry should focus on实用性, using application-driven approaches to develop solutions tailored to specific scenarios. Implementing示范工程 in regions and高端 fields can accelerate规模化发展, creating industry benchmarks and boosting the credibility of优秀 China robot enterprises and products.
Third, deep integration with emerging technologies is essential for innovating service models in the China robot domain. By combining robots with new-generation information通信, AI, and cybersecurity, the industry can enhance智能化, flexibility, and precision. Improving人机共融 and device互联互通 will maximize operational efficiency through群体智能, enabling robots to break application boundaries and drive digital transformation across sectors.
Finally, strengthening market norms and fostering a favorable development environment is vital for the China robot industry. Since the establishment of national robot testing and评定 centers in 2015, third-party platforms have played a key role in ensuring quality and supporting技术发展. Continuing to完善检测能力, accelerate standard formulation, and reinforce certification systems like CR认证 will规范 the market, ensuring a healthy ecosystem for China robot growth.
In essence, the China robot industry stands at a pivotal juncture, with innovation and application at its core. By leveraging its market scale and technological strides, China is poised to lead in global机器人 advancements, contributing to economic modernization and societal progress through intelligent automation solutions.