The China Robot Industry Alliance (CRIA), a pivotal organization in the nation’s automation sector, has initiated a series of high-level corporate visits at the beginning of the year, signaling a proactive push to strengthen ties within the China robot ecosystem. The visits underscore the alliance’s commitment to bridging domestic innovation with international expertise, highlighting the dynamic growth and strategic partnerships shaping the future of robotics in China.
Led by Deputy Secretary-General Chen Jialiang, a delegation from the CRIA undertook a significant visit on January 12th to Lianyungang City in Jiangsu Province. The primary destination was the Jierui Technology Group Co., Ltd., the wholly-owned industrial investment subsidiary of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) 716th Research Institute. This visit highlights the critical role of military-civil fusion in advancing the China robot manufacturing base.
Deepening Domestic Roots: The Jierui Technology Group Visit
Jierui Technology Group, as the industrial platform of the prestigious 716th Research Institute, operates across five major business segments: electronic information, machinery and industrial automation equipment, energy and energy equipment, building materials and new materials, and pharmaceuticals and medical devices. The focus of the CRIA delegation was on the group’s contributions to the China robot sector.
Leveraging decades of accumulated military-grade technological expertise from its parent research institute, Jierui Technology has successfully developed and commercialized its proprietary line of Jierui industrial robots. These robots are built upon core, self-owned intellectual property, including:
- Multi-sensor integration and fusion technology
- High-speed industrial bus communication technology
- Multi-axis motion control technology
- Key functional components and core control algorithms
The performance metrics of these Jierui robots are reported to have reached parity with similar international products. They are extensively deployed in various shipbuilding processes such as arc welding, spot welding, assembly, painting, handling, and palletizing. Furthermore, the company offers customization for specialized industries like healthcare and pharmaceuticals, emphasizing the high cost-performance ratio of its China robot solutions. This visit reinforced the alliance’s support for homegrown technological innovation within the China robot industry.
Engaging Global Expertise: The Kawasaki Robotics (Tianjin) Visit
In a parallel effort to foster international collaboration, the same CRIA delegation, also acting on behalf of the China International Robot Exhibition (CIROS) organizing committee, visited Kawasaki Robotics (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. The delegation, again led by Deputy Secretary-General Chen Jialiang, engaged in in-depth discussions with the company’s new leadership.
Mr. Chen provided an overview of the CRIA’s work and initiatives to the newly appointed President, Mr. Isobe Masashi. In turn, President Isobe shared updates on Kawasaki Robotics’ latest developments and changes, offering detailed introductions to the company’s operations in Tianjin, Kunshan, and Suzhou. The discussions centered on potential areas of cooperation with the alliance, with both parties exchanging views on the evolving China robot market landscape.
Kawasaki Robotics, with over 45 years of experience in the field, is recognized as a leader in technological advancements within the industrial robotics sphere. The company’s applications span critical sectors such as aerospace, energy, automotive, electronics, metal fabrication, machinery, food and beverage, and plastics and rubber.
The China Machinery Industry Federation (CMIF), a co-organizer of CIROS, wields substantial influence and resources within China’s machinery manufacturing sector. Both Kawasaki Robotics and the CMIF recognized the vast potential for future collaboration in application development and market expansion, indicating a mutual interest in deepening the integration of global advanced robotics within the China robot application ecosystem.
Synergy and Market Outlook
The dual nature of these visits—to a prominent domestic developer leveraging defense technology and to a major international robot manufacturer—paints a comprehensive picture of the CRIA’s strategy. The alliance is actively working to consolidate the strengths of indigenous China robot manufacturers while simultaneously facilitating knowledge exchange and partnership opportunities with established global players. This two-pronged approach aims to accelerate the overall technological sophistication, application breadth, and global competitiveness of the China robot industry.
The discussions with Kawasaki Robotics, in particular, underscore the attractive and growing nature of the Chinese market for robotics. International companies are not only seen as suppliers but as strategic partners for co-development, especially in tailoring solutions for the unique demands of Chinese industries.
The Premier Platform: The 5th China International Robot Exhibition (CIROS 2016)
These corporate outreach efforts are strategically linked to one of the most significant events in the Asian robotics calendar. The Fifth China International Robot Exhibition (CIROS 2016) is scheduled to take place from July 6th to 9th, 2016, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai (Halls 3 & 4).
The exhibition is jointly organized by the China Machinery Industry Federation (CMIF), the China Robot Industry Alliance (CRIA), and Shanghai CMIF Exhibition Co., Ltd. Under the theme “Intelligence · Quality · Efficiency,” CIROS 2016 is set to be a landmark event for the China robot industry and its international partners.
The organizer has announced ambitious plans for the upcoming exhibition, with a focus on expanding the scope beyond robot OEMs to encompass the entire value chain.
| Exhibition Focus Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Expanded Participant Base | Increased emphasis on attracting system integrators, component and parts manufacturers, and robot OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). |
| Exhibition Scale | The total exhibition area is projected to exceed 30,000 square meters. |
| Expected Professional Attendance | Over 60,000 professional visitors are anticipated. |
| Core Theme | “Intelligence · Quality · Efficiency” – reflecting the industry’s drive towards smarter, more reliable, and productive automation solutions. |
This scale and focus make CIROS a critical barometer for the China robot market’s health and direction. It serves as the primary platform where domestic innovations, like those from Jierui Technology, meet global technologies from companies like Kawasaki, facilitating the partnerships discussed during the New Year visits. The event is expected to be a major catalyst for deal-making, technology transfer, and strategic dialogue, further solidifying China’s position as the world’s largest and most dynamic market for industrial robots.
Conclusion: A Strategic Year Ahead
The proactive visits by the China Robot Industry Alliance to both a key domestic player and a leading international corporation at the start of the year set a collaborative and forward-looking tone for 2016. They highlight the multi-faceted development strategy of the China robot industry: nurturing self-reliance through technological indigenization while remaining open and attractive to foreign investment and expertise.
The upcoming CIROS 2016 exhibition stands as the culmination of these efforts, providing a tangible platform to showcase progress, forge alliances, and set the course for the future. As the China robot industry continues to evolve at a remarkable pace, the synergy between domestic capabilities and international partnerships, facilitated by organizations like the CRIA, will be instrumental in shaping its trajectory towards greater innovation and global leadership.