At the 2017 China International Robot Industry Development Summit Forum held on July 5, Qu Daokui, Chairman of the China Robot Industry Alliance and President of Shenyang Siasun Robot & Automation Co., Ltd., unveiled the latest statistical data for the China robot market in 2016. The figures reveal a year of substantial growth and structural transformation, underscoring the dynamic evolution of the China robot sector. The data highlights how the China robot industry is not only expanding in volume but also making strides in technological sophistication and market penetration.
The China robot market continues to be a global focal point, driven by industrial automation and smart manufacturing initiatives. In 2016, the total consumption of industrial robots in the China market reached 88,992 units, marking a significant increase of 26.6% compared to 2015. This growth trajectory emphasizes the escalating demand for automation solutions across various sectors in China. Notably, domestic China robot sales accounted for 29,144 units, reflecting a robust year-on-year growth of 30.9%. Consequently, the market share of domestic China robots in the Chinese industrial robot market rose to 33%, up by 1 percentage point from the previous year. This increment, though modest, signifies the gradual strengthening of the indigenous China robot industry amidst fierce international competition.
The progress of the China robot industry is further illuminated by the following key statistics, which are summarized in the table below to provide a clear overview of the 2016 performance:
| Metric | 2016 Data | Year-on-Year Growth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Industrial Robot Consumption in China | 88,992 units | 26.6% | Indicates strong overall market demand for robots in China. |
| Domestic China Robot Sales | 29,144 units | 30.9% | Highlights the rapid expansion of the local China robot industry. |
| Market Share of Domestic China Robots | 33% | Increase of 1 percentage point | Shows gradual gains against foreign brands in the China robot market. |
| Multi-joint Robot Sales in China | 54,773 units (61.5% of total) | 35.4% | Demonstrates a shift towards high-end robots in the China robot sector. |
| Domestic Multi-joint China Robot Sales | 11,774 units (40.4% of domestic total) | 92.7% | Reflects significant advancements in high-end China robot manufacturing. |
| Market Share of Domestic Multi-joint China Robots | 21.5% | Average annual increase of 6 percentage points | Indicates improving competitiveness in the high-end segment of the China robot market. |
| China Robot Sales in Welding Applications | Over 22% share for domestic robots | Not specified | Shows penetration into demanding fields within the China robot industry. |
| China Robot Application in Automotive Industry | 33% of total sales | 17% growth | Remains a dominant sector for robot adoption in China. |
| China Robot Application in 3C Industry | 31% of total sales | 58.5% growth | Emerging as a key growth driver for the China robot market. |
| Domestic China Robot Sales in 3C Industry | 37% of domestic total | 112.1% growth | Highlights the rapid integration of China robots in electronics manufacturing. |
Qu Daokui emphasized that the data signifies a pivotal transformation in the China robot landscape. “The China robot industry is evolving from a focus on low-end applications to embracing high-end, sophisticated robotics,” he noted. This shift is particularly evident in the product structure changes observed in 2016.
- Advancement Towards High-End China Robot Products
The China robot market witnessed a remarkable surge in multi-joint robot sales, which grew by 35.4% year-on-year, accounting for 61.5% of the total sales volume. This category represents high-end robots with six or more degrees of freedom, essential for complex tasks. Within this segment, domestic multi-joint China robot sales soared by 92.7%, constituting 40.4% of all domestic China robot sales. Moreover, the market share of domestic multi-joint China robots reached 21.5%, with an average annual increase of 6 percentage points. Qu Daokui explained, “In previous years, the China robot market was dominated by mid-to-low-end robots, often with four degrees of freedom or less. The substantial growth in multi-joint robots indicates that the China robot industry is rapidly moving up the value chain. This progress in high-end segments underscores the technological maturation of the China robot sector.”
This trend is crucial for the long-term competitiveness of the China robot industry. As China robot manufacturers enhance their capabilities in producing advanced multi-joint robots, they are better positioned to cater to demanding applications that require precision and flexibility. The increase in market share for domestic high-end China robots suggests that local companies are gradually closing the gap with foreign counterparts in terms of technology and performance.
- Expansion of China Robot Applications Across Key Fields
In terms of application domains, handling and loading/unloading robots remained the largest sector, with sales growing by 33.7% and representing 45.1% of the total China robot market. This area continues to be a fundamental driver for robot adoption in China, particularly in logistics and manufacturing setups. Meanwhile, assembly and disassembly robots experienced a dramatic increase of 70.3%, accounting for 18.5% of total sales, up by 5.2 percentage points from the previous year. This growth highlights the expanding role of China robots in precision assembly processes, which are critical in industries like electronics and automotive.
Qu Daokui particularly highlighted the welding sector, where domestic China robots achieved a market share exceeding 22%. “Welding is a high-end application that demands exceptional control accuracy, parameter stability, and reliability from robots. The fact that domestic China robots now hold over 22% share in this field is a significant achievement, as it was previously below 10%. This indicates that China robot products are increasingly penetrating sophisticated application areas,” he stated. The advancement in welding applications reflects the improving quality and reliability of China robot systems, enabling them to meet stringent industrial requirements.
- Shifting Industry Dynamics: Automotive vs. 3C in the China Robot Market
Analyzing the China robot market by industry, the automotive sector remained the primary application area, with purchases growing by 17% in 2016 and constituting 33% of total sales, though this share decreased by 3.8 percentage points from 2015. Domestic China robot sales in the automotive industry rose by 45.4%, making up 15% of all domestic China robot sales, a slight increase of 1 percentage point. However, foreign brands still dominate this sector, holding nearly 85% of the market. Qu Daokui attributed this to historical factors: “Much of China’s automotive industry involves foreign partnerships, and as a traditional stronghold for robot applications, it presents higher entry barriers for domestic China robot brands. Nonetheless, our growth in this area is encouraging, with domestic China robots now capturing over 15% market share in automotive applications.”
In contrast, the 3C (computers, communication, and consumer electronics) industry emerged as a powerhouse for China robot adoption. Sales in this sector grew by 58.5%, accounting for 31% of total China robot sales, an increase of 7.7 percentage points. Domestic China robot sales for 3C applications skyrocketed by 112.1%, representing 37% of all domestic China robot sales, up by 14.3 percentage points. Qu Daokui remarked, “We are transitioning from an era driven by traditional industries like automotive and machinery to one propelled by 3C. I predicted a few years ago that the 3C industry would become a major growth catalyst for robots, and the 2016 data confirms this trend. In the future, the 3C sector is poised to surpass automotive as the largest application field for China robots.” Despite this growth, foreign brands maintain a strong presence in the 3C industry, with over 60% market share, indicating ongoing competition for domestic China robot manufacturers.
The rise of the 3C industry as a key market for China robots is driven by the need for automation in electronics manufacturing, where precision, speed, and flexibility are paramount. As global demand for smartphones, tablets, and other devices continues, the China robot industry is well-positioned to benefit from this expansion. The rapid growth in domestic China robot sales within the 3C sector suggests that local companies are effectively addressing the specific needs of electronics producers, offering tailored solutions that compete with international brands.
- Positive Outlook for the China Robot Industry in 2017
Looking ahead to 2017, Qu Daokui shared insights from a survey conducted by the China Robot Industry Alliance among its member enterprises. The results indicate a robust order intake scenario: only 6.3% of companies reported new order growth below 0%, while 43.8% saw new orders increase by more than 30%. Additionally, 31.3% experienced growth between 20% and 30%, and 12.5% between 10% and 20%. Regarding sales forecasts for 2017, 56.3% of enterprises anticipate sales growth exceeding 20%, 18.7% expect growth between 10% and 20%, and 18.7% project growth between 0% and 10%. Only 6.3% predict a decline in sales.
These optimistic projections underscore the sustained momentum in the China robot market. Factors such as government support for智能制造 (smart manufacturing), labor cost pressures, and technological advancements are likely to fuel continued demand for China robots. Qu Daokui concluded, “The survey reflects strong confidence in the China robot industry’s prospects for 2017. With ongoing investments and innovation, the China robot sector is set to maintain its growth trajectory.”
- Key Characteristics of the 2016 China Robot Market
Qu Daokui summarized the defining features of the 2016 China robot market, which highlight the industry’s evolution:
- Sustained high-speed growth in the China robot market, with robust demand conditions.
- Gradual increase in the market share of domestic China robots, reflecting improved competitiveness.
- Accelerated adjustment in the product structure of domestic China robots, with multi-joint robots showing rapid growth and rising market share; however, foreign brands still hold a dominant position in the high-end multi-joint robot segment, indicating that the China robot industry needs continued efforts to catch up in advanced areas.
- Handling and loading/unloading remained a critical domain driving the rapid expansion of the China robot market.
- The growth in assembly applications was a standout highlight for the China robot market in 2016.
- The automotive industry continues to be a major market for China robots, while the 3C sector showed exceptional growth.
- Domestic China robots are being applied across an expanding range of industries, now covering 34 major categories and 91 sub-categories of the national economy. As Qu Daokui quipped, “If asked where robots are used, it might be hard to list all areas; but if asked where they aren’t used, that’s easier to answer.” This widespread adoption demonstrates the versatility and integration of China robots into diverse economic activities.
- The broadening of application industries has played a more significant role in stimulating market demand growth for China robots, indicating that as robots penetrate new sectors, they unlock fresh opportunities for the China robot industry.
The data and analysis presented by Qu Daokui paint a vivid picture of a dynamic and evolving China robot industry. In 2016, the China robot market not only expanded in scale but also underwent meaningful structural upgrades, with domestic players making inroads into high-end segments and emerging applications. The shift towards multi-joint robots and the explosive growth in the 3C sector are particularly noteworthy, signaling a maturing China robot ecosystem that is increasingly aligned with global technological trends.
Looking forward, the China robot industry faces both opportunities and challenges. While domestic China robot brands are gaining market share and technological prowess, they still trail foreign competitors in high-end markets and certain industries like automotive. Continued investment in research and development, along with collaboration across the supply chain, will be essential for the China robot sector to enhance its global standing. Moreover, as automation becomes more pervasive, the China robot industry must address issues such as standardization, talent development, and integration with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.
In summary, 2016 was a landmark year for the China robot industry, characterized by robust growth, structural improvements, and expanding applications. The progress in domestic China robot production and market penetration underscores the sector’s vital role in China’s industrial modernization. With favorable trends and strong demand, the China robot market is poised for continued advancement, contributing to the nation’s economic transformation and technological innovation. As Qu Daokui’s data reveals, the future of the China robot industry is bright, with endless possibilities for innovation and impact across the globe.