The China International Robot Annual Selection, famously known as the Golden Finger Awards, has once again taken center stage in 2018, underscoring the rapid evolution and innovation within the China robot sector. As an integral part of the C.I.R.O.S 2018 exhibition—the industry’s sole full industrial chain robotics event—the awards have garnered significant market response and high recognition from the robotics community. Since its inception in 2016, the Golden Finger Awards have become a pivotal platform for highlighting breakthroughs and leadership in the China robot field. In 2018, the organizing committee introduced innovations and refinements to enhance the awards’ professionalism, aligning them with market demands and guiding the direction of technological progress in robotics and its applications.
To bolster the awards’专业性, authority, and influence, the C.I.R.O.S exhibition organizers collaborated with Vogel Industrial Media and the MM “Modern Manufacturing”全媒体 platform, designating MM Modern Industrial Robot and MW1 New Automation & Drive Magazine as supporting units for the 2018 Golden Finger Awards. This initiative aims to foster innovation within the China robot industry, seeking the sources and momentum behind industrial robot technological advancements. The MM “Modern Manufacturing”全媒体 platform and C.I.R.O.S 2018 jointly launched the “Golden Finger Awards • 2018 China International Robot Awards,” featuring five major categories: Innovative Product Award, Influential Figure Award, Rising Enterprise Award, Intelligent Integration Award, and Most Influential Industrial Cluster Award. This report focuses on the outcomes of the Influential Figure Award, showcasing the leaders driving the China robot revolution.
The China robot industry has witnessed exponential growth, fueled by government initiatives and technological breakthroughs. The Golden Finger Awards serve as a testament to this progress, recognizing individuals and companies that are pushing the boundaries in robotics. From industrial automation to service robots, the China robot ecosystem is expanding, with applications spanning automotive, electronics, healthcare, and more. The awards not only celebrate achievements but also inspire further innovation, positioning the China robot sector as a global contender in the robotics arena.
1. Background and Objectives of the Golden Finger Awards
The Golden Finger Awards were established to honor excellence and innovation within the China robot industry. As a配套 activity of C.I.R.O.S 2018, the awards have evolved to reflect the dynamic nature of the robotics market. In 2018, the committee made strategic adjustments to ensure the awards remain relevant and impactful. By partnering with leading media outlets, the awards aim to amplify the visibility of China robot advancements, encouraging collaboration and investment in this critical sector. The focus on professionalism and market alignment underscores the awards’ role in shaping the future of the China robot industry.
The China robot industry is at a crossroads, with increasing demand for automation and smart manufacturing. The Golden Finger Awards highlight key trends, such as the integration of artificial intelligence with robotics, which is transforming traditional industries. Through these awards, stakeholders gain insights into the latest technologies and leadership driving the China robot revolution. The emphasis on innovation and practical applications ensures that the awards contribute to the sustainable growth of the China robot ecosystem.
2. Profiles of the Influential Figure Award Winners
The Influential Figure Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the China robot industry. Their achievements span research, development, commercialization, and leadership, reflecting the diverse talents within the China robot community. Below are detailed profiles of the award winners, showcasing their impact on the China robot sector.
2.1. Ms. Mo Zhuoya
Ms. Mo Zhuoya, Director and Executive Vice General Manager of Guangdong Tianji Robot Co., Ltd., has been instrumental in advancing the China robot industry. In 2017, she established Tianji Robot, a joint venture between Changying Precision and Yaskawa Electric, leading a team of doctors, masters, and Japanese experts to independently develop high-end six-axis industrial robots. Under her leadership, the company combined independent intellectual property with team expertise to overcome technical challenges in robotics. Within half a year of its founding, Tianji Robot transformed laboratory-based “robot + artificial intelligence”前沿 technology into mass production, achieving the独立生产 of 500 six-axis robots with an output value of 23.06 million yuan. The company was recognized by the Dongguan government as a “规模以上工业企业” and “2017 Dongguan Top Ten Growth Enterprises.”
Ms. Mo’s contributions extend to patents and awards. She holds multiple invention patents in robotics, such as “一种六轴工业机器人的手腕机构” and “张紧力调节机构.” The Tianji Robot TR8 received the “Product Technological Progress Gold Award” from the China Processing Trade博览会组委会 and the “Technological Innovation Award” from the恰佩克奖委员会. She also led the “基于机器人动态跟随和深度学习相结合的鞋底涂胶及检测一体化应用,” the first productized application technology in China. Her papers on robotics have been published in renowned journals like “电力设备.” Ms. Mo’s work exemplifies the innovation driving the China robot industry forward.
2.2. Mr. Liu Kun
Mr. Liu Kun, Vice President of Nanjing Panda Electronics Co., Ltd. and General Manager of Nanjing Panda Electronic Equipment Co., Ltd., has dedicated his career to电子及自动化装备的研发及管理工作 since joining Panda in 1988. He has presided over the development of China’s first automatic insertion machine, the first录像机自动化装配线, the first high-precision丝网印刷机, Panda robots, the Panda智能制造系统 iMANUF, and the Panda工业云. In recent years, Mr. Liu has undertaken numerous national and provincial projects, including those from the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
As the head of a智能制造骨干企业 under China Electronics, a Fortune 500 company, Mr. Liu has led Panda Equipment in completing a series of智能制造产业布局, including Panda robots, Panda iMANUF智能制造系统, Panda工业云, and Panda人工智能. The Panda智能制造产品体系及整体解决方案 have been successfully applied in industries such as 3C, education, military, new energy, logistics, engineering machinery, and医药. Notable projects include China’s first high-generation液晶玻璃生产线系统, the first电池材料生产无人工厂, and a fully digitalized机器人装配机器人工厂. His efforts have significantly boosted the China robot industry’s capabilities in smart manufacturing.
2.3. Mr. Xu Li Jin
Mr. Xu Li Jin, Chairman and General Manager of Effort Intelligent Equipment Co., Ltd., serves as Vice Chairman of the China Robot Industry Alliance and Chairman of the Anhui Robot Industry Technology Innovation Strategic Alliance. Since graduating, he has focused on设备管理和研发工作, earning awards such as the Fourth National Equipment Management Excellent Worker from the China Equipment Management Association. He has led or participated in multiple national projects, including two major national科技重大专项 from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, four 863计划项目 from the Ministry of Science and Technology, and three智能制造装备发展专项 from the National Development and Reform Commission.
Under Mr. Xu’s leadership, Effort has developed over 20 robot models, achieving an annual production capacity of 10,000 robots. The products are widely used in automotive, home appliances, precision manufacturing, and sanitary ware industries. To strengthen core technologies, Mr. Xu has engaged in international exchanges and promoted the construction of a 5,000-acre robot industrial park in Wuhu, which was approved as China’s first robot industry集聚试点. By引进零部件厂家, he has contributed to cost reduction in the China robot industry. By the end of 2017, Effort completed the acquisition of four Italian companies, paving the way for international expansion. Mr. Xu’s vision is to “‘智’造智能化装备, 解放人类生产力,” aiming to make Effort a world-class intelligent equipment manufacturer.
2.4. Mr. He Minjia
Mr. He Minjia, Chairman and General Manager of Guangzhou CNC Equipment Co., Ltd., holds several社会职务, including Chairman of the China Machine Tool & Tool Industry Association and Vice Chairman of the China Robot Industry Alliance. He has been recognized as a “中国优秀民营科技企业家” and “广州市优秀中国特色社会主义事业建设者.” With keen market insight, he has organized the development of GSK series CNC systems, servo drives, servo motors, industrial robots, and all-electric precision injection molding machines, achieving产业化应用.
In 2017, under Mr. He’s leadership, Guangzhou CNC contributed to the “高性能数控系统关键技术及产业化” project, which won the National Science and Technology Progress二等奖. The company also received the Guangdong Industrial Robot突 出贡献奖. Additionally, it undertook national projects like the “互联网+”项目 “工业机器人智能系统的研发及产业化” and the国家重点研发计划智能机器人专项 “工业机器人伺服电机与驱动产品性能优化.” Mr. He’s efforts have established Guangzhou CNC as a key player in the China robot industry, with the largest CNC system and industrial robot研发及产业化基地 in China.
2.5. Mr. Yang Xiao
Mr. Yang Xiao, Chairman of Changsha Changtai Robot Co., Ltd., has presided over numerous significant projects that have advanced the China robot industry. These include the 2016 National Intelligent Equipment Development专项 “高端生物医药机器人及装备智能制造新模式应用” project. His work on “大型铸件机器人柔性清理系统关键共性技术研发及产业化” won the 2016 China Light Industry Group Science and Technology二等奖, creating a new铸造生产模式. Other achievements include awards for projects like “大型铸造机器人自动化生产线关键技术与成套装备” and “基于工业机器人的汽车制造自动化生产线及产业化应用.”
Mr. Yang also led the 2015 National Intelligent Equipment Development专项 for Changtai Robot’s smart factory, applying智能工厂 to robotics. He has been involved in projects for the fireworks and民爆 industries, introducing robot technology to传统生产模式. His研发的 “缸体、缸盖机器人打磨清理线” was included in湖南省两型产品 and长沙市自主创新和节能环保产品目录. Mr. Yang’s innovations have enhanced the China robot industry’s application in diverse sectors.
2.6. Ms. Shi Jinbo
Ms. Shi Jinbo, Founder and CEO of李群自动化, is committed to providing卓越的机器人产品和服务 for global manufacturing. Through technological innovation, she has participated in national and provincial科研项目, such as the National Science and Technology Support Plan and Guangdong科技计划项目. Her mission is to liberate people from monotonous work and提升企业先进制造力, supporting China’s transition from manufacturing to智造.
In 2013, Ms. Shi pioneered the world’s first无控制柜一体机并联机器人, featuring内置驱控一体控制器 design. This innovation addressed issues like large space占用,电磁干扰, and complex installation, making industrial robots more lightweight and user-friendly. Compared to international competitors who released similar一体机 SCARA robots in 2017,李群自动化 led the industry by four years. Ms. Shi’s work exemplifies the cutting-edge advancements in the China robot industry.
2.7. Mr. Wang Jie Gao
Mr. Wang Jie Gao, General Manager of Estun Robot Co., Ltd., co-founded the company with Estun Automation in 2011. With the goal of promoting the development of China’s industrial robot民族产业, Estun Robot leverages its advantages in AC servo products and control systems to develop自主核心控制技术 and cost-effective industrial robots. To date, the company has created 16 robot models, including six-axis通用机器人, four-axis码垛机器人, SCARA robots, DELTA robots, and MINI桌面机器人, with payloads ranging from 3kg to 50kg, making it one of the most comprehensive自主开发机器人 companies in China.
Estun Robot is a member of the International Federation of Robotics, Vice Chairman unit of the China Robot Industry Alliance, and part of the National Robot Standardization整体组. It was among the first companies to obtain “中国机器人” certification and is recognized as a “中国机器人 TOP 10″标杆企业. Mr. Wang’s leadership has positioned Estun as a key contributor to the China robot industry.
2.8. Mr. Wang Jin Tao
Mr. Wang Jin Tao, Vice President of Siasun Robot & Automation Co., Ltd. and President of the Industrial Robot BG, has been involved in numerous科学技术研究成果. His achievements include projects like the 300mm IC生产线自动物料搬运系统,智能型搬运与加工机器人, FPD基板搬运机器人及自动化成套装备,新型工业机器人系列产品开发与产业化,洁净搬运机器人,真空机械手, and恶劣环境车载式双重载机器人系统. These contributions have earned him awards such as the辽宁省科技成果转化奖 for智能测量建模加工一体装备.
Mr. Wang’s work at Siasun, a leading company in the China robot industry, has advanced robotics in areas like semiconductor manufacturing, display panels, and harsh environments. His research and development efforts have strengthened the technological foundation of the China robot sector.
2.9. Mr. Cai Liang
Mr. Cai Liang, President of Shanghai Step Electric Corporation, joined the company in 1997 and has held various positions, including Development Department Manager and Overseas General Manager. In 2015, he became General Manager of Step Robot, and in 2017, President of Step Electric. He also serves as Vice Chairman of the China Robot Industry Alliance and Deputy Director of the上海市机器人行业协会. Specializing in control and drive fields, he has led national projects like the “十一五”科技支撑计划, obtaining over 20 patents and software copyrights.
In April 2017, under Mr. Cai’s leadership, Step completed the acquisition of Hangzhou Zhishan Intelligent Control, enhancing its全产业链布局. To address产能瓶颈, he initiated new factories in Shanghai, Dongguan, and Kun山, aiming to produce 10,000 industrial robots annually. By focusing on细分行业 such as new energy, automotive parts, 3C, and smart logistics, Step achieved significant growth, shipping 2,792 robot units in 2017. Mr. Cai’s strategies are driving Step’s role in the China robot industry amid growing demand for智能制造.
2.10. Mr. Liu Peichao
Mr. Liu Peichao, General Manager of Shenzhen越疆科技有限公司, is dedicated to promoting Chinese manufacturing and智造 globally. Under his leadership, the company has launched eight lightweight robotic arm products, including the Magician, M1, and独豹 series, as well as a handheld gimbal and a 3D printer. These products cater to industrial, educational, and consumer electronics sectors. The DOBOT Magician, for instance, simplifies control through手机 app and gestures, making robotics accessible at a low cost.
As a beneficiary of “双创教育,” Mr. Liu focuses on反哺教育.越疆科技 has developed STEAM education courses in collaboration with universities and experts, providing solutions for启蒙教育, vocational training, and higher education. The company has established robot laboratories at institutions like Tsinghua University and sponsored competitions, impacting over 1,000 schools nationwide. Mr. Liu’s efforts are普及 robotics education in the China robot ecosystem.
2.11. Mr. Liu Xuenan
Mr. Liu Xuenan, Founder and CEO of Beijing康力优蓝机器人科技有限公司, is a pioneer in China’s service robot industry, having founded优蓝 in 2007. He holds positions such as Vice Chairman of the中关村双创智能机器人产业联盟 and expert in the中国人工智能协会. In 2017,康力优蓝 launched products like the desktop pet robot小笨 MiniU and the companion home robot小优 U03S,引领机器人教育 into the 2.0 era.
At the June 2017 Beijing科博会,康力优蓝 announced the mass production of优友 U05, China’s first and the world’s second量产类人型商用机器人. This robot showcased AI and robotics integration, appearing at events like the 2017 World Robot Conference and the 13th National Games开幕式. By the end of 2017, sales of类人型商用服务机器人 exceeded 1,000 units, making康力优蓝 one of the first profitable service robot companies in China. Mr. Liu’s work highlights the growth of the China robot industry in service applications.
2.12. Mr. Sun Zhiqiang
Mr. Sun Zhiqiang, Chairman and President of Guangzhou瑞松智能科技股份有限公司, founded the company in 1995.瑞松智能科技 is a high-tech enterprise engaged in robotics,智能技术, and高端制造装备, providing成套自动化、智能化系统解决方案. Its subsidiaries include广州瑞松北斗汽车装备有限公司 (Sino-Japanese joint venture) and广州瑞松威尔斯通智能装备有限公司 (Sino-German joint venture). The company has broken international monopolies in高端智能装备, becoming a leading民营 enterprise in the China robot industry.
As an先行者 in smart equipment manufacturing, Mr. Sun emphasizes innovation beyond products to产业的技术进步. Under his leadership,瑞松智能科技 continues to advance in robotics,智能技术, and高端智能装备, fulfilling its mission of推动智能技术产业发展. His contributions are integral to the competitiveness of the China robot sector.
2.13. Mr. Chen Dali
Mr. Chen Dali, Chairman of Shenzhen泰达机器人有限公司, proposed and implemented “涂装效益监测管理” theory in 2000 and published “机器人涂装自动化标本兼治解决之道” in 2014. He founded升泰流体机械有限公司 in 2001, introducing Binks coating products and serving nearly 4,000 clients across furniture, automotive, and 3C industries. Dissatisfied with traditional喷涂, he ventured into robotics in 2012, aiming to combine喷涂 with环保 and automation.
Facing challenges like infrastructure and技术研发, Mr. Chen leveraged his expertise to seize opportunities in智能工业 development. He focused on人员招聘,制度建设, and quality management, ensuring rapid growth. His efforts in integrating robotics with coating technologies exemplify the innovation within the China robot industry.
3. Impact of the Golden Finger Awards on the China Robot Industry
The Golden Finger Awards have significantly influenced the China robot industry by recognizing and promoting excellence. The awards highlight key areas of growth, such as industrial automation, service robotics, and AI integration, which are crucial for the advancement of the China robot sector. By showcasing leaders like Ms. Mo Zhuoya and Mr. Xu Li Jin, the awards inspire others to contribute to the China robot revolution. The emphasis on innovation and market alignment ensures that the China robot industry remains competitive globally.
The China robot industry is受益 from these awards through increased visibility and collaboration. As companies like Tianji Robot and Effort gain recognition, they attract investment and partnerships, further driving the development of the China robot ecosystem. The awards also encourage technological breakthroughs, such as the一体机机器人 by李群自动化, which reduce costs and improve accessibility. This, in turn, accelerates the adoption of China robot solutions across various industries, from manufacturing to education.
Moreover, the Golden Finger Awards foster a culture of innovation within the China robot community. By celebrating achievements in research, development, and commercialization, the awards motivate entrepreneurs and researchers to push boundaries. This is evident in projects like Panda’s智能制造系统 and康力优蓝’s service robots, which demonstrate the versatility of the China robot industry. As the awards continue to evolve, they will play a pivotal role in shaping the future trajectory of the China robot sector.
4. Future Outlook for the China Robot Industry
Looking ahead, the China robot industry is poised for continued growth and transformation. With supportive policies from the Chinese government, such as “Made in China 2025,” the demand for robotics is expected to surge. The Golden Finger Awards will likely adapt to these changes, introducing new categories or criteria to reflect emerging trends in the China robot field. Key areas of focus include collaborative robots, AI-driven automation, and sustainable manufacturing, all of which are integral to the future of the China robot industry.
The China robot industry must also address challenges like skill gaps and international competition. By leveraging the recognition from awards like the Golden Finger Awards, companies can enhance their global standing. Initiatives in education, as seen with越疆科技, will help build a skilled workforce for the China robot sector. Additionally, international collaborations, such as Effort’s acquisitions, will facilitate knowledge exchange and innovation in the China robot industry.
In conclusion, the Golden Finger Awards 2018 have underscored the dynamism and potential of the China robot industry. Through the recognition of influential figures and their contributions, the awards have catalyzed progress and inspired future generations. As the China robot industry evolves, events like these will remain essential for celebrating achievements and driving the collective effort toward a smarter, more automated future. The continued emphasis on innovation and excellence will ensure that the China robot industry remains at the forefront of global robotics.
The China robot industry is not just about technology; it’s about transforming economies and improving lives. From industrial robots that boost productivity to service robots that enhance daily experiences, the impact of the China robot sector is profound. The Golden Finger Awards serve as a beacon, guiding this transformation and honoring those who make it possible. As we move forward, the China robot industry will undoubtedly continue to break new ground, fueled by the spirit of innovation recognized by these prestigious awards.