In a significant development for China’s technological advancement, Guangdong has solidified its position as a trailblazer in the country’s artificial intelligence (AI) and robot industry, ranking among the top tier nationwide. The announcement came at the inauguration of the Guangdong Provincial AI and Robot Industry Alliance on June 6, where the world’s first comprehensive evaluation index integrating AI and robotics—known as the AIR Pearl River Index—was unveiled. This index, which assesses regional developments based on technological innovation, industrial application, and policy support, highlights Guangdong’s dominance in China’s rapidly evolving smart technology landscape, particularly in the realm of “China robot” innovation and deployment.
Guangdong’s Dominance in China Robot and AI Landscape
As the most integrated and dynamic cluster for AI and robotics in China, Guangdong boasts a robust ecosystem encompassing cutting-edge technologies, diverse application scenarios, and a comprehensive industrial chain. Data from the Guangdong Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology reveals that from January to April this year, the province’s core AI industry scaled exceeding 77 billion yuan, firmly placing it in the first rank nationwide. Concurrently, its industrial robot production reached 96,200 units, with service robots hitting 2.67 million units, marking year-on-year growth of 31.1% and 10.8% respectively .
The region’s strength lies in its dense concentration of leading enterprises and innovative institutions. Home to over 1,500 core AI enterprises, including 24 unicorn companies, 92 listed firms, and 147 national specialized and sophisticated “little giant” enterprises (the highest number in China), Guangdong demonstrates unparalleled industrial vitality . Additionally, the province has registered 53 large-scale models, positioning it at the forefront of AI research and development.
Geographically, Guangdong has established a robot industry hub centered on Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Dongguan, with coordinated development across the Pearl River Delta. The region particularly excels in manufacturing core components such as servo motors, controllers, and visual perception systems, forming a self-reliant supply chain critical to the “China robot” industry’s growth .
AIR Pearl River Index: A Benchmark for Industry Development
The AIR Pearl River Index, based on 2024 data, evaluates the development levels of ten provinces and four economic circles across China, focusing on three key dimensions: intelligent industrialization, industrial intelligence, and policy governance. The assessment incorporates 34 tertiary indicators, including the number of R&D institutions, enterprise count, investment and financing activities, and computing infrastructure .
According to the index report, China’s AI and robot industry has formed a four-tier echelon. Guangdong and Beijing lead in the first tier, while Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Shanghai compose the second tier, showcasing strong regional collaboration in the Yangtze River Delta. The third tier (Sichuan, Anhui, Chongqing) maintains a close gap with the second, while the fourth tier (Hebei, Tianjin) still needs to strengthen its industrial foundation .
Guangdong’s preeminence is evident in its performance across seven secondary indicators, including scientific research capability, enterprise development, market potential, and industry application, all of which ranked first nationwide. This comprehensive strength cements its role as the core engine driving China robot and AI industry forward .
Challenges and Strategic Responses
Despite its robust foundation, Guangdong faces critical challenges, including bottlenecks in core technologies, insufficient industrial element support, and a shortage of high-value application scenarios . To address these issues, the province has rolled out a series of policies this year, focusing on key technology research, cultivation of high-quality enterprises, and creation of application scenarios. The establishment of the AI and Robot Industry Alliance stands out as a pivotal initiative to foster innovation and collaboration .
Led by the Provincial Federation of Industry and Commerce and guided by multiple government departments, the alliance comprises 11 specialized committees covering areas such as intelligent manufacturing, robotics, data ecology, and standardization. It has attracted participation from academicians, universities, research institutions, and enterprises, forming a collaborative network that integrates policy, technology, and market resources. The alliance’s council members span government agencies, financial institutions, and both state-owned and private enterprises, ensuring cross-sectoral engagement .
Professor Chen Xiaoqi, Dean of the Wuxianming School of Intelligent Engineering at South China University of Technology and a member of the alliance’s expert committee, noted, “Guangdong’s unique advantage lies in its integration of a massive market, strong manufacturing capabilities, and a complete supply chain, complemented by Hong Kong and Macao’s international talent and resources. This synergy can drive regional technological progress and industrial upgrading in the ‘China robot’ sector.” Ding Ning, Executive Vice President of the Shenzhen Institute of AI and Robotics, echoed this, emphasizing the importance of leveraging Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao cooperation to enhance global competitiveness .
The Alliance’s “Ten Ones” Initiative: Catalyzing Industry Growth
To accelerate industry development, the alliance has outlined a “Ten Ones” action plan focusing on innovation capacity, industrial agglomeration, policy guidance, and application scenarios. Key initiatives include:
- Developing a Development Index: The AIR Pearl River Index will continue to serve as a benchmark for evaluating regional industry performance and guiding strategic planning.
- Compiling a White Paper: A comprehensive report will analyze industry trends, technological advancements, and policy impacts, providing insights for stakeholders.
- Hosting an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition: This platform aims to identify and incubate promising “AI+” and “robot+” projects, accelerating technology commercialization.
- Organizing an Industry Conference: The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao AI and Robot Industry Conference will foster international exchanges and cooperation, attracting top global institutions.
- Building an Industrial Information Platform: This digital hub will provide real-time industry data, technical transformation services, and project collaboration opportunities for enterprises.
- Mapping the Industrial Chain: A detailed roadmap will outline the full lifecycle of the industry, from core components to integrated applications, facilitating supply chain optimization.
- Launching Application Scenarios: The alliance will promote pilot projects in smart manufacturing, urban governance, and other sectors to demonstrate the practical value of AI and robotics.
- Establishing an Industry Award: The Guangdong Excellence in AI and Robot Award will recognize outstanding achievements, inspiring technological innovation.
- Holding an Expo: The Global Intelligent Machinery and Electronics Expo will showcase the latest products and technologies, enhancing market visibility for “China robot” enterprises.
- Setting Up an Industrial Fund: With a target scale of 10 billion yuan (2 billion yuan in the first phase), the fund will support R&D in core technologies such as AI large models, intelligent robots, and semiconductors, while promoting applications in smart manufacturing and urban intelligence. Currently, over 150 potential projects have been identified, highlighting the fund’s critical role in bridging the “valley of death” between technological validation and commercialization .
Liu Wei, Chairman and CEO of JD Technology Group and Deputy Director of the alliance, emphasized the importance of integrating AI technologies with industrial chains through the alliance, urging faster transformation of innovative achievements into practical applications. “By driving dual engines of technological breakthroughs and scenario implementation, we can establish Guangdong as a global leader in smart technology,” he stated .
A Bright Outlook for Guangdong’s Robot and AI Industry
As Guangdong continues to leverage its institutional innovations and resource integration, the province is poised to make significant strides in overcoming technological bottlenecks and expanding high-value application scenarios. The alliance’s collaborative framework, combined with policy support and market-driven initiatives, signals a new era for China’s robot and AI industry, with Guangdong at the helm.
The “China robot” narrative in Guangdong is not just about regional success but about setting a global standard. By harmonizing innovation, manufacturing prowess, and international cooperation, Guangdong is positioned to contribute significantly to the global advancement of AI and robotics, solidifying China’s role as a key player in the fourth industrial revolution. As the alliance embarks on its ambitious “Ten Ones” plan, the world watches closely, anticipating how Guangdong’s innovations will shape the future of intelligent technology.
In summary, Guangdong’s leadership in China’s robot and AI industry is a testament to its technological resilience and strategic vision. Through sustained collaboration and targeted initiatives, the province is not only driving its own high-quality development but also paving the way for China to lead in the global smart technology race. The AIR Pearl River Index serves as both a marker of current excellence and a catalyst for future growth, ensuring that Guangdong remains at the forefront of the “China robot” revolution.