At the 14th Beijing International Robot Exhibition, China’s accelerating pace in the robotics industry was on full display. According to an article in Global Times, Chinese companies are not just participating, they’re shaping the future of this industry.

“Currently, 70 percent of our customers are automotive manufacturers including BYD and Xiaomi,” said Cai Qi, the head assistant for Shanghai Laimu Electronics’ innovation research institute…”As these automakers expand into robotics, we’ve aligned our R&D and production capabilities to develop specialized components for this emerging sector. This year we aim to output mature and stable robot joint products, and complete the processing of precision instruments for robots.”

In a heavily globalized economy, the technologies might be more evenly distributed, but this domestic focus reduces vulnerabilities.

Cai noted that global leaders like Boston Dynamics possess distinct advantages in core technologies. Therefore, China has to rely on its own domestic R&D breakthroughs in producing key components in order to ensure the stable and healthy growth of the country’s robotics industry.

There is increased patent activity, material innovation, and component specialization, all signs that these Chinese industries are maturing. The full article offers a good perspective on the current momentum. Read more here!