China Unveils Key Economic Data on Service Robots: A Leap in Automation
China’s Robots Surge: Economic Insights
China has introduced a new data series on service robots as part of its monthly industrial output report, indicating a marked expansion in the robotics industry. With the nation already a leader in industrial robots, this new focus highlights the rapid growth of the service robot sector, encompassing professionals and consumer-use robots. According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), output during the first two months surged by 35.7% to nearly 1.5 million service robot units. This growth outpaced even the industrial robot segment, which saw an output of around 91,088 units, reflecting a 27% year-over-year increase.
The Rising Importance of Robotics
- NBS statistician Sun Xiao noted that the combined output from these segments has spurred a 9.1% growth in digital product manufacturing.
- The announcement underscores the importance of robots in China's evolving economic landscape, with increasing integration into daily life across various sectors, including hospitality and education.
Chinese firms specializing in cleaning robots, an essential category of service robots, have gained tremendous traction. In 2024, Beijing’s Roborock exceeded American competitor iRobot in shipments, as documented by market research firm IDC. Among the top manufacturers, four out of five were Chinese, showcasing strong domestic productivity in robotics.
Future Outlook in Robotics Funding
- The Chinese government is emphasizing the robotics sector, indicated by references to “embodied intelligence” at the annual meetings of the top legislative bodies during the two sessions.
- Venture capital interest is also booming, with nearly 2 billion yuan allocated to humanoid robot developers in 20 deals, a sizable increase from 1.2 billion yuan the previous year.
As the focus on automation heightens, artificial intelligence is set to play a vital role in the ongoing evolution of robotics, positioning China as a pivotal player in global advancements.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.