How can domestic robots respond to the demands of industrial upgrading and become global leaders

Recently, data released by the National Bureau of Statistics showed that China's total output of industrial robots from January to November 2023 was 387,605 units, a year-on-year decrease of 2.8%.  This trend stands in stark contrast to the rapid growth of China's industrial robot market in recent years, raising concerns among some about the future development of the industrial robot industry.

Globally, the robotics industry has already established a certain competitive landscape. However, as the world's largest robotics market, China's domestic robot development is still in the catching-up phase.  Faced with the demand for industrial upgrading, it is worth exploring how domestic robots can respond to challenges and become global leaders.

I. Challenges posed by industrial upgrading to domestic robots

With the transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry, the demand for robots has undergone profound changes.  On the one hand, industrial upgrading has raised higher requirements for robot performance, precision, and intelligence. On the other hand, the rise of emerging industries, such as new energy and biomedicine, demands robots with stronger adaptability and flexibility. However, compared with the international advanced level, domestic robots still have a significant gap in core technology, product quality, and innovation capability.

2 Strategies for domestic robots to cope with industrial upgrading

1. Strengthen research and development of core technologies

Core technology is the key to the development of domestic robots.  To enhance the performance and intelligence of robots, it is imperative to increase R&D investment in key technologies such as servo systems, controllers, and reducers, and to master independent intellectual property rights.  Simultaneously, emphasis should be placed on collaboration with universities, research institutions, and other entities to establish an innovative system that integrates production, education, research, and application.

2. Improve product quality

Quality is the lifeblood of a product.  In the process of industrial upgrading, users have raised higher demands on the reliability and stability of robots.  Therefore, domestic robot enterprises should strengthen the construction of their quality management systems, strictly control product quality, and enhance user satisfaction.

3. Expand application fields

With the adjustment of industrial structure, the development of emerging industries has provided a vast application space for robots.  Domestic robot enterprises should closely follow the trend of industrial development, develop customized products tailored to the needs of different fields, and increase the market share of robots in new energy, biomedicine, and other fields.  At the same time, they should actively explore the international market and enhance the international competitiveness of Chinese robots.

4. Strengthen talent cultivation and introduction

Talent is the core driving force for technological innovation and industrial development.  To achieve leapfrog development for domestic robots, it is imperative to strengthen talent cultivation and introduction.  On the one hand, we must establish a sound talent cultivation system for robotics majors, cultivating a group of high-quality technical and management talents.  On the other hand, we should attract top international talents to join the research and development and industrialization process of domestic robots through preferential policies.

III. Conclusion and Outlook

Currently, domestic robots are facing significant challenges brought about by industrial upgrading, but they also present immense opportunities.  By implementing strategies such as strengthening core technology research and development, enhancing product quality, expanding application fields, and strengthening talent cultivation and introduction, domestic robots are expected to make breakthroughs in future market competition and become global leaders.  Looking ahead, with the integrated development of technologies such as 5G, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence, domestic robots will usher in broader development spaces and richer application scenarios.  Let us look forward to the brilliant future of China's robotics industry together!