The evolution of robotics in China: accumulated experience and prospects

Abstract

In the context of globalization and the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0), the development of robotics and AI has become one of the most important factors of economic and technological growth. A leadership race has already unfolded between the developed countries. Today, China is the undisputed leader in this industry and the largest consumer of industrial robots, but this was not always the case. To achieve leadership in this sphere, the Chinese government supports robotics startups in automotive, electronics, and logistics. The support is provided in the form of tax incentives and subsidies for R&D. The purpose of the research was to forecast the industrial robots' market in China and answer whether it will keep its position in the future. The carried study showed that the market of industrial robots in China is increasing, significantly outpacing the dynamics of global indicators. The decline in the growth of the Chinese robotics market indicators can be explained by the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and trade tensions between the market leaders: China and the United States.