2024 WRC showcases China's robotics innovation

Editor's note: Ibrahim Khalil Ahasan, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a columnist and journalist who writes on contemporary international issues. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The World Robot Conference (WRC) held in Beijing’s E-Town, a fast-developing hub for robotics, has become an annual forum for Chinese and foreign companies to network, discuss possible joint ventures, and share insights on current developments and breakthroughs. The world is becoming more interested in collaboration with China as a result of this conference, which represents China's determination to become a global leader in the field of robotics.

With 169 companies showcasing more than 600 innovative products from around the world and themed "Co-fostering new quality productive forces for a shared intelligent future," the 2024 edition has brought together researchers, industry executives, and enthusiasts to explore the cutting edge of robotics technology.

Held from August 21 to 25, it not only highlights Chinese innovation and strength in robotics, but also forges new paths to exchange expertise and knowledge, pique public interest, and foster international collaboration in the robotics industry.

China's use of new technology like robotics to boost several economic sectors has improved recently, mostly due to a widespread push for technical innovation, smartization, digitalization, and industrial improvement. Owing to its mature supply chain, consumption patterns, databases, and policy supports, the industrial scale of the robotics sector rose to $549 million in 2023, an 85.7 percent annual growth.

Research and development in the sector has been stepped up as part of China’s drive for technical innovation and new, high-caliber productive forces. This will hasten the shift to digitalization and promote high-quality growth.

Robotics technology integration has enormous promise for the advancement of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), smart manufacturing, industrial automation, and innovation, leading to the emergence of over 720,000 companies. They are producing goods on a huge scale at reasonable prices, and have established themselves as the go-to source for robotics solutions.

China's output of industrial robots reached 430,000 sets in 2023, and over the previous three years, its newly installed robot installations accounted for more than half of the worldwide market. Industrial robots boost efficiency in Chinese enterprises by cutting costs and creating high-quality goods. They help optimize safe and effective operations in manufacturing.

To upgrade the robotics sector and achieve mutual growth and success, Chinese enterprises are ready to cooperate with reputable businesses and investors. Over 190,000 valid patents from China attest to its substantial involvement in global robotics innovation, application growth, and industry regulation. They also prove that China has a key position in the world market for industrial robots.

As China looks to embrace the advantages of cutting-edge technology, the rise of the Chinese robotics market represents a significant advancement for the national economy. With its emphasis on creating customized solutions to match the unique requirements of local firms, the sector has the potential to lead the robotics industry and bridge the gap between labor practices of the past and the automation of the future.

With 27 different types of affordable, intelligent, and agile humanoid robots on display, including Tesla’s general-purpose robotic humanoid Optimus, the 2024 WRC is the largest exhibition of its kind. Several companies are attempting to commercialize these robots and are entering the mass production phase. This highlights the rapid advancements in humanoid robotics in everyday life, especially in terms of mobility and versatility, and also the potential for China to use humanoid robotics in high-end manufacturing, revolutionizing manufacturing efficiency.

A large number of international robotics businesses are eager to join or grow in the Chinese market. Eleven robotics businesses from South Korea attended the 2024 WRC to promote their products and work together more closely in the Chinese market. In 2023, more than 70 percent of the service robots used in South Korea were purchased from China.

This serves as a reminder that in order to advance design capacity, industrial foundation, and industrial chain innovation in the field, international businesses and developers must strengthen their exchanges and cooperation. They must also collaborate to strengthen the global robotics industry and the stability of the supply chain.

The 2024 WRC is a stimulation, offering insights into the future of robots and fostering relationships that are critical for technical breakthroughs.

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