Advantages and challenges for China's smart manufacturing

World
Europe

Editor's note: Su Shuai is a technical support specialist of Analogic Motion Controls based in Shanghai. The article reflects the author’s opinion and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The prosperity of the robotics industry in China provides great advantages for China's manufacturing upgrade process. The robotics industry is the foundation and core of smart manufacturing.

According to the definition of the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), robots can be classified as industrial robots and service robots.

Industrial robots are designed to do the jobs which are too complicated or simple, heavy, unhealthy, dangerous for human beings. They are widely used in electronics, electrical appliance, semiconductors, automotive, logistics, measuring and other industries, providing high efficiency, precision, reliability, consistency and safety.

Service robots include interaction, medical, rehabilitation, companionship, education and other industries, making our daily life better. Therefore, generally, when we talk about smart manufacturing, we are actually talking about robotic and related industries.

In the last five years, sales of robots in the Chinese market have maintained an annual growth rate of over 20 percent. And its proportion of the world market has reached about 35 percent. No other developing countries or economic entities have this proportionate market scale.

With smart manufacturing, a new car can be produced every 57 seconds in an automobile factory in Guangzhou, China. / VCG Photo.

The rapidly developing market has brought a wide range of prospects and profit margins for intelligent manufacturing. Market forecasts indicate that this growth rate will continue in the next few years.

This is a huge attraction for international and domestic robot suppliers. Now all top global robot manufacturers are operating in China and focusing on high-end markets. One of the world's top motion control companies has established production, service and logistics facility in Shanghai.

In comparison with them, Chinese domestic robotic companies continue to expand their share in the middle and low-end market, starting to get ready to enter the high-end market. The competition in the industry produces the most advanced technology and products.

Besides the vast market scale, China has a complete intelligent manufacturing industry chain including robotics, motion control, detectors and sensors, vision, machine learning and AI, Internet, new energy technologies, etc., which can provide a comprehensive range of product and technical services for smart manufacturing. The complete chain makes China strong enough to face industry problems and risks.

Robots are being tested during World Robot Conference in Beijing, August 2018. / VCG Photo.

As we all know, China has the largest population in the world. In addition, there are millions of college students graduate annually. Various colleges have launched the "Excellence Engineer Program," providing more learning, training and exciting opportunities for students majored in science and engineering.

Outstanding students will get an award and internship. After graduation, they become highly educated and skilled engineers. Sufficient high-quality human resources for smart manufacturing is assured.

China’s economic policies are being adjusted according to the change in economy and society. The government has announced “China Manufacturing 2025” project and is making an effort to provide better management and service for enterprises.

More social capital, private and public companies and institute are increasing investment in R&D and innovation in robotics. These efforts powerfully motivate China's manufacturing industry and the development of core technologies.

Meanwhile, China's smart manufacturing faces issues and challenges such as increased labor costs, environmental pollution, and trade disputes. These problems cannot be solved in a short time. Instead, more time and effective governance, laws and regulations, efforts by enterprises and institutes are needed.