Li Keqiang encourages domestic production of robots

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Premier Li Keqiang has called on domestic manufacturers to produce China's own robots using technical and organizational innovation.

Li made the remarks during a visit to northwestern Shaanxi Province, saying that equipment manufacturers should boost enthusiasm among employees and encourage them to develop new technologies for the robotics industry.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang tours Shaanxi Province. /Xinhua

The comments came during a tour of the Qinchuan Machine Tool & Tool Group Co, Ltd. after Li learned the company had developed and made industrial retarders, a key component in robots.

Previously, China had to import the components from foreign manufacturers.

Li called on employees to make domestically-produced robots with independently developed technologies, adding that large companies should promote entrepreneurship.

Are robots and AI set to take over China? /VCG Photo

Around three quarters of Qinchuan's employees have built their teams to boost technological innovation and provide tailor-made services to clients, said chairman Long Xingyuan.

Innovations have resulted in expanded business. Qinchuan posted profits of 14.9 million yuan (over 2 million US dollars) last year.

The company's products are also now exported to 15 countries, competing with German and Japanese manufacturers in the international market.

Premier Li said robotics are a vital part of Made in China, an initiative unveiled in the 2015 Government Work Report to improve production efficiency and quality.

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