The development of the robotics and intelligent device industry has garnered considerable attention, especially in the wake of the diminishing demographic dividend and a lower threshold for robot manufacturing. Robots, often referred to as the “pearl at the top of the manufacturing industry,” have become a benchmark for a nation’s technological innovation and high-end manufacturing. In this article, we will delve into the meteoric rise of China as the world’s largest consumer of industrial robots and the factors driving this growth.
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China, the world’s largest consumer of industrial robots
1.1 What are Industrial Robots?
Industrial robots are multi-joint mechanical arms or multi-degree-of-freedom robotic devices extensively utilized in the industrial sector. These versatile machines possess a degree of automation and are capable of performing various industrial processing and manufacturing functions, thus accelerating production tasks like welding and assembly. Their application spans across diverse sectors including electronics, logistics, and chemicals, making the robot industry a pivotal indicator of a nation’s level of industrialization.
1.2 Rapid Development
In recent years, the industrial robot industry has experienced rapid development. With global robot sales reaching new heights in 2013, China emerged as the world’s largest industrial robot market. This momentum was further accelerated by the inclusion of the robot industry in the “Thirteenth Five-Year Plan” in 2016, focusing on key themes like “intelligent manufacturing” and “transformation and upgrading of manufacturing.” As of 2021, China has maintained its position as the world’s largest consumer of industrial robots for eight consecutive years.
1.3 Future Projections
With the “Fourteenth Five-Year Plan,” China is aiming for high-quality development in the robot industry, setting ambitious goals from technological advancements to scale expansion. It is expected that by 2025, the annual average growth rate of the robot industry’s operating income will exceed 20%, with industrial robot sales in China projected to exceed 450,000 units.
1.4 Driving Factors
The rapid growth of China’s industrial robot industry can be attributed to several factors:
1.4.1 Policy Environment
Government initiatives such as the “Thirteenth Five-Year Plan” and the “Fourteenth Five-Year Plan” have played a pivotal role in promoting the robot industry. The convergence of information technology and industrialization is further driving the digitalization and intelligence of industrial sectors, thereby promoting the application and development of industrial robots.
1.4.2 Labor Supply
With a declining natural population growth rate and birth rate, coupled with rising labor costs, enterprises are increasingly motivated to reduce costs and enhance efficiency, thus promoting the use of industrial robots.
1.4.3 Pandemic Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled many manufacturing plants to shift towards unmanned production, further boosting the demand for industrial robots.
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Three major technical modules, with sensors being one of them
2.1 The Role of Sensor Modules
In the realm of industrial robots, three major components stand out: sensor modules, control modules, and mechanical modules. Sensor modules, though not considered a core component, serve as the robot’s sensory organs. They perceive internal and external information, enabling the controller to issue instructions for the robot’s actions.
2.2 Types of Sensors
Sensors used in industrial robots can be categorized into two major types: internal sensors and external sensors. Internal sensors determine the robot’s posture and position in its coordinate system, crucial for controlling the robot’s motion. On the other hand, external sensors enable the robot to adapt to the external environment, showing a certain level of intelligence.
2.3 The Role of Vision Sensors
Vision sensors, a common type of external sensor, are critical for industrial robots. They capture images, analyze information, and discern dimensions, shapes, colors, and other characteristics, thus guiding the robot’s actions. Advanced image sensors, such as the Mira series from Ams Osram, are essential for precise and efficient operation.
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Some Pain Points
While the industrial robot industry is thriving, it is not without its challenges. Notable pain points include:
3.1 Lack of Fully Automated Solutions
Industrial robot manufacturers primarily offer standard products, necessitating system integrators to design automation solutions. This process can be time-consuming and costly.
3.2 Efficient but Not Intelligent
Industrial robots are efficient but lack the intelligence to handle non-standard operations. Machine vision sensors have partially addressed this issue, but there’s room for improvement.
3.3 Difficulties in Meeting Special Requirements
Unique industries often require customized robots, but meeting these demands can be challenging for manufacturers.
Despite these challenges, China’s industrial robot industry is expanding rapidly, with a growing number of companies entering the sector. The future looks promising for this dynamic field.
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Conclusion
The rise of China as the world’s largest consumer of industrial robots is a testament to the nation’s commitment to technological innovation and high-end manufacturing. The growth of the industrial robot industry is driven by a supportive policy environment, changing labor dynamics, and the impact of the pandemic. As China continues to set ambitious goals, the industry’s trajectory remains upward, with exciting opportunities on the horizon.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are industrial robots, and why are they important in manufacturing?
Industrial robots are versatile machines used in various industrial sectors, offering automation and efficiency in tasks like welding and assembly. They are crucial for accelerating production and are a key indicator of a nation’s industrialization.
2. What are the driving factors behind China’s rapid growth in the industrial robot industry?
China’s growth in the industrial robot industry can be attributed to a supportive policy environment, changing labor dynamics, and the impact of the pandemic, which has accelerated the shift towards unmanned production.
3. What role do sensors play in industrial robots?
Sensors are essential for industrial robots as they perceive internal and external information, enabling the controller to issue instructions for the robot’s actions. Vision sensors, in particular, are critical for precise and efficient operation.
4. What are the challenges in the industrial robot industry?
The challenges in the industrial robot industry include the lack of fully automated solutions, a focus on efficient but not intelligent operations, and difficulties in meeting special requirements for unique industries.
5. What is the future outlook for China’s industrial robot industry?
China’s industrial robot industry is set for high-quality development, with ambitious growth targets. The future looks promising as the industry continues to expand and innovate.
