According to IFR calculations, sales of industrial robots in China rose by 27% to 87,000 units within one year (2016). This makes the operational stock the largest in the world. At the same time, Chinese robot manufacturers are expanding their share of the domestic market. And from 2018 to 2020, sales of industrial robots are expected to increase by 15 to 20%.

The biggest drivers of recent growth in China are the electrical and electronics industries. The sales volume for industrial robots in this market segment rose by 75% to just under 30,000 units (2016). Around a third of the units sold came from Chinese manufacturers. They more than doubled their sales with an increase of almost 120%. The international robot manufacturers also all significantly increased their sales in the electrical and electronics industry (+59%). The main drivers of growth:

• Large contract manufacturers for electronic devices have already started to automate production.
• The semiconductor and chip industry, for example, has invested heavily in the automation of its production facilities.
• Large production sites for battery manufacturing are being set up to meet the increasing demand for electric and hybrid cars.

Car industry loses pole position

Even though the automotive industry in China has ceded its leading position to the electrical and electronics industry, it remains a strong sales market for industrial robots. China is now the world's largest sales market and production location for cars - including electric vehicles - with great growth potential. China currently has a market share of 25% of global sales of industrial robots in the automotive industry (2016). Between 2011 and 2016, companies installed a total of 108,000 units - this corresponds to an average growth rate of 18% per year.

According to the IFR, the market share of Chinese manufacturers in the automotive industry is still at a comparatively low level - but has increased from 10% to 13%.

China outlook 2020

The Chinese government wants to transform the Middle Kingdom into a leading global production location with its national "Made in China 2025 Plan". The plan includes the strategy of strengthening domestic robot manufacturers and expanding their market share both nationally and internationally. China is continuing to drive development forward: by 2020, the robot density - i.e. the number of industrial robots per 10,000 employees - is to increase to 150 units. South Korea currently leads the robot density in the Asia region with 531 units. In America, the USA is ahead with 176 robot units and in Europe it is Germany with 301 units.