According to SCMP , the US is still the leading country in this field with outstanding products such as Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid robot and Stretch logistics robot. However, China is rapidly expanding its position in technology and robot production to challenge the US.
China's Robot Industry Threatens America
China’s push to produce robots domestically is going well, according to a report from analytics firm SemiAnalysis. As of 2020, the market share of domestic Chinese robot manufacturers had reached 30% and is expected to increase to 50% by March 2025. Many Chinese manufacturers have shifted from the low-end robot market to higher segments, with the Unitree G1 being a prime example, which is highly regarded for its technological capabilities.
Platform for China's Robot Industry
Behind this development is strong momentum from the Chinese government, along with superior manufacturing capabilities and strategic investments. The Chinese government has identified the robotics industry as a key area in its national strategy and is promoting investment policies through the "Made in China 2025" plan. In particular, the government has invested heavily in humanoid robots, seeing them as a new driver of economic growth.
As the world’s factory, China has advanced mass production technology and a huge industrial base that gives it an edge in cost efficiency and production speed. For example, the cost of manufacturing a Universal Robots UR5e in the US is 2.2 times higher than manufacturing it in China.
A humanoid robot from Unitree shows off its capabilities.
Many Chinese robot manufacturers are actively researching the integration of key components, with ESTUN's in-house production rate reaching 95%, greatly improving the speed and flexibility of product development. Moreover, Chinese companies also dominate the global market for key components such as batteries.
Meanwhile, the domestic Chinese market is fiercely competitive, encouraging companies to develop and innovate products quickly. A prime example is Shenzhen-based DJI, which has quickly optimized its manufacturing and supply processes, creating a huge competitive advantage.
China’s robotics industry has also shown a high level of adaptability to changes in the external environment. During the Covid-19 pandemic, manufacturers quickly promoted automation to compensate for labor shortages.
The negligence of American companies
While the US still dominates the robotics industry, that dominance is slowly being eroded. SemiAnalysis points out that the US economy has shifted towards digital innovation and the service sector, leading to a decline in manufacturing capacity. Many US manufacturers have moved production facilities overseas to take advantage of lower costs, reducing domestic production capacity.
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While China is developing its robotics industry through long-term initiatives, the US lacks a coherent strategy. Major companies such as FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa Electric and KUKA are investing less in research and development of next-generation robots than Chinese manufacturers. In contrast, China’s Siasun has acquired a vocational training school in Germany to develop human resources and acquire technology.
SemiAnalysis emphasizes that “general-purpose robots” capable of performing any task in any environment are the “holy grail” of modern robotics. Countries that successfully develop them will reap huge benefits. Currently, the US is well aware of its lag in the robotics industry and there are calls for cooperation between government, industry and research institutes. To prevent China from dominating the robotics industry and maintain competitiveness, the US needs to build a suitable national strategy, restructure domestic manufacturing, strengthen supply chains and invest in research and development.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/trung-quoc-sap-vuot-my-ve-nganh-cong-nghiep-robot-185250317151915188.htm
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