China's robotic industry is still largely positioned at the lower end of the market, but in the long-term development process, a number of domestic industrial robots have started to rise and gain momentum. Recently, China has also made significant breakthroughs in six-axis robot technology, marking an important step forward in the field.
In 2015, the "Big Four" global players—Japan’s Fanuc, Yaskawa, Germany’s Kuka, and Sweden’s ABB—held shares of 18%, 12%, 14%, and 13.5% respectively in the Chinese industrial robot market. Together, foreign brands controlled about 34.5% of the market, leaving only around 8% for domestic companies. However, when looking at volume rather than value, domestic brands accounted for roughly 30% of sales, with over 22,000 units sold annually. This highlights that while China's robotics are still mostly low-end, there is growing strength in local production.
Despite the challenges, several domestic companies have emerged as key players. In addition to well-known names, firms like Xinshida, Huazhong CNC, Yanshi Technology, and Kai Bao Robots have gained recognition. These companies are helping to reshape the landscape of China’s robotics sector.
Recent advancements in six-axis robots have been particularly notable. Six-axis robots, which offer greater flexibility and precision, are used in industries such as automotive, electronics, and plastics. They feature more complex movements, allowing for tasks like grinding, polishing, and assembly with high accuracy.
One standout example is Changying Precision’s TR8, the world’s fastest small six-axis industrial robot. Launched by its subsidiary Guangdong Tianji Robot Co., the TR8 was developed in collaboration with Japan’s Yaskawa Electric. With a speed that outperforms many competitors, it has already found applications in metal casing processing, including grinding, polishing, and CNC loading and unloading.
The company plans to ramp up production significantly: 500 units in 2017, 3,000 in 2018, 5,000 in 2019, and 10,000 in 2020. Analysts believe that if the 2020 target is met, this could generate an annual output value of approximately 300 million yuan, with net profits reaching around 80 million yuan—making it a meaningful boost for the company.
Meanwhile, Ningbo Zhicheng Robot Co., Ltd. recently made history by exporting a six-axis robot to the United States for the first time. The buyer was a U.S. equipment manufacturer, marking a milestone for the city’s robotics industry. According to Shi Guoping, chairman of the Ningbo Robot Industry Association, this export signals that the quality of Ningbo’s smart manufacturing technologies is being recognized by international markets.
Dong Bangsheng, CEO of Zhicheng Robot, noted that the adoption of intelligent manufacturing equipment not only reduces labor costs and improves product quality but also simplifies operations and programming. His company’s products are priced at half the cost of imported alternatives, leading to strong sales. This year, they expect to deliver over 250 six-axis and four-axis robots, with ambitions to become one of the top five multi-joint robot manufacturers in China.
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