What's happened
China's industrial robot installations reached a record 295,000 in 2024, driven by government investment and domestic firms surpassing foreign suppliers. The surge supports manufacturing amid population decline, with humanoid robots emerging as the next phase. Experts highlight China's strategic push in automation to maintain economic competitiveness.
What's behind the headline?
China's rapid expansion in industrial robotics reflects a strategic response to its shrinking workforce and rising labor costs. The country now leads the world with over 2 million active industrial robots, a figure expected to grow at 10% annually through 2028. This automation push is supported by massive state-led investments, such as the $1.9 trillion industrial lending program, which fuels factory upgrades and new plant construction. The rise of humanoid robots, exemplified by Guangdong-based Tiantai Robot's order for 10,000 units, signals a move toward integrating AI and physical robotics in elder care and service sectors. While this enhances manufacturing efficiency and global competitiveness, it also raises concerns about job displacement and trade tensions, especially with the US, which has responded with tariffs. The focus on domestic innovation and self-sufficiency is likely to accelerate, positioning China as a dominant force in robotics and automation for years to come. However, the need for skilled technicians remains critical, as projections indicate a shortage of 50 million high-skilled blue-collar workers by 2030, underscoring the importance of workforce development alongside technological advancement.
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post reports that China now boasts over 2 million active industrial robots, leading globally, with installations rising by 5% last year despite population decline. The NY Post highlights that China installed 295,000 robots in 2024, capturing 54% of global new deployments, driven by government investments and domestic firms surpassing foreign suppliers. Both sources emphasize China's strategic focus on automation to sustain manufacturing growth amid demographic challenges, with the NY Post noting the impact of China's $1.9 trillion industrial lending and the surge in humanoid robots, such as the 10,000-unit order by Guangdong-based Tiantai Robot. The South China Morning Post adds that China’s robotics output increased by 14.4% in August, and the country’s robotics market is projected to grow at 23% annually, reaching US$108 billion by 2028, according to Morgan Stanley. The articles collectively portray China’s robotics industry as a key component of its economic strategy, with significant implications for global trade and labor markets, especially as the country aims for technological self-sufficiency and competitive dominance.
How we got here
China's population has been declining since 2022, with a 0.1% decrease last year. Despite demographic challenges, the country has increased robot installations by 5%, accounting for over half of global new robot deployments. The government has heavily invested in automation, with a focus on expanding manufacturing capacity and technological innovation, including humanoid robots for elderly care and AI-driven industrial solutions.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Why Is China Leading in Robot Installations and How Is It Shaping the Future?
China's rapid growth in robotics is transforming its manufacturing landscape and addressing demographic challenges. With record-breaking robot installations and a focus on automation, China is positioning itself as a global leader in robotics technology. Curious about how this impacts the world and what the future holds? Read on to discover the key reasons behind China's automation boom and what trends are emerging in humanoid robots and beyond.
More on these topics
-
China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.