Robots could play a pivotal role in saving China from its manufacturing problems. (Photo : Reuters )
In the world of the robot industry, China is not to be left behind. According to Beijing's Economic Observer, the country is starting to cut up in the high-tech industry. Foreign firms have recently made price cuts as the competition is starting to get stiff.
What does the recent price cuts made by foreign companies mean to the Chinese robot industry?
These price cuts are highly indicative of the nation's current status regarding its robot industry. According to deputy secretary-general of the China Robot Industry Alliance (CRIA) Yao Zhiju, foreign firms have been feeling increasing pressure as of late due to the onslaught of Chinese robot makers in recent years.
Such is the case with foreign robotics firms' decision to launch SCARA (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm) products for only 50,000 yuan ($8,000). Among SCARA products' features is the capability to lift a maximum capacity of 3 kilograms.
There are currently about 500 robotics manufacturers in the country, said Yao, and the industry is booming. 2014 was an especially profitable year for the robotics industry as the year brought in sales of 100 million yuan ($16 million) to several businesses.
To catch up with other technologically advanced nations, local robotics companies have branched out to developing robotics components. It's a cost-effective move, as importing components from other suppliers costs more.
Despite Chinese robotics firms' best efforts, China is still lagging behind foreign counterparts, especially in the auto sector, according to Song Jian of GSK CNC Equipment Co., a Guangzhou-based company.
Hope is not lost, however, as China might have the chance to steal the spotlight from foreign competitors in the simple smart robots market, as these robots are relatively easier to produce as compared to robotics used in the auto industry.
