China’s industrial robot sales are expected to record its first decline in five years amid sluggish demand in the manufacturing industry, new market research shows.
The country’s total industrial robot deliveries this year are estimated to reach 300,000 units, down 5 per cent from 2023, according to the latest report from market consultancy Shenzhen Gaogong Industrial Institute (GGII).
That decline was attributed by the report to the “obviously tightening demand” from the manufacturing industry, especially the automobile and renewable energy sectors, as companies slowed down fixed-asset investments amid increased pressure on profitability.
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The lower-than-expected volume of industrial robot sales marks the first decline since 2020, according to GGII data. The institute previously forecast a record 320,000-unit sales this year.
“Industrial robot manufacturers are experiencing a test of survival,” the report said. It pointed out that the slow demand has led to a price war in the industry.
A robotic arm from Siasun Robot & Automation, one of China’s largest industrial robotics firms, is on display at a recent edition of the country’s World Intelligent Manufacturing Conference. Photo: Shutterstock alt=A robotic arm from Siasun Robot & Automation, one of China’s largest industrial robotics firms, is on display at a recent edition of the country’s World Intelligent Manufacturing Conference. Photo: Shutterstock>
This year’s sales decline has also come at a time when China already surpassed Germany and Japan in the adoption of industrial robots.
Growth in domestic demand for industrial robots has gradually slowed over the past few years. Sales saw a 54 per cent surge in 2021, when China started to double down on the adoption of industrial robots.
That growth, however, significantly decreased to 16 per cent and 4.3 per cent in 2022 and 2023, respectively, owing to the impact of Covid-19-related restrictions and global geopolitical headwinds.
While the decline in orders has become “a common problem in the industry”, foreign industrial robot vendors on the mainland are having a tougher time, as quarterly order volumes of some suppliers have fallen by more than 40 per cent from a year ago, according to the GGII report.
Demand for industrial robots, from both domestic and foreign suppliers, surged in 2021 when China started to ramp up adoption in its manufacturing industry. Photo: Shutterstock alt=Demand for industrial robots, from both domestic and foreign suppliers, surged in 2021 when China started to ramp up adoption in its manufacturing industry. Photo: Shutterstock>
