China’s Industrial Robot Production Surges Past 2024 Levels, Cementing Automation Leadership

China’s industrial robot production has set a new benchmark in 2025, with official data confirming 595,000 units manufactured in the first nine months of 2025—already surpassing the total output for all of 2024. This surge underscores China’s rapidly intensifying push toward factory automation, as sectors like automotive, electronics, and new energy ramp up investment in smart manufacturing. According to the South China Morning Post, this represents a year-on-year increase of nearly 30%, reflecting robust downstream demand and the country’s strategic focus on digital transformation.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology reported that September 2025 alone saw 76,300 industrial robots produced—a 28% year-on-year jump—driven by mounting orders from manufacturers aiming to boost efficiency and resilience in the face of global supply chain shifts .

Industry experts point to China’s ongoing transformation from “Made in China” to “Intelligently Made in China,” with robot-makers now accounting for a greater share of both domestic and global markets. According to the latest official data reported by Robotics & Automation News, China’s installed base have surpassed 2 million units in 2024, and the nation now operates more industrial robots than the rest of the world combined.

China’s domestic robot suppliers have notably expanded their footprint, now holding a 57% market share—up from 47% in 2023—overtaking foreign competitors for the first time as noted by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). This progress is bolstered by government initiatives like “Made in China 2025,” which prioritizes smart manufacturing and technological self-sufficiency .

Competitive Landscape and Export Ambitions of China

China’s industrial robot sector is intensely competitive, with global giants such as Fanuc, Yaskawa, ABB, and Kuka operating alongside fast-rising domestic champions like Siasun and Estun Automation. As foreign players deepen their local presence with R&D and manufacturing bases, Chinese firms leverage cost advantages—often pricing their robots 20–35% lower—and offer agile after-sales support tailored to local needs.

In a notable shift, Chinese robot exports are also booming. The first half of 2025 saw a nearly 60% year-on-year jump in exports, reaching $746 million. Companies like Siasun and Jaka Robotics are expanding quickly into Southeast Asia, Mexico, and Thailand, following manufacturing clients and capitalizing on global supply chain diversification.

Industry Reaction and Outlook On Chinese Robotics Industry Progress

Local analysts have lauded the achievement as a significant milestone in China’s automation journey, highlighting the positive sentiment among manufacturers who see automation as essential for staying globally competitive. However, some insiders remain cautious, questioning the long-term sustainability of such rapid growth and warning of potential overcapacity if global demand falters.

International observers note that China’s lead in robotics deployment is widening, with over half of all global industrial robot installations in 2024 occurring in China (World Robotics 2025 report). The IFR forecasts continued double-digit growth for the sector through 2028, driven by persistent manufacturing upgrades and policy support.

China’s automation drive is not just about numbers—it’s a signal of the country’s ambition to lead the next era of intelligent manufacturing. As the global robotics industry evolves, China’s position as both the largest market and a leading innovator is set to shape the future of production worldwide.

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Sources

• South China Morning Post: China’s industrial robot production overtakes 2024 levels amid automation drive
• Robotics & Automation News: China’s production of industrial robotic arms hits record high
• TechNode: China produces 76,300 industrial robots in September, up 28.3% y-o-y
• IFR Press Release: Global Robot Demand in Factories Doubles Over 10 Years
• World Robotics 2025 report