1、 itif.org How Innovative Is China in the Robotics Industry?ROBERT D.ATKINSON|MARCH 2024 China does not yet appear to be leading in robotic innovation,but its domestic production and adoption are growing rapidly,and the Chinese government has prioritized the industry.It is likely only a matter of tim

2、e before Chinese robotics companies catch up to the leading edge.KEY TAKEAWAYS Robotics is one of the most important advanced technology industries of our time and will play an increasing role in the world economy.Chinas goals are to first become self-sufficient in robotics and to then lead the indu

3、stry globally.China is already the largest industrial robot market in the world.It accounted for 52 percent of robot installations worldwide in 2022,giving Chinese robot producers a key advantage in their home market.Chinese robotic firms are also gaining global market share,but by and large they ar

4、e“fast followers,”competing principally on lower costs while still relying on more advanced Western companies for key inputs.The Chinese robotic innovation ecosystem is dynamic,and the Chinese government is making massive investments to develop the industry domestically.Given the recent development

5、of other industries in China,it is likely that China will become as innovative as foreign robotic producers in the midterm at the latest,while also enjoying a significant cost advantage.Absent coherent policy responses by Western nations,Chinas share of robotics production will likely rise significa

6、ntly.INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY&INNOVATION FOUNDATION|MARCH 2024 PAGE 2 CONTENTS Key Takeaways.1 Introduction.2 Background and Methodology.3 Importance of Robotics and the U.S.Role.4 Chinas Robotics Industry and Market.4 Assessing Chinese Robotics Innovation.6 Innovation Data.9 Company Case Studies.10 E