Ten years ago, the ratio of new robot installations in China to that in Germany was 3 to 1; now, this ratio has increased to 14 to 1.
According to The New York Times, in 2025, nearly three-fifths of the new robots deployed globally will come from China, with the number of newly installed robots exceeding 350,000. In Germany, the number of newly installed robots will drop to about 25,000, and it is expected that this number will continue to decrease this year.
Reports indicate that Germany is now falling behind in the global race for deploying robots in factories. Industrial robots are crucial for China's growth into a major world manufacturing nation.
According to data from the international robotics organization Industry Organization International Federation, the number of robots installed in German factories is expected to decline for the third consecutive year, while the scale of robot deployment in China continues to expand.
Comparison chart of annual installed capacities of industrial robots between China and Germany – New York Times
Brussels Mercator China Institute's expert on technology and innovation policies, Rebecca Arcesatti, said that China's robotics industry is "growing at an astonishing pace."
According to Alchezati, although China still needs to purchase some 'high-end components' from Japan and Europe, the domestic self-sufficiency rate is increasing. Data from the organization shows that domestic suppliers account for more than half of the total number of robots installed in China, compared to only one-third ten years ago.
Hexagon Robotics’ president, Arno Robert, based in Zurich, said: “Looking back at the past decade, China’s development is astonishing. One of the things they have done exceptionally well is their scale-up, which has not been achieved anywhere else.”
The Mercatord Institute believes that with national policy support, China has the potential to surpass Europe in the field of artificial intelligence and robot integration, just as it has done with electric vehicles. Alcetasti stated that China's vast manufacturing base provides a "perfect testing ground" for next-generation robotics technology.
Hachiseng's Robert said: "A consensus has been formed that didn't exist ten years ago. China's strength today is far beyond what it was before. Europe is no longer complacent; instead, it feels a sense of urgency."
