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from China industrial robot sales are expected to post their first drop in five years amid sluggish market demand manufacturing industryshows new market research.
The country’s total industrial robot deliveries this year are estimated to reach 300,000 units, down 5% from 2023, according to the latest report by market consultancy Shenzhen Gaogong Industrial Institute (GGII).
This decline was attributed by the report to “obviously tightened demand” in manufacturing, particularly the automobile i renewable energies sectors as companies curbed 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 predicted record sales of 320,000 units this year.
“Manufacturers of industrial robots are experiencing a survival test,” the report says. He noted that sluggish demand has led to a price war in the industry.
A robotic arm from Siasun Robot & Automation, one of China’s largest industrial robotics companies, is on display at a recent edition of the country’s World Smart Manufacturing Conference. Photo: Shutterstock alt=A robotic arm from Siasun Robot & Automation, one of China’s largest industrial robotics companies, is on display at a recent edition of the country’s World Smart Manufacturing Conference. Photo: Shutterstock>
The drop in sales this year 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% increase in 2021 as China began to double its adoption of industrial robots.
This growth, however, declined significantly to 16% and 4.3% in 2022 and 2023, respectively, due to the impact of Restrictions related to Covid-19 and global geopolitical headwinds.
Although falling orders have become “a common problem in the industry”, the continent’s overseas industrial robot vendors are having a tougher time as some suppliers’ quarterly order volumes have reduced by more than 40% compared to a year ago, according to the GGII report.
Demand for industrial robots, from both domestic and foreign suppliers, increased in 2021 as China began to increase adoption in its manufacturing industry. Photo: Shutterstock alt=Demand for industrial robots, from both domestic and foreign suppliers, increased in 2021 as China began to increase adoption in its manufacturing industry. Photo: Shutterstock>
