The International Federation of Robotics positions China as the
world’s fastest-growing market for industrial robots.
Installation of multi-role robots rose by 136 per cent from 2008
to 2011 and will grow another 15 per cent this year. The country
is in a hurry to play catch-up with major industrial powers.
Consider this: China uses only 21 robots per 10,000 workers in
manufacturing, way behind Germany’s 259 and Japan’s 339. It is
no coincidence that China is now poised to become the world’s
largest market for industrial robots. The working class profile
is changing dramatically as industries come under increased
pressure of rising labour costs. Urbanisation and rise in
international prices of resources have weakened the cost
advantage China held so long. Urbanisation has crossed 51 per
cent, which means more than half of its population now live in
cities, demanding better amenities and income. By 2020, there
will be 600 million middle class people, whose aspirations the
state, market and industry must meet.