China lacks core technology to lead next generation robots
According to industry experts, the gap in technological innovation between Chinese makers and overseas peers is widening. Although China has been the world's biggest market for industrial robots since 2013, none of its domestic manufacturers have any competitive edge when it comes to their core technology. China has mainly invested in existing technology instead of developing original core research which would position them at the forefront of the next generation of robots. Meanwhile, authorities in Guangdong announced earlier this year that they would spend $152.07bn on replacing human labour with robots by 2018. 

Robotic arms at work on an assembly line for Chinese automaker Geely in east China's Zhejiang Province. Photo: Xinhua