Swiss company ABB expands robotics market in China

Swiss technology company ABB Group plans to further strengthen its presence in China, the world's largest robotics market, through a series of artificial intelligence-driven innovations and new product launches in the coming years, said a senior executive.

As part of its "local for local" strategy, ABB will broaden its product portfolio to better serve the fast-changing demands of China's mid-market robotics segment, as well as emerging sectors including electronics, healthcare, logistics and construction, according to Marc Segura, president of ABB's robotics division.

Segura said ABB sees long-term growth opportunities in China's transition to intelligent manufacturing and green development, stressing the company is committed to empowering local customers with the latest automation technologies.

"In the future, robots will no longer depend on complex programming to carry out tasks. Instead, users will simply instruct them using natural language, and the robots will generate the necessary code on their own," he said, adding that autonomous and multifunctional industrial robots will define the next major trend in the industry.

Eager to secure more market share, ABB launched three new robots in China in early July. These new products, manufactured at its $150 million-robot factory in Shanghai, address a wide range of automation needs in high-growth sectors including electronics, consumer industries and general industries, from essential material handling to high-end applications like dispensing and polishing.

China is ABB's largest market for robotics deliveries, and over 90 percent of ABB robots for Chinese customers are now manufactured locally. This year, the proportion of ABB Robotics' domestic suppliers in China is expected to reach around 80 percent, effectively establishing a closed-loop domestic supply chain within the country, according to information released by the Zurich-headquartered group.

"By delivering flexible, modular, AI-powered technology that lowers barriers to automation, we are driving adoption of advanced manufacturing in new segments and supporting the next wave of industrial innovation in China and beyond," said Segura.

Highlighting that China's AI ecosystem is one of the most dynamic in the world, Segura said, this momentum is driven by a strong national strategy, robust infrastructure and a vibrant innovation culture.

A report released by the China Center for Information Industry Development under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology forecasts that during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) period, the penetration rate of industrial robots in China will soar, while service robots will continue to advance in functionality and application.