China showcases AI innovation at key expo

Dobot, best known for its collaborative robots that have been sold to over 100 countries and regions worldwide, showcased fascia massage robots, smart moxibustion robots and coffee robots.

"The intelligent therapy robot is equipped with our self-developed robotic arm and high-precision force control technology, ensuring smooth and precise movements," said Li.

The therapy robot is suitable for various settings such as traditional Chinese medicine clinics, nursing homes and sports rehabilitation, Li said.

"Additionally, our coffee robot has been successfully deployed at several transportation hubs and popular attractions."

China's robotics industry has experienced explosive growth over the past few years, with the number of industrial robots in operation in the country exceeding 2 million units by 2024, according to a report released by the International Federation of Robotics.

The development of the sector is part of the country's drive to cultivate new quality productive forces.

"By displaying our star products such as intelligent flexible robotic arms and commercial cleaning robots during the fair, we have developed strong confidence in the overseas market," said Gong Ziyu, robotics division director of Guangzhou Shiyuan Electronic Technology Co Ltd.

Citing the company's commercial cleaning robot, which uses a self-developed algorithm to navigate through different spaces for cleaning, Gong said the company's products have been sold to countries including Singapore, Germany, the United Kingdom and Poland.

"On the first day of the Canton Fair, buyers from the Middle East and Europe already came to discuss orders, and many arranged to visit our factory in person," said Gong.

The company's overseas sales reached 5.4 billion yuan ($760.58 million) in 2024, Gong said.

In addition to service robotics, intelligent and green industrial and commercial products with innovative designs have become hot items for overseas buyers visiting the fair, according to the event's organizers.

In just a few days, the bustling throng of visitors in front of the exhibition booths have continued to effectively translate into an increase in export orders and a long-term partnership with overseas buyers during the fair's second phase, which concluded on Oct 27.

Each session of the fair, held twice a year in spring and autumn, respectively, includes three phases, focusing on different categories of export-oriented products.

As of Oct 27, nearly 240,000 overseas buyers from 223 countries and regions attended the fair, marking a 6.8 percent increase compared to the same period of the previous session, according to the organizers.

Intelligent and innovative products were still favorites with overseas buyers during the fair's second phase, which focused on traditional industries such as ceramics, furniture and daily necessities.

"Foreign buyers have expressed a stronger willingness to place orders," said Guo Guiping, deputy general manager of Xingye Ceramics Co, which is based in Chaozhou, a major base of ceramics in eastern Guangdong.

In the past sessions, some buyers were under significant inventory pressure and were not strongly motivated to place orders for new products, often adopting a wait-and-see attitude, Guo said.

"One Turkish client, whom we've known for several years, showed a very clear intention to place orders this time and expressed great interest in our new products," said Guo.