Sun Fuchun, Tsinghua University: There will be four sets of service robots in the future

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Data indicates that over the past five years, China's robotics industry has maintained a growth rate of more than 20%, becoming a significant contributor to the global robotics sector. However, Xin Guobin, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, points out that there remains a problem of low-level repetition within China's robotics industry. Similarly, Sun Fuchun, a professor at Tsinghua University's Department of Computer Science and Technology, notes that China's robotics sector follows trends without truly innovating. He emphasizes that independent intellectual property rights and innovation are crucial for advancing the robotics industry. Without innovation, the future of robotics cannot thrive.

How can China shift away from低端ecosystems in high-end industries? Sun Fuchun suggests focusing on the next generation of robots, particularly service robots, which could allow China to leapfrog into a leadership position.

Concerns About Overinvestment in Robots

This year’s World Robot Conference not only saw more manufacturers and attendees than last year but also featured a packed agenda of thematic forums. According to the International Federation of Robotics, the global robotics industry surpassed $20 billion in 2016, growing by 14.5%, and is projected to reach $23.2 billion in 2017. In China, the robotics industry has seen annual growth rates of over 20% over the past five years. Industrial robots alone saw production of 59,000 units in the first half of this year, up 52% from the same period last year. China has been the world's largest application market for five consecutive years, with its share of the global industrial robot market rising from one-fourth to almost one-third.

Nevertheless, Xin Guobin warns that China’s robotics industry suffers from repetitive construction. There are currently over 40 robot industrial parks either built or under construction across the country, and the number of robotics companies has surged to over 800 in just a few years. Yet, in terms of自主品牌(brands), most robots produced domestically remain low- and mid-tier products, raising concerns about high-end industries being dominated by low-end goods and potential overcapacity in lower tiers.

In response, Professor Sun Fuchun of Tsinghua University agrees that these issues plague the Chinese robotics industry. “It’s related to our system,” he explains. “When the government highlights the importance of robotics and AI, everyone jumps on board without considering local needs.”

Despite ample funding and a wealth of talented individuals, China still relies heavily on imports for high-end robotics. Sun Fuchun stresses the urgent need to improve the quality of China’s robotics sector. But how can this be achieved when resources like money and talent are already abundant?

Sun Fuchun offers three recommendations: First, consolidate the efforts of major research institutions to strengthen public relations; second, engage in extensive international cooperation to learn from foreign expertise; and third, promote the use of both approaches to advance innovation.

A New Path for Service Robots

Whether through collaborative research institutions or international partnerships, enhancing independent intellectual property rights and innovation capabilities is key. “Innovation is the foundation of future robotic development,” Sun Fuchun asserts. “To innovate, we must understand the future trends in robotics. For China, the focus should be on the next generation of robots.”

Here, Sun Fuchun references the popular concept of the four household service robots: cooking, cleaning, security, and companion robots.

“Future demand in these areas will be immense,” Sun Fuchun states. “Bill Gates once predicted that robots will eventually enter homes, much like personal computers did. These robots refer to service robots.”

Sun Fuchun believes service robots represent the most pressing area of development. Investing in R&D for service robots will drive industrial transformation and contribute to China's GDP growth, presenting an opportunity for China to surpass competitors.

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