In Guangdong Province, home to the renowned Midea Group, the burgeoning robotics landscape is increasingly marked by factories where robots not only assist in manufacturing but also contribute to the production of other robots.

Midea's facility in Foshan is a notable example, operating a fully automated line that produces one industrial robot every 30 minutes, showcasing the evolving nature of manufacturing technology in the region.

The factory, which began its robotics initiative in 2015, has since delivered over 80,000 robots, underpinned by a nearby network of suppliers that allow for efficient production timelines.

Midea's advancements include the recent introduction of a humanoid robot prototype, which is designed to perform a variety of tasks, such as assembling components and recognizing voice commands, indicative of China's robust capabilities in developing advanced robotics.

Guangdong's robotics sector is characterized by its extensive industrial ecosystem, featuring over 160,000 robotics enterprises that form the country's largest cluster dedicated to intelligent robots.

The region saw an output of more than 240,000 industrial robots in 2024, reflecting a 31.2 percent increase from the previous year, with Guangdong accounting for one-third of China's industrial robot production.

Shenzhen's role as a technology hub within Guangdong provides advantages in mechatronics and digital intelligence, essential components for successful robot manufacturing.

Lin Yi, from Shenzhen's industry and information technology bureau, highlighted that these technological strengths enhance the rapid assembly of robotic components and their functioning intelligence, thereby contributing to a comprehensive industrial chain.

This well-organized industrial framework has led to reduced development and manufacturing costs, benefitting a range of sectors within China, including drones and new energy technologies.

Zhang Jin, president of SIASUN Robot & Automation Co., Ltd, noted that while humanoid robots have international origins, China is at the forefront of their commercialization, leveraging its specialized companies that focus on various components of robotics.

According to official data, by the end of 2024, China had established approximately 451,700 smart robotics firms, marking a remarkable growth of over 206 percent since 2020. This expansion is bolstered by a significant number of engineering graduates; more than 300 higher education institutions have launched robotics engineering programs since the major's approval in 2016 by the Ministry of Education.

Government support has also been instrumental in the robotics boom.

In 2023, the Chinese government outlined a strategic guidance document for the development of humanoid robots, positioning them as pivotal products in the future alongside computers, smartphones, and electric vehicles.

This year’s work report reiterated the commitment to enhancing funding mechanisms for emerging industries such as embodied artificial intelligence, which embodies AI in physical formats like robots.

Local governments have initiated ambitious industry plans as well.

In February, Beijing unveiled an action plan aimed at utilizing robots across more than 100 working scenarios by 2027, particularly in sectors involving hazardous, repetitive, or labor-intensive tasks, establishing a national benchmark for robotics innovation in the country.