China's Robot Revolution: 295,000 Industrial Robots Installed in 2024

China installed 295,000 industrial robots in 2024, which is nearly nine times as many as the United States and more than the rest of the world combined, according to Slashdot. This rapid deployment of industrial robots is reshaping China's economy and manufacturing landscape as the country seeks to automate its manufacturing base amidst rising labor costs and tariff threats from abroad.

The International Federation of Robotics reports that China's stock of operational robots surpassed 2 million in 2024. Notably, of the 131 factories globally recognized by the World Economic Forum for enhancing productivity through advanced technologies like AI, 45 are located in mainland China, while only three are in the United States. One prominent example is Midea's washing machine factory in Jingzhou, where an AI "factory brain" coordinates 14 virtual agents that manage robots and machines on the production floor.

This facility has seen a nearly 40% increase in revenue per employee from 2015 to 2024, with processes that once required 15 minutes now taking just 30 seconds. Another example is Bosideng, a company specializing in down jackets, which has cut its sample production time from 100 days to just 27 days, leveraging AI design tools to achieve a 60% reduction in development costs.

Additionally, at the port of Tianjin, scheduling that previously took 24 hours now only takes 10 minutes, with 88% of large container equipment automated. This port's operator claims that it needs 60% fewer workers than traditional facilities due to this automation.

However, alongside this rapid growth in industrial robotics, concerns have arisen regarding a potential bubble in the humanoid robotics sector. The National Development and Reform Commission of China has indicated that the explosive investment levels in humanoid robotics could lead to market imbalances.

Currently, more than 150 companies are involved in this field, including notable players like Unitree, whose humanoid robots have gained attention for their capabilities, such as performing Kung fu moves.

The Solactive China Humanoid Robotics Index, which tracks shares of robot-related companies, has seen a nearly 30% surge this year, highlighting the sector's growth. The Chinese government has classified the humanoid robotics industry as one of six new economic growth drivers for the upcoming five years.

Meanwhile, industry leaders like Elon Musk have speculated on the transformative potential of humanoid robots, suggesting they could take over manual labor roles or even make work optional for humans. As these developments unfold, China's focus on automation and AI-driven technologies presents significant implications for global labor markets and industrial efficiency, particularly as its advancements in robotics continue to outpace those of other nations.