The 2025 World Robot Conference (WRC) has opened in Beijing as a global showcase of cutting-edge automation, drawing over 200 companies and 1,500 exhibits from across the world. This year's event highlights China's growing leadership in robotics development while fostering international collaboration on ethical standards and technological governance.
New data reveals China's industrial robot production surged to 556,000 units in 2024 – a 16-fold increase since 2015 – maintaining its position as the world's largest market for the 12th consecutive year. Service robots tell a similar story, with Chinese manufacturers producing over 10 million units last year for applications ranging from medical rehabilitation to smart logistics.
"What began as industrial automation has evolved into a societal transformation," observed industry analysts at the conference. Collaborative robots now work alongside factory workers in automotive plants, while intelligent service bots handle hotel check-ins and hospital triage systems. Leading Chinese firms like ECOVACS and UBTECH now command 84.7% of global commercial service robot shipments.
The conference agenda emphasizes three key trends:
AI integration enabling smarter human-robot interaction
Cross-border standardization efforts for safety protocols
Expanding applications in elderly care and urban management
As robotics reshapes global manufacturing and service industries, the WRC serves as both a technological showcase and diplomatic platform. China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced new initiatives to strengthen international R&D partnerships during the event, signaling commitment to collaborative innovation in this strategic sector.
