Data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that from January to July this year, China's equipment manufacturing and high-tech manufacturing sectors maintained robust growth. Industrial robot production expanded by 28.5% year-on-year, while output of 3D printing equipment and lithium-ion batteries grew by 52.3% and 40.2%, respectively.

According to Qichacha data as of August 17, there are currently 484,900 industrial robot-related enterprises in China, primarily concentrated in East China and South China, accounting for 44.15% and 19.52% of the total, respectively. In terms of new registrations, annual figures have generally trended upward since 2016. Registrations in 2025 reached 103,400, up 38.71% year-on-year, marking the highest level in a decade. So far this year, 67,600 enterprises have been registered, with 63,600 registered in the first seven months, representing a 10.41% year-on-year increase. In the patent arena, domestic industrial robot-related patents now exceed 22,000, with utility model patents being the most common type at 42.98%.

New company registrations hit a decade high in 2025

Qichacha data reveals that since 2016, the number of newly registered industrial robot companies has shown a steady upward trajectory. Starting from 11,200 registrations in 2016, the figures climbed annually, with a peak growth rate of 77.70% recorded in 2020. In 2021, registrations surged by 70.44% to 56,000. By 2025, the total reached 103,400, a 38.71% increase year-on-year, setting a new ten-year record. As of the latest count this year, 67,600 companies have been registered, with 63,600 of those occurring in the first seven months, up 10.41% compared to the same period last year.

East China leads regional distribution with a 44.15% share

As of August 17, Qichacha data indicates that existing industrial robot-related enterprises number 484,900, with East China and South China being the dominant regions, holding 44.15% and 19.52% of the total, respectively. North China and Central China follow, each accounting for between 9% and 11%, while Southwest China holds a 7.52% share. In contrast, Northwest China and Northeast China have the smallest presence, at 5.12% and 3.92%, respectively. East China's well-established manufacturing infrastructure, dense industrial clusters, and strong demand for automation upgrades have solidified its position as the primary hub for industrial robot enterprises.

Utility model patents dominate the technology landscape

According to Qichacha data, as of August 17, the total number of industrial robot-related patents in China exceeds 22,000. Among these, utility model patents are the most prevalent, making up 42.98% of the total. Invention publication patents and invention authorization patents account for 30.36% and 19.16%, respectively, while design patents hold the smallest share at 7.50%.