The march of robots into Chinese factories

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As China’s critical labour cost advantage continues to erode, Chinese manufacturers are increasingly turning to automation in a bid to remain competitive. Sales of industrial robots – mostly made in Europe – increased by 51% this year compared to last, totalling 22,500 units, making it the third largest buyer of automated manufacturing technology after Japan and South Korea. “Without this improvement in efficiency, I wouldn’t be able to survive at all,” says one factory owner.