Japanese Media: Integration of Competition and Cooperation in the Robotics Sector between China and Japan
According to a report by Japan's Jiji Press on August 26, Japanese companies have also demonstrated strong presence amid the hottest global robotics development race in Beijing.
Besides advanced manufacturing technologies cultivated over years in industrial robotics, Japanese firms are showcasing their practical "application capabilities" by integrating proprietary technologies with Chinese products, thus jointly participating in the commercial humanoid robot market with Chinese enterprises.
At the closing ceremony of the "World Robot Conference" on the 23rd, Yaskawa Electric Corporation’s joint venture in China, together with SMC Corporation—an advanced pneumatic equipment company—displayed their technological prowess.
According to data from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), Japan accounted for 38% of global industrial robot production in 2024, maintaining its leading position. Spearheaded by Fanuc Corporation, the world’s largest manufacturer, Japan has deep expertise across all levels—from final products to control and drive components.
However, Japanese firms’ market share has been on a declining trend. Chinese companies are increasingly taking the lead through large-scale production and rapid learning. They leverage low-cost mass production and operational data to advance artificial intelligence development.
While Japan lags behind the United States and China in artificial intelligence, it is striving to revive its position through “reliable machines and on-site technologies” (IFR).
Meanwhile, Japanese companies are collaborating with Chinese counterparts in the humanoid robotics sector.
GMO Internet Group is the only Japanese company participating in the World Humanoid Robot Games, utilizing proprietary software developed by the Chinese firm Unitree Robotics. In June, they became an official distributor of Unitree Robotics, combining Chinese technology with Japanese service expertise.
While competing with Chinese products, Japanese firms are also integrating mass-production capabilities. The two international events held in Beijing reflect Japan’s survival strategy: a blend of competition and cooperation with Chinese enterprises.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1874573298696202/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) personally.