China Makes AI-powered Robots Core of National Strategy

Source Domain: ifr.org

China´s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) marks pivot to innovation

Frankfurt, May 05, 2026 — China has launched its 15th Five-Year Plan by placing robotics at the heart of its modern industrial system. The aim is to pivot its AI research towards physical applications with robots as main drivers for economic growth. This is a next step in the country´s strong automation development: China´s manufacturing industry already has an operational stock of around 2 million units — approximately 4.5 times more than the global no. 2, Japan. 54% of annual industrial robots installed worldwide were deployed in China. This is according to the World Robotics 2025 Report, presented by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR).

China has placed robotics at the heart of its modern industrial system © Hangzhou Robotphoenix Industrial Robotics

“The outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan of the People’s Republic of China acts as the primary framework document that sets the overarching direction for all other government actions,” says Takayuki Ito, President of the International Federation of Robotics. “Thousands of subordinate sectoral and regional plans are now mandated to align with the objectives. Under the new framework, China is shifting its focus from traditional industrial automation to high-end, intelligent robotics integrated with artificial intelligence.”

Humanoid Robot Show

China’s new blueprint sees the main value of AI in its application to business and industry. To illustrate its competences and global competitiveness in “embodied intelligence” they showcase humanoid robots that dance or run. This was recently broadcasted around the world at the televised celebration of the Lunar New Year and at the humanoid robot…

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