China Embraces Robotics: From Power Lines to Tea Gardens

May 27, 2023

China's utilization of robots has experienced a remarkable expansion, revolutionizing industries and transforming daily life. From food delivery to tea picking, robots are now being deployed in diverse settings across the country.

At the seventh World Intelligence Congress held from May 18 to 21 in Tianjin, a city in northern China, a unique robot resembling a mantis caught the attention of visitors. Developed by the State Grid Tianjin Electric Power Company, this intelligent tower robot is the first of its kind.

Guided by a skilled staff member, the tower robot skillfully maneuvers its eight claws. It effortlessly overcomes obstacles such as nails and tilted timber, showcasing exceptional precision and agility. Once it reaches its assigned position, the robot deftly secures bolts and nuts, reducing risks for on-site workers. With a built-in lithium battery, the robot can work for more than 10 hours, making it a valuable asset for power transmission tower assembly.

The application of robots in China has expanded across various sectors, including agriculture, logistics, education, and healthcare. One impressive example can be found in Hangzhou's West Lake scenic spot, located in Zhejiang Province. Here, a tea-picking robot equipped with a solar-panel sun hat deftly navigates through rows of renowned Longjing tea bushes using its agile mechanical arms and caterpillar wheels. This innovation has been a boon for local tea planters who have been grappling with a labor shortage.

In Guizhou Province, situated in southwest China, robots have been deployed for routine inspections at power substations in remote mountainous areas. Currently, 13 robots are conducting automatic inspection patrols at 10 power substations in the city of Tongren.

Equipped with high-precision sensors and high-definition cameras, these robots can complete a routine patrol in just 50 minutes, significantly faster than the 12 hours it takes for humans, who must also spend an additional 40 minutes traveling to the substation. The implementation of these robots not only improves efficiency but also enhances worker safety.

Earlier this year, the Chinese government announced its goal to double the density of manufacturing robots by 2025, compared to the numbers from 2020. This ambitious plan, outlined by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and 16 other government departments, aims to significantly increase the use of service and special robots by 2025. By doing so, China's robotics industry will contribute to the high-quality economic and social development of the country.

Looking ahead, Hu Yuchen, co-founder of Shanghai Dajie Robot Co., Ltd., envisions a future where industrial robots possess not only "eyes" but also flexible control capabilities. Hu believes that incorporating flexible control into robots will enable heavy and high-polluting industries to replace humans with machines, promoting a cleaner and more efficient manufacturing process.

China's rapid integration of robots into various industries signifies its commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology. As the nation continues to innovate and expand its robotic capabilities, the impact on industries and people's lives is expected to be substantial, marking a new era of technological advancement and automation.