2026 China intelligent robot industry outlook

September 2026

The intelligent robot industry in China is currently at a significant turning point in its development. Driven by the deep integration of artificial intelligence, embodied intelligence, and precision control technologies, intelligent robots have transitioned comprehensively from laboratory technology validation to a critical transformation period.

Intelligent robots are a key component in the modernisation and enhancement of manufacturing processes, as well as the quality of services. They play a crucial role in restructuring corporate cost structures and operational models, and their influence on the evolution of social labor structures is significant.

However, the industry’s rapid development is accompanied by data bottlenecks, supply-demand constraints, and ethical challenges. The core proposition for industry stakeholders is how to strike a balance between technological innovation and social risks, and construct a sustainable pathway from short-term breakthroughs to long-term high-quality development.

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Horatio Wong

Horatio Wong

Head of Consulting, PwC China

Tel: +[852] 2289 1909

James Lee

James Lee

Partner, PwC Hong Kong

Tel: +[852] 2289 8007

Yaxiao Liu

Yaxiao Liu

Head of AI Institute, PwC China

Tel: +[86] (10) 6533 2253

Qi Chen

Qi Chen

Partner, PwC China

Tel: +[86] (21) 2323 8808

Junda Lin

Junda Lin

Partner, Strategy& China

Tel: +[86] (755) 8261 8205

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