ABB Robotics deepens China innovation push with AI-powered robots

ABB Robotics is stepping up its development of artificial intelligence-powered industrial robots in China, its largest market, as the Swiss technology company seeks to meet growing demand for smarter and more flexible automation solutions, a senior executive said.

The company plans to develop more products in China and bring technologies refined in the country's demanding industrial environment to global markets, supported by its local research and development and manufacturing capabilities.

Marc Segura, president of ABB Robotics, said China's rapidly evolving manufacturing sector is playing an increasingly important role in shaping the company's technology development and global product strategy.

"China is not just our largest market — it is a center of gravity for our global innovation. Our commitment here is absolute," Segura said at the company's booth during the 2026 China International Industry Fair, which runs from Monday to Friday at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.

With more than 30 years of operations in China, ABB Robotics has built an integrated local value chain spanning research and development and manufacturing — including a $150 million plant in Shanghai, one of its three global production bases.

Launched in 2025, the company's AI-powered paint shop at the Shanghai facility has increased efficiency by 20 percent, doubled capacity, and reduced operating costs by 36 percent.

At the CIIF, ABB Robotics demonstrated new physical AI technologies, including a collaborative robot capable of learning tasks by observing human actions, rather than relying solely on conventional programming.

Its OmniCore EyeMotion system, supported by an AI robot trainer, enables robots to recognize objects and adapt to changing production environments, cutting commissioning time by up to 90 percent.

Segura said demand for industrial-grade physical AI is growing particularly rapidly in consumer electronics, new energy vehicles, medical devices, and semiconductors, where frequent product changes require greater manufacturing flexibility.

Chinese manufacturers are increasingly seeking robots that offer higher precision, easier deployment, and more autonomous operations, as advanced robotics technologies move beyond experimental applications toward large-scale industrial use, he added.

According to the International Federation of Robotics, China remained the world's largest industrial robot market in 2025, with installations rising 20 percent year-on-year to 354,000 units, accounting for 59 percent of the global total.

Turning to the prospects for humanoid robots, Segura said the technology is advancing rapidly, but still faces challenges in industrial applications, particularly in reliability, speed, and precision.

He said humanoid robots are more likely to gain traction initially in consumer and service settings, as industrial customers continue to prioritize proven performance, flexibility, and scalability.