China has stated that it will increase the use of robots in manufacturing and industry, viewing the technology as a key driver of growth and the advancement of the country up the industrial chain.

China is the world's largest market for robots, with more than half of all industrial robots installed globally last year.

Last week, Xin Guobin, vice minister of industry and information technology, urged the robotics industry to pursue "breakthroughs in high-end machines, key components, and the production process" through innovation.

“Robots are deeply integrated with the new generation of information technology, with enhanced automation and adaptability and expanding applications. It has penetrated every aspect of the economy and society,” Xin told the opening ceremony of the six-day World Robot Conference in Beijing on Wednesday.

According to Xin, the use of industrial robots in new energy vehicles, lithium batteries, photovoltaics, and other emerging industries has grown rapidly.

"The robotics industry is now approaching a tipping point towards a revolutionary leap, containing huge investment opportunities and surging development momentum," Xin said.

He also stated that the government will continue to promote the government's Robot Plus Application Action Plan, which aims to increase the use of robots in ten industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, energy, healthcare, education, and elderly services, with the goal of making China a global robotics power by 2025.