Chinese robotics technology is attracting significant attention from South Korea as firms explore collaboration opportunities. The growing partnership highlights China’s leadership in industrial and humanoid robotics, with applications across multiple sectors.
At the Apsara Conference in Hangzhou, East China’s Zhejiang Province, visitors watched a wheeled-leg robot climb stairs and cross slopes, demonstrating China’s rapid technological advancements. International interest in these robots is rising, particularly in South Korea, where the government supports investment in artificial intelligence and robotics.
Morgan Stanley forecasts that China’s robotics market will more than double from $47 billion in 2024 to $108 billion by 2028, representing an annual growth rate of 23 percent. China already accounts for approximately 40 percent of the global robotics market, underscoring its position as a major innovation hub.
DEEP Robotics, based in Hangzhou, has become a focal point for South Korean companies and academic institutions. Li Changbo, the firm’s country manager for South Korea and Japan, said delegations frequently visit to observe the X30 quadruped robot, which performs autonomous inspections in substations and industrial sites. Many visitors expressed amazement at China’s technological achievements.
Since 2017, DEEP Robotics has expanded into humanoid and industrial-grade quadruped robots, exporting products to Singapore and other countries. The company’s X30 robotic dogs reportedly save over 480 hours of manual inspection annually for SP Group. Meanwhile, the M20 Lynx wheeled-leg robot is gaining interest for extreme industrial inspections.
South Korea’s 150 trillion won public-private fund for AI and robotics further fuels demand for advanced technology. The government emphasizes workplace safety and the development of robots for hazardous environments, particularly after construction accidents heightened safety concerns.
Other Chinese firms, including Unitree Robotics, Inspire Robots, and SenseTime, are also expanding into South Korea. Companies note that elderly users in South Korea increasingly adopt robotic solutions, reflecting demographic trends. Partnerships focus on education, industrial inspections, and consumer applications.
Industry experts highlight China’s strong talent pool in robotics and its cost advantages. However, production capacity remains a challenge as global demand rises. DEEP Robotics operates 24/7 in Deqing and is building a second facility to meet Korean orders.
Li Changbo concluded that Chinese robotics technology is paving the way for broader regional collaboration. By the end of 2025, some joint robot projects are expected to enter mass production, strengthening Sino-Korean technological cooperation.
