China expands factory robot workforce to over two million

China is rapidly expanding its industrial automation, with more than two million robots currently operating in its factories. To secure leadership in a new industrial revolution, the Chinese government is preparing a plan worth approximately R$102 billion to advance robotics and artificial intelligence.

This shift is driven largely by demographic challenges, as China faces an aging population. Projections suggest that by 2035, over one-third of the population will be over 60, and the country could lose nearly 60 million inhabitants in the coming decade. Automation is being used to fill labor gaps and handle repetitive or hazardous tasks such as welding, painting, and heavy lifting.

While the United States maintains a lead in developing the “brains” or software of robots, China holds a competitive advantage in the manufacturing of the hardware itself. Some companies, such as electric vehicle manufacturer Leapmotor, have already achieved near-total automation in specific production stages like stamping and welding. However, the rapid transition raises concerns regarding the future of the approximately 120 million people currently employed in China’s industrial sector.