The Development and Future Trends of Industrial Automation Control Technology in China

The Development and Future Trends of Industrial Automation Control Technology in China

Industrial automation control technology refers to an integrated system that combines control theory, instrumentation, computer science, and information technologies to monitor, regulate, and optimize industrial processes. Its core objective is to enhance production efficiency, improve product quality, reduce energy consumption, and ensure operational safety. Currently, this technology spans across industries such as electric power, electronics, computing, artificial intelligence, telecommunications, and electromechanical systems.

Rapid Growth Driven by Technological Transformation

With the transformation of traditional industries and the increasing pace of factory automation and enterprise informatization, the demand for advanced industrial automation systems in China continues to rise. As of last year, China’s industrial automation control systems market had reached a size of approximately ¥380 billion.

Despite the vast market demand, intense competition persists. Domestic companies still lag behind international players in high-end product development and core technology manufacturing. However, recent years have witnessed accelerated efforts by Chinese enterprises to introduce foreign technologies and strengthen independent research and development, gradually closing the technological gap.

In terms of cost, localized production, and sales channels, domestic manufacturers possess certain competitive advantages that allow them to grow within the market.

Value Chain and Key Application Industries

From a value chain perspective, the upstream sector includes electrical components, steel, and various mechanical parts, while downstream applications span the chemical industry, electric power, electric vehicles, robotics, and rail transit. Among these, robotics and rail transit have seen particularly strong demand, which will continue to drive the industrial automation sector forward.

In rail transportation, components such as traction systems, signal control systems, converters, motors, and high-voltage equipment represent critical automation applications. As China rapidly expands its urban rail infrastructure, the industrial automation equipment industry is positioned for robust growth.

By the end of last year, China had 44 cities with approved urban rail transit plans, 26 cities operating a total of 116 rail lines spanning 3,618 kilometers—of which 2,658 kilometers were subways (73.4%). An additional 445 kilometers of track were added that year alone, up 14% from the previous year. By 2020, 50 cities are expected to operate urban rail systems totaling 6,000 kilometers.

Robotics and Servo Systems Boost Automation Demand

Rising labor costs and favorable policies have also accelerated the adoption of industrial robots, further driving the demand for automation control systems. Last year, China's industrial robot demand reached 66,000 units. By 2020, this figure is projected to grow substantially.

Market demand for robot bodies, servo motors, and robot drives is expected to exceed ¥4.5 billion, while the system integration market for servo systems may surpass ¥13 billion. According to China’s “Robot Industry Development Plan (2016–2020)”, annual industrial robot production is forecasted to reach 100,000 units by 2020, including over 50,000 six-axis robots. Robot density is expected to exceed 150 units per 10,000 employees.

Conclusion

Industrial automation control is becoming a cornerstone of China’s transition to intelligent manufacturing. The expanding applications in robotics and urban infrastructure, along with domestic innovation, will continue to fuel strong growth in the automation sector. As China pushes forward with its technological upgrades, domestic enterprises are expected to play an increasingly significant role on the global automation stage.