China has been the largest market for industrial robot applications for seven straight years, according to a report released by the Chinese Institute of Electronics at the ongoing World Robot Conference in Beijing. 

Focusing on the domestic robot industry, the report said the market had entered a period of rapid expansion. 

"Potential demand for service robots is huge, application scenarios for special-purpose robots are increasing remarkably and localization of core component production is accelerating," it declared. 

The report forecast the Chinese robot market would reach $8.68 billion this year, accounting for almost 30% of global value. 

Specifically, the market for industrial robots, service robots and special-purpose robots is expected to hit $5.73 billion, $2.2 billion and $750 million respectively. 

The report also noted that Chinese enterprises are pursuing international cooperation in an increasingly diversified way instead of simply setting up joint ventures. 

Chinese enterprise Fosun Pharma, for example, is cooperating with the American company Intuitive Surgical to develop robots for diagnosing and treating cancer. They have opened a R&D and manufacturing center in China.

In addition, the report said, Chinese and foreign institutes are also working together to set up robotics industry standards. 

For example, TÜV Rheinland, a leading international technical service provider, after completing a two-year investigation of the local robotics cables market, has formulated and published the first robotics cable standard for the country in cooperation with the China Robot Industry Alliance. 

Chinese robot enterprises are also actively seeking overseas cooperation to expand their presence in the international market, according to the report. 

The World Robot Conference opened in Beijing on Aug. 20 and will last through Aug. 26.

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