China's market for industrial robots is estimated to rise to $1.3 billion in 2017, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10 percent from $810.4 million in 2012, according to a new report from IHS Inc. An estimated over 29,000 industrial robots were sold in China in 2012, with unit shipments to increase by about 13 percent per year from 2013 to 2017, IHS predicts. By 2017, industrial robot unit shipments will reach more than 52,000 units. "The growth rate for revenue is less than that of unit shipments because of the expanding market, fierce competition and technical advances lead to the price erosion," said Jay Tang, industrial automation analyst for IHS.

Articulated robots are the largest segment by robot type, accounting for 87 percent of the total market in 2012, and will remain so through 2017. Most of these robots will be used for welding applications in the automotive sector. From 2012 to 2017, revenues generated from selective compliance assembly robot arm (SCARA) robots are forecast to grow the fastest because the industries in which they are used are facing labor shortages and rising labor costs. Food and beverage, consumer electronics and electronics/electrical are three of the most labor-intensive industries, and robots are being used more in these areas.

Some articulated robot suppliers, in particular, are entering these areas with high performance-price ratio and flexible products. SCARA robot suppliers will continue to dominate here because of their lower prices, as well as experience and industry knowledge. Meanwhile, the market for linear robots is fragmented given the limited technology content of the machines and because they have the lowest of all robot prices. Linear robots are used to do simple work including handling operations, simple assembly and simple machining. There are many market leaders in niche markets, including rubber and plastics, electronics and metal processing.