Guangzhou automation fair sell-out reflects China's automation growth

Recently the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) reported that China is now the largest user of industrial robotics in the world, and the latest news regarding the upcoming SPS – Industrial Automation Fair Guangzhou (SIAF) 2018 seems to bear that out: the Industrial Robotics and Machine Vision zone has already been sold out.

The fair will open its doors from 4–6 March 2018 at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou, China. SIAF continues to be one of the most important trade shows for industrial automation in South China. Since the show opened to exhibitors for booking earlier this year, the fair has already confirmed the participation of more than 350 reputable industrial automation solution suppliers from across the world. Recognising the importance and future growth prospects of the South China market, exhibitors are ready to present their latest industrial automation technologies at the show.

In response to the enthusiasm from exhibitors for the 2018 edition, booth space within the Industrial Robotics and Machine Vision Zone — which has expanded to occupy the whole of Hall 2.1 — has already sold out. Close to 60% of the hall is occupied by exhibitors who have attended for more than two years, including Adtech, ATI, Chelic, Cognex, Daheng, Einuo, Estun, Harmonic, HELUKABEL, Huoban, Karming, Logen, Longshen, Qinchuan, Tamasec, W-Robot, YSR and others.

With the fair making a concerted effort to focus on growing demands in the global market, a number of first-time participants have also confirmed their presence at the Industrial Robotics and Machine Vision Zone bringing a diverse array of solutions and products to the international and domestic manufacturing communities. Brands including Desoutter, Han’s, Intelligent Eyes, KEBA, Nabtesco, Universal Robotics and many more are set to showcase their latest industrial robots, components, research and development platforms, software, machine vision and intelligent solutions. Among the confirmed exhibitors are the following highlighted product and solution providers:

• Universal Robots (Shanghai) Co Ltd
  The Denmark-based company is currently one of the world’s most acclaimed industrial robot manufacturers. Precision movements and easy operation are the robots’ key traits which set them apart from their competitors. They are able to increase productivity and simplify manufacturing procedures to ensure safer working environments. Designed to revolutionise the manufacturing industry, the robots are each developed specifically to meet the requirements of their users.
• Shanghai Nabtesco Motion-equipment Co Ltd
  Shanghai Nabtesco Motion-equipment is a precision cycloidal gearbox manufacturer from Japan. Its flagship product is the RV precision cycloidal series. Known for its build quality and proven performance, Nabtesco’s precision equipment provides high torque, high ratio and significant shock-load capabilities with extreme precision and very low backlash.
• KEBA Industrial Automation (Shanghai) Co
  Established in 1896 and headquartered in Austria, KEBA specialises in the development of complex control and operation automation systems. It currently focuses on two main business sectors in China, including its KePlast series that optimises automation solution for injection moulding machines as well as its KeMotion series that provides total solutions for the automation of robots and machines.

For 2018, the fair organisers have once again partnered with the Guangdong Association of Automation to present the Guangdong Robotics Pavilion. As Guangdong province is one of the most important manufacturing hubs in South China, the Guangdong Robotics Pavilion will promote the region’s innovative industry developments and leading brands.

The market for industrial robots continues to grow in China, with Guangdong province at the forefront. The region not only has the largest demand for robotic products but is also home to many domestic robotic manufacturers. According to research conducted by Guangdong Provincial People’s Government, one in every five industrial robots is developed and manufactured in the province. In 2016, the manufacturers within the region produced a total of 60,000 units, which accounted for 45.2% of China’s total industrial output. With the introduction of the ‘Made in China 2025’ plan and the growing popularity of smart manufacturing, Guangdong province will continue to be a leading powerhouse for developing and manufacturing state-of-the-art industrial robots in the years to come.

Furthermore, the Guangdong Provincial People’s Government is targeting to increase the production and application of industrial robots by 20,000 units to a total of 80,000 units within 2017, worth approximately US$9 billion. With more intelligent manufacturing products in the market, the Chinese government is encouraging the digital information, food processing, medical, construction and metalworking industries to adapt smart manufacturing solutions by introducing attractive subsidy schemes to aid with the manufacturing facility conversion. For brands looking to tap into the Chinese market, SPS – Industrial Automation Fair Guangzhou remains a top choice for meeting target and qualified buyers.

For more information about the 2018 show, visit www.spsinchina.com or email sps@china.messefrankfurt.com.