The recently released 2023 Shenzhen Robotics Industry Development White Paper, compiled by the Shenzhen Robotics Association, paints a picture of a burgeoning robotics sector in the southern Chinese metropolis. A staggering 10,408 new robotics companies registered in the city last year, representing a robust 19.62% year-on-year increase.

This surge in new players is geographically concentrated, with Bao’an District leading the pack at 23.93% of the newly registered firms, followed closely by Nanshan District (19.23%) and Longgang District (17.28%).

The city’s established robotics industry also experienced significant growth in 2023. The total output value of the robotics industrial chain reached a remarkable 179.7 billion yuan (US$24.83 billion), reflecting an 8.7% increase compared to 2021. Bao’an and Nanshan maintained their dominance, contributing 35.01% and 34.84% of the total output value, respectively.

Beyond the expansion of established companies, the report underscores Shenzhen’s growing prowess in robotics innovation. The number of enterprises possessing robotics-related patents has reached a staggering 3,699. This highlights a decade-long trend of explosive growth in patent applications and grants, with the number of patents granted last year soaring by a factor of approximately 4.7 compared to 2015.

Shenzhen’s robotics industry is demonstrably flourishing, fueled by a combination of new company formation and a thriving culture of innovation. This trend positions the city as a major player in the global robotics landscape.