Canton Fair Day One: Robot Purchasing Intentions Surge as Companies Report Seven-Figure Potential Orders

5 mins read
October 15, 2025

Executive Summary

  • Robot purchasing intentions at the 138th Canton Fair surged, with companies like Zhi Hui Technology reporting potential orders exceeding seven figures on the first day.
  • Global demand for robotics, including cleaning, delivery, and collaborative robots, is rising due to labor shortages and cost pressures, particularly in markets like the U.S. and Europe.
  • Chinese robotics firms are leveraging R&D, supply chain efficiency, and service capabilities to drive export growth, with some companies seeing overseas revenue surpass 50% of total income.
  • Despite U.S. tariff uncertainties, buyers emphasize China’s product quality and innovation, underscoring sustained market potential for Chinese robotics exports.
  • Emerging applications in AI-integrated logistics and commercial services are expected to fuel further growth in the global robotics market over the next decade.

Robotics Revolution Ignites at Canton Fair Opening

The 138th China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, kicked off on October 15, unveiling a dramatic surge in robot purchasing intentions that set a bullish tone for China’s technology export sector. Amid bustling exhibition halls, manufacturers reported potential orders reaching seven-figure sums on day one, signaling robust global appetite for Chinese robotics. This trend underscores how automation is reshaping industries worldwide, from logistics to retail, as companies grapple with rising labor costs and efficiency demands. The focus phrase robot purchasing intentions emerged as a central theme, reflecting not just transactional interest but strategic long-term investments in smart technology.

International buyers and exhibitors alike highlighted the Canton Fair’s role as a critical barometer for emerging tech trends. With over 25,000 exhibitors typically participating, the event offers a snapshot of China’s export resilience and innovation pipeline. The strong robot purchasing intentions observed this year align with broader economic shifts, including post-pandemic automation acceleration and supply chain diversification. For global investors, these developments provide actionable insights into sectors poised for growth, emphasizing the need to monitor Chinese robotics firms as key players in the global market.

Market Dynamics Driving Robot Demand

Global economic factors are intensifying the appeal of robotics, with the Canton Fair serving as a microcosm of this shift. Inflationary pressures, labor shortages, and efficiency demands are compelling businesses from North America to Europe to adopt automation solutions. At the fair, buyers like ABDELHAMID YOUSEF from Miami, Florida, articulated how immigration policies in the U.S. have strained human resources in logistics, fueling interest in delivery robots for indoor applications. This sentiment echoes across industries, where robot purchasing intentions are no longer optional but essential for maintaining competitiveness.

Insights from International Buyers

ABDELHAMID YOUSEF, a first-time Canton Fair attendee, shared his perspective on China’s robotics appeal. He noted, ‘Despite tariff uncertainties, Chinese robots lead in quality and innovation, making them a viable choice for U.S. markets.’ This view is reinforced by pricing dynamics; for instance, Chinese cleaning robots exported to the U.S. often retail at multiples of their original cost, absorbing tariff impacts while still offering value. Such observations highlight how robot purchasing intentions are shaped by pragmatic assessments of total cost of ownership rather than short-term trade barriers.

Other buyers emphasized applications in sectors like education and e-commerce. For example, Amazon and educational institutions are procuring robots for development and operational tasks, illustrating diverse use cases. The consistency in robot purchasing intentions across regions—from Europe to Southeast Asia—points to a universal trend toward automation, with Chinese firms capturing significant market share due to their cost-effectiveness and rapid innovation cycles.

Spotlight on Leading Robotics Exporters

Chinese robotics companies are reporting staggering growth, driven by strategic expansions and technological advancements. At the Canton Fair, firms like Zhi Hui Technology and Pudu Technology showcased their latest offerings, attracting immediate business interest. Guo Wei (郭巍), CMO of Zhi Hui Technology, revealed that the company secured seven-figure potential orders on the first day, building on a track record of tripling export volumes year-over-year. Their commercial cleaning robots, for instance, have found markets in Europe, North America, and Singapore, with U.S. sales remaining resilient despite tariffs.

Export Performance and Regional Penetration

Data from exhibitors underscores the export momentum. Yuejiang Technology’s brand manager Li Jiaxian (李嘉贤) reported that their collaborative robots are sold in over 100 countries, with 2024 exports growing by more than 50%. Notably, overseas revenue, including contributions from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, accounted for 52.4% of total revenue in the first half of 2024, up 8.4% year-on-year. Similarly, Magic Atom Robot Technology (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.’s overseas sales manager Wu Jian (邬健) stated that exports comprise nearly half of their revenue, with applications spanning factory logistics and exhibition guidance.

Key factors behind this success include:

  • Rapid product iteration enabled by China’s deep talent pool in R&D.
  • Supply chain advantages, such as the ability to source 95% of components within the Pearl River Delta for quick response times.
  • Cross-disciplinary service teams that address software, hardware, and maintenance needs globally.

These elements collectively enhance robot purchasing intentions by ensuring reliability and scalability for international clients.

Competitive Edge of Chinese Robotics Industry

China’s robotics sector benefits from a synergistic ecosystem that integrates research, manufacturing, and global outreach. Guo Wei (郭巍) of Zhi Hui Technology attributes their competitiveness to three pillars: R&D prowess, integrated supply chains, and agile service networks. China’s emphasis on STEM education has cultivated a vast talent base capable of merging disciplines like AI, mechanics, and IoT, allowing for low-cost, high-speed product development. This capability directly fuels robot purchasing intentions by delivering cutting-edge solutions at competitive price points.

Supply Chain and Innovation Infrastructure

The Pearl River Delta, often dubbed the ‘Factory of the World,’ provides a robust backbone for robotics manufacturing. Components for commercial cleaning robots, for instance, can be sourced locally within hours, reducing lead times and costs. This efficiency is critical in meeting surges in robot purchasing intentions, as seen at the Canton Fair. Moreover, Chinese firms are pioneering AI integration, with Pudu Technology’s brand PR manager Bi Cheng (毕成) noting that future robots will handle complex tasks like packaging and unpacking in factories, further expanding application scopes.

Industry data supports these claims:

  • China’s industrial robot production grew by over 20% in 2023, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
  • Exports of robotics and related parts increased by 15% year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2024, per Customs data.

For more details, refer to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s reports on robotics development. These trends validate the sustained robot purchasing intentions observed at events like the Canton Fair.

Future Outlook and Emerging Applications

The robotics market is poised for exponential growth, with commercial cleaning, logistics, and retail emerging as high-potential segments. Guo Wei (郭巍) projects that the global commercial cleaning robot market will maintain rapid expansion over the next five to ten years, while new opportunities arise in areas like supermarket shelf inspection and price updates. The integration of AI will further revolutionize capabilities, enabling robots to perform tasks with minimal human intervention. This evolution is likely to amplify robot purchasing intentions as businesses seek to future-proof operations.

Predictions from Industry Leaders

Experts at the Canton Fair emphasized that robot purchasing intentions are increasingly driven by scalability and customization. For instance, Magic Atom’s robots are being adapted for educational and commercial development, reflecting a shift toward versatile, multi-role automation. As labor costs continue to rise globally, the return on investment for robotics improves, making them indispensable for sectors from manufacturing to hospitality. The focus phrase robot purchasing intentions will remain relevant as Chinese firms expand into niche markets, supported by government initiatives like the Made in China 2025 policy, which prioritizes high-tech manufacturing.

Emerging trends to watch include:

  • AI-driven autonomy in warehouse and delivery robots.
  • Collaborative robots (cobots) enhancing human-robot teamwork in factories.
  • Growing adoption in emerging markets, where infrastructure development creates new demand.

These factors ensure that robot purchasing intentions will continue to shape global trade dynamics, with China at the forefront.

Strategic Implications for Global Investors

The surge in robot purchasing intentions at the Canton Fair underscores a pivotal moment for Chinese equities in the technology sector. Investors should note the sector’s resilience to geopolitical tensions, as evidenced by sustained U.S. demand despite tariff risks. Companies with strong export portfolios, like Yuejiang Technology and Zhi Hui Technology, offer exposure to high-growth automation trends. Additionally, the integration of AI and IoT in robotics presents opportunities for portfolio diversification into ancillary sectors, such as semiconductor and software development.

To capitalize on these trends, stakeholders should:

  • Monitor quarterly export data and earnings reports from listed Chinese robotics firms.
  • Engage with industry events like the Canton Fair for firsthand market insights.
  • Assess regulatory developments, including China’s policies on innovation and international trade.

The consistent robot purchasing intentions highlight a long-term structural shift, making robotics a cornerstone of modern investment strategies in Asian markets. By aligning with leading innovators, businesses and investors can navigate the evolving landscape and harness the full potential of automation.

Eliza Wong

Eliza Wong

Eliza Wong fervently explores China’s ancient intellectual legacy as a cornerstone of global civilization, driven by a deep patriotic commitment to showcasing the nation’s enduring cultural greatness.