As China exports more robots and AI, what could it mean for the world’s workforce?
China's exports of robots and AI are increasing, with global buyers turning to automation to tackle risky and repetitive jobs, raising questions about the future of work. China's industrial robot exports rose 48.7% in 2025, making it a net exporter for the first time.
China is ramping up exports of robots and AI, with global buyers turning to automation to tackle risky and repetitive jobs. At the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, Chinese companies showcased robots that can climb walls, inspect power lines, and patrol industrial sites. Buyers from Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America are placing orders, citing labour shortages, rising costs, and workplace safety risks. China's industrial robot exports rose 48.7% in 2025, making it a net exporter for the first time. The country's factories operate about 470 industrial robots for every 10,000 workers, far above the global average. Experts say automation will reshape labour markets, but not necessarily through widespread job losses.
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