Key Takeaways
- The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) delegation visited the Guangdong‑Hong Kong‑Macao Greater Bay Area in April 2026 to assess the region’s robotics ecosystem.
- Risong Technology demonstrated its self‑developed high‑precision, high‑speed six‑axis PLR robot, achieving 0.3 µm repeat positioning accuracy and integrating AI machine vision and force‑control technologies.
- The PLR robot targets ultra‑fine manual tasks in optical communication, 3C electronics, and semiconductors, aiming to improve yield, lower costs, and alleviate labor shortages.
- XPeng Motors showcased its extensive robotic applications in body welding, final assembly, battery production, and its emerging AI humanoid robot and flying‑car concepts.
- An afternoon symposium brought together industry leaders to discuss core technology breakthroughs, talent cultivation, and alignment with international standards.
- IFR officials highlighted the Greater Bay Area’s strong robotics supply chain and innovation vitality, positioning it as a potential global hub for robotics standards and cooperation.
- Risong Technology pledged to deepen international collaboration, contribute to global norm‑setting, and help China’s robotics industry transition from follower to leader on the world stage.
Overview of the IFR Delegation Visit
On April 24, 2026, a high‑level delegation from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) arrived in Guangzhou to conduct an in‑depth study of robotics development in the Guangdong‑Hong Kong‑Macao Greater Bay Area. The team comprised Dr. Susanne Bieller, IFR General Secretary; Mr. Patrick Schwarzkopf, Head of Robotics and Automation at the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA); and Ms. Anja Schneider, representative of Messe München GmbH. Risong Technology acted as the local host, coordinating the itinerary, facilitating company tours, and arranging a symposium with senior officials from Guangdong’s Department of Industry and Information Technology. The visit aimed to uncover regional strengths, explore partnership opportunities, and encourage Chinese firms to engage in global robotics standard‑setting.
Site Visit to Risong Technology: High‑End Precision Manufacturing
The delegation’s morning began at Risong Technology Park, where they toured the Robot R&D Engineering Center and the AI Machine Vision Exhibition Hall. In the high‑precision manufacturing exhibition area, Risong unveiled its self‑developed six‑axis PLR robot. Rather than competing directly with established foreign brands, the PLR robot is positioned to solve ultra‑precision manual operations that are either impossible for humans, performed poorly, or not cost‑effective. By leveraging intelligent manufacturing equipment, the robot seeks to boost product yield, cut operational expenses, and relieve labor‑supply pressures in sectors such as optical communication, 3C electronics, and semiconductors—industries where processes like optical‑fiber assembly, FPC flexible‑circuit insertion, and micro‑component welding have traditionally relied on skilled workers operating under microscopes.
Risong Technology’s PLR Robot and AI Vision Integration
Risong Technology emphasized its fully independent R&D system and in‑house manufacturing capability, covering core algorithms, embedded controllers, and precision mechanical structures. The PLR robot boasts a repeat positioning accuracy of 0.3 µm, far surpassing human dexterity. It is tightly integrated with AI machine‑vision inspection and force‑control technologies, enabling it to perform tasks with both extraordinary precision and speed. During the visit, the IFR delegation observed live demonstrations of the robot conducting optical‑fiber assembly and FPC flexible‑cable insertion for display‑panel production. Dr. Susanne Bieller praised the approach, noting that high‑precision manufacturing serves as a core benchmark of a nation’s robotics strength and commended Risong for addressing real industrial pain points through advanced technology.
Collaboration with XPeng Motors: Humanoid and Flying‑Car Demonstrations
Following the Risong tour, Chairman Sun Zhiqiang escorted the IFR delegation to XPeng Motors, a long‑time partner of Risong Technology. XPeng, recognized as an innovative player in the new‑energy‑vehicle sector, hosts one of the most extensive robotic applications in automotive manufacturing. Accompanied by XPeng Group Vice President Hu Yining, the delegation inspected robotic systems across body welding, final assembly, and battery‑pack production lines. They also gained close access to XPeng’s self‑developed AI humanoid robot and toured exhibition halls showcasing XPeng Motors and XPeng Aeroht, the latter highlighting the company’s foray into flying‑car technology. The visit concluded with a brief seminar and exchange session, underscoring the synergy between automotive robotics and emerging mobility concepts.
In‑Depth Symposium on Industry Challenges and Standard Alignment
In the afternoon, a robotics enterprise symposium convened at Risong Technology Park. Attendees included Risong’s leadership—Chairman Sun Zhiqiang, Market and Science & Technology Innovation Center General Manager Zhang Dongsheng, Automotive Industry Division General Manager Zhang Jun, and General Industry Division Deputy General Manager He Yanbing—as well as representatives from the Guangdong Robotics Association, Flexiv, GSK, and Huayan Robotics. XPeng’s Vice President Hu Yining joined the discussion alongside the IFR delegation. Participants shared updates on core robotic components, adaptive robotics, industrial application deployment, and ecosystem development. Key discussion topics encompassed core technology breakthroughs, application expansion, talent cultivation, and international standard coordination. Dr. Bieller remarked that the Greater Bay Area possesses a sound robotics industrial chain and robust innovation vitality, positioning it as a pivotal hub for the global robotics sector. She also expressed the IFR’s intention to invite qualified Chinese firms, research institutions, and industry associations into its membership and to encourage Guangdong enterprises to contribute to the formulation of new global robotics norms and standards.
Strategic Implications for China’s Robotics Global Aspirations
The IFR’s visit underscored the growing credibility of Chinese robotics enterprises on the world stage. By highlighting Risong Technology’s end‑to‑end technological mastery and XPeng’s expansive robotic integration, the delegation signaled confidence in the Greater Bay Area’s ability to drive high‑quality growth. Chairman Sun Zhiqiang affirmed that Risong will continue advancing core robotics technologies, strengthening domestic‑industry linkages, and fostering international cooperation. He expressed optimism that collaboration with the IFR and global partners will enable China’s intelligent manufacturing to make greater contributions to worldwide industrial upgrading, helping the nation’s robotics industry shift from merely running alongside global leaders to leading the way.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The April 2026 IFR delegation visit served as a catalyst for deeper engagement between Chinese robotics stakeholders and the global robotics community. Through concrete demonstrations of high‑precision manufacturing, AI‑enhanced vision systems, and expansive automotive automation, the Greater Bay Area showcased its capacity to address critical industrial challenges while pushing technological boundaries. The symposium’s focus on standard alignment and talent development highlighted a strategic roadmap for integrating Chinese innovations into international frameworks. Moving forward, Risong Technology’s commitment to gathering industry wisdom, advancing cross‑border technology exchange, and supporting standard‑setting initiatives suggests a promising trajectory for China’s robotics sector—one that aims to elevate the nation from participant to pioneer in the global robotics arena.