China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has created a new action plan called the “Robot + Application Action Plan.”

The regulations, set to take effect on August 1, grant permission for autonomous vehicles to operate with no driver present in certain parts of the city.

The International Federation of Robotics gave insight on China’s current place in the world market and the significance of the 5-year plan.

Georg Stieler, managing director for China at international consulting firm STM Stieler, shares his thoughts on China’s five-year plan.

WeRide, a leading autonomous vehicle company in China, has strengthened its partnership with bus maker Yutong Group, receiving $200 million in Series B1 funding.

Pony.ai will be working with China FAW Group on design and manufacturing of its robotaxis and autonomous trucks. The company completed Series C fundraising of $267 million.

Although industrial automation did not grow as much worldwide in 2019 as in 2018, it still set records, reported the International Federation of Robotics. The IFR also looked at regional growth.

China’s industrial automation and robotics market demonstrates significant strengths in 2020, but immature firms and trade conflicts with the U.S. still pose challenges, writes international consultant Georg Stieler.

China is the most attractive market in the world for robotics suppliers, with a relatively low robot density, lots of manufacturing, and fewer regulations than in other countries. At the same time, there are plenty of things to discourage business, from worries about trade disputes and intellectual property to the recent Chinese slowdown. How should…

Right now, robotics companies are setting their sights on China as its robotics industry and the number of robots installed in the country continue to grow. Through official initiatives, such as the “Made in China 2025 program,” the Chinese government is helping drive this industry growth. The program’s five-year plan aims to automate sectors like…