A Chinese company is breaking new grounds in the automation business, putting the country in the world map of robot-builders at a time when the economy needs a shot in the arm.
Geekplus Technology, a Beijing startup that joined the tech foray four years ago, is the newest image of the country's entry into the billion-dollar global automation industry.
Geekplus Technology supplies logistics robots for some of China's prominent tech firms and e-commerce companies.
According to Zheng Yong, the company has delivered over 7,000 high-tech robotic equipment to four continents, with more than 200 logistics and smart projects spread across the globe.
Some of the Geekplus' clients include online retail stalwart Alibaba Group Holding, courier conglomerate SF Express and state-run auto company FAW Group. Founded in 2015, Geekplus is engaged in the production of four different software and artificial intelligence-controlled robots capable of basic functions like moving, sorting and picking.
The startup believes it has done an impressive job in merging technology with manufacturing systems. "How to sell it (artificial intelligence) and earn more trust, along with taking on our competitors is the challenge that lies ahead," Yong said.
Geekplus showed its capability during the unveiling of its smart facility in Nanjing on September 25. The new manufacturing site is designed to produce over 10,000 automated hardware and robots per year, features artificial intelligence algorithms and production management systems, and another state of the art software to build robots.
In a recent interview, Yong said the company said no other competitor in the trade today can match their capacity in the robotics and artificial intelligence business locally and abroad.
"We do not see any company that can do better than us in China and overseas," Yong said, adding that the company wants to be at the forefront of "intelligent logistics and manufacturing."
Geekplus' efforts to boost the adoption of AI and other automated systems in different areas highlight Beijing's strategy to strengthen the technology across all aspects of the market.
Automated logistics and AI innovation are among the biggest growth driver for this part of the robot industry, the International Federation of Robotics reported. The IFR expected global profits of logistics automation to hit the $22 billion mark in 2022.
