Robots from Sichuan University (left) and Southeast University show their soccer skills at the RoboCup 2016 China Zone competition on Tuesday in Hefei. Photo/Xinhua

Industry sources said this goal will fuel the growth of Chinese robot manufacturers such as Siasun Robot & Automation Co and Hubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment Co.

Qu Daokui, president of Siasun Robot, China's largest robot maker by market value, said the country's robotics industry is still "like a toddler", but is growing.

The company, eager to boost its competitiveness, is spending heavily on the research and development of industrial robot components.

"Most of these components are still imported from foreign countries, whose steep tariffs increase the cost of robots," Qu said.

Siasun is planning to acquire competitive domestic and international component manufacturers after the Shenzhen-listed company raised 2.96 billion yuan from five institutional investors in November.

"We have been in negotiations with potential companies for more than a year, and we hope to complete the acquisitions by June," Qu said, declining to give more details.

Contact the writer at gaoyuan@chinadaily.com.cn