Published by ChinaMNC · Jiaxing

Tongxiang Economic Development Zone: A Growing Robotics Hub for Foreign Founders

Foreign founders considering China should note Tongxiang Economic Development Zone's robotics cluster, which offers opportunities in manufacturing and R&D. Learn about the zone's companies, supply chain, and practical steps for market entry.

Why Tongxiang Economic Development Zone Matters for Foreign Robotics Founders

For foreign founders looking to establish or expand operations in China's robotics sector, Tongxiang Economic Development Zone (Tongxiang EDZ) in Zhejiang Province is emerging as a compelling location. The zone has cultivated a robotics industry ecosystem that spans complete machine manufacturing and key component production, supported by local government initiatives and the spillover effects of the World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit. This article outlines the zone's recent developments and practical considerations for foreign entrepreneurs.

Robotics Companies with Global Reach

Tongxiang EDZ is home to several robotics firms that have achieved international market penetration, demonstrating the zone's capacity to nurture globally competitive enterprises.

Xinshengji Intelligent: Commercial Cleaning Robots

Xinshengji Intelligent, a smart robot company based in Tongxiang EDZ, has made significant strides in overseas markets. In mid-October, the company deployed 112 commercial cleaning robots in a school district in South Carolina, USA, providing intelligent floor cleaning solutions for local campuses. This follows a June delivery of 600 L3 intelligent floor-scrubbing robots to British retail giant Tesco, marking a notable project for Chinese commercial cleaning robots going global. Xinshengji's products are also used at Singapore Changi Airport and Incheon International Airport in South Korea. Currently, the company's business covers more than 40 countries and regions.

Shangyuan Zhixing: Autonomous Vehicles and Skateboard Chassis

Capitalizing on the rapid growth of low-speed autonomous driving, Shangyuan Zhixing has solidified its position as a leader in intelligent skateboard chassis while expanding into functional unmanned vehicles. The company has achieved mass production of its T300 series functional unmanned vehicle, which functions as a mini mobile fire station capable of quickly suppressing fires before larger fire trucks arrive and automatically detecting and reporting fire incidents. According to General Manager Feng Shu, Shangyuan Zhixing possesses full-chain R&D and mass production capabilities, from core components to intelligent skateboard chassis and complete vehicles. Its skateboard chassis shipments have ranked among the top three nationwide for three consecutive years, with cumulative sales of skateboard chassis and functional unmanned vehicles exceeding 12,000 units. These products have been deployed in over 300 cities across China and exported to more than 10 countries, including Russia, South Korea, Japan, the UK, Spain, Malaysia, and India.

Sainade: Autonomous Loading and Unloading Robots

Sainade aims to solve the "last 20 meters" challenge in logistics loading and unloading using physical AI technology. At its Tongxiang factory, the iLoabot-M autonomous loading and unloading robot performs tasks such as loading, unloading, and moving goods with precise recognition, grabbing, and palletizing. According to Production Operations Director Ma Shihao, the logistics sector's high data density and urgent need for intelligent upgrades make it an ideal scenario for physical AI. The iLoabot series has been implemented in express delivery, tobacco, alcohol, and pharmaceutical industries, with business covering more than 20 countries and regions including the US, Japan, and South Korea, achieving scalable overseas delivery of domestic logistics robots.

Building a Complete Industrial Ecosystem

Tongxiang EDZ is not only attracting complete machine manufacturers but also fostering key component suppliers to create a clustered effect and accelerate the formation of a ten-billion-yuan robotics industry cluster.

Local Enterprises Crossing Over into Robotics Components

The zone's strong foundation in high-end equipment manufacturing, particularly precision machinery, has enabled local firms to diversify into robotics components. For example, Shuanghuan Transmission's Phase VI project in Tongxiang EDZ is building a "super gear factory" scheduled to be operational by the end of this year. Once production begins, it will leverage precision transmission parts and small transmission systems to enter the supply chains of leading domestic robotics companies. Similarly, Xinlong Machinery has transitioned from core braking components for new energy vehicles to precision structural parts for humanoid robots. A company representative noted that robot connectors demand stricter precision and fit than auto parts—even a micron deviation can prevent assembly. Xinlong Machinery has partnered with Unitree Technology, a leading humanoid robot company, supplying connectors for internal precision components.

Attracting Global Component Manufacturers

In early September, Demark Precision, a globally leading manufacturer of key humanoid robot components and a national-level specialized and sophisticated "little giant" enterprise, completed land acquisition in Tongxiang EDZ. The company plans to leverage its precision manufacturing expertise to further boost the zone's robotics industry.

Practical Implications for Foreign Founders

For foreign entrepreneurs considering establishing a presence in China's robotics sector, Tongxiang EDZ offers a supportive ecosystem. The zone's concentration of both complete machine and component manufacturers can facilitate supply chain integration and collaboration. The local government's focus on leveraging the World Internet Conference and building the "AI Wuzhen, Sci-Tech Tongxiang" brand creates a favorable environment for innovation. Foreign founders should consider the following steps:

• Research the ecosystem: Understand the zone's key players and potential partners in your specific robotics niche.
• Engage with local authorities: Tongxiang EDZ officials are actively promoting the robotics cluster and may offer guidance on investment and registration.
• Leverage supply chain advantages: Co-locating with component suppliers can reduce logistics costs and improve collaboration.
• Explore talent and R&D: The zone's connection to the World Internet Conference may provide access to talent and technology trends.

As the robotics industry continues to evolve, Tongxiang EDZ is positioning itself as a hub for both domestic and international players. Foreign founders can benefit from the zone's growing cluster and supportive policies.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.

For assistance with registering and operating a company in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.