While supplying China's end-users and channel partners with robotic solutions for the last ten years, the Pleasanton, Calif.-based Adept Technology (www.adept.com) now plants a flag in China with the opening of its Shanghai office and technical center. 

The new office and technical center will provide a full range of products and services, including the traditional robotic offerings and support for manufacturers and automation user throughout China. However, the company will also offer services, such as feasibility studies, product demonstrations, customer training and maintenance and repair services. 

The expansion announcement goes against talk by economists that demand in China is slowing down on a marco level. While cooling on a macro level, the International Federation of Robotics (www.ifr.org) predicts that robotic applications in China will increase by 64 percent in 2012. Automotive applications have provided consistent demand for industrial robot applications in China, from both international and Chinese-based car makers. However, industry experts see a 50 percent increase robotic applications for the electronic device industry in Asia. 

Hai Chang, managing director, Adept China, says,"With the opening of the Shanghai office, Adept's Asia team is dedicated to providing a new elevated level of support for our long-time and newer channel partners, system integrators and manufacturing clients."

In 2006, ABB relocated its global robotics business to Shanghai from Detroit, becoming the first multi-national company to manufacture industrial robots in the country. ABB currently holds more than 20 percent of the global market share.