Foreign robotics firms seek to create demand fit for iPhone

Overseas robotics companies are said to be scrambling to tap into the Chinese market, as surging labor costs prompt domestic manufacturing firms to seek new ways to cut assembly-line costs.

According to industry experts, Japanese and German companies in particular are looking to expand their investments in China, or find a new way in, wary of a possible surge in demand in the country.

One firm already well on the way to building its presence here is Japanese robot maker Fanuc Corp, which operates in China through joint venture partner Shanghai Fanuc Robot Co Ltd.