Li calls robots vital to productivity

Premier calls for innovative ideas so machines can be built in China

Premier Li Keqiang called on domestic manufacturers to make China's own robots - a vital part of the Made in China 2025 strategy - with further technical and organizational innovation during his visit to Shaanxi province, which ended on Tuesday.

Equipment manufacturers should boost employees' enthusiasm and encourage them to develop new technologies for the robotics industry and to bring smart manufacturing to a higher level, Li said on Monday during a tour of Qinchuan Machine Tool & Tool Group Co, Ltd, a leading company in Baoji in the northwestern province.