Youibot becomes first Chinese mobile robot company to join IFR

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Youibot has a wide array of autonomous mobile robots for a number of different applications. | Credit: Youibot

Chinese autonomous mobile robot (AMR) maker Youibot recently joined the International Foundation of Robotics (IFR). The IFR’s goal is to connect the world of robotics around the globe. The general purpose of the IFR is to act as a focal point for organizations and governmental representatives in activities related to robotics. (from the IFR website)

The IFR provides worldwide market data for surveys, studies and statistics. Participation in the IFR is voluntary, and the non-profit organization is well respected for its work promoting and shaping the international robotics industry.

Historically, the IFR membership is made up primarily of industrial and collaborative robotic manipulator manufacturers. However, there is a growing segment of AMR providers who are joining the organization and contributing to the organizations goals.

The IFR produces annual reports highlighting the statistics about robot shipments in various global regions. The two primary annual publications are the World Robotics Service Robots and the World Robotics Industrial Robots. Both publications anonymously report robot unit shipments through the voluntary participation of manufacturers.

One benefit that members receive is that when they contribute their annual unit shipment data to the IFR, those companies receive a copy of the results for free. Otherwise a manufacturer would need to purchase a copy of the annual report. Participation requires just the submission of 4 numbers: Robots sold and robots offered for as-a-Service business models (fleet size), each for 2020 and 2021.

Kudos to Youibot for joining the organization and for contributing their data to future reports. This demonstrates their leadership in the Chinese mobile robotics market.

We only hope that more mobile robotic companies follow the lead of Youibot and help to increase accuracy of the data provided by the IFR.