Ningbo government signs an agreement with Robotdalen, Zhongrui Funing Robotics (Shenyang) Co Ltd and China Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation on Aug 27 to develop a world-class robots hub. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

Ningbo in East China's Zhejiang province has announced plans to build a world-class robots hub in collaboration with Robotdalen, a robots valley based in Västerås, Sweden.

Robotdalen, co-founded by the Swedish government, four renowned companies including Atlas Copco and two local universities in 2003, is considered the "heart" of Europe's robotics industry.

The Ningbo government signed an agreement with Robotdalen, Zhongrui Funing Robotics (Shenyang) Co Ltd and China Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation on Aug 27. The four parties will establish a joint-stock company for the investment, construction and operation of the robots hub in Ningbo.

According to the agreement, the most advanced robotics technologies, research and development teams, and the operation mode of Robotdalen will be introduced to the Ningbo hub. Eight platforms for R&D, incubation, industrialization, services, finance, high-caliber professionals, education and display will be built to form a complete industrial chain centering on innovation and interconnection.

Zheng Zhajie, Party chief of Ningbo, explained that the city is an important base for China's advanced manufacturing sector and its robots industry is developing fast. He hopes the construction of the robots hub could be more efficient based on Ningbo's solid industrial foundation and with wholehearted support from all parties.

Liu Qian, chairwoman of Zhongrui Funing, the only authorized Chinese partner of Robotdalen, said they will help Ningbo develop its smart economy by serving as a bridge between the city and overseas quality projects.

Zheng Zhajie, Party chief of Ningbo, has a meeting with representatives from relevant companies and institutes on the development of the robotics industry. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]