An international exhibition featuring a variety of metal cutting machine tools and industrial robots raised its curtain in Ningbo, Zhejiang province on March 15.

With a total display area of 35,000 square meters and more than 1,600 standard booths, the four-day event attracted international exhibitors from 11 countries and regions including the United States, Japan and Germany.

"The exhibition is not just a showcase of products, but a demonstration of the exhibitors' manufacturing strengths," said a staff member of the organizing team.

Most of the products on exhibit have been automated and the work efficiency of the equipment has been greatly improved.

"Companies are in great demand of robots," said Xiang Wende, who runs a company manufacturing stainless steel products in Ningbo. Several years ago, Xiang applied robots for welding work. In his view, small enterprises are capable of improving their product mix by introducing fine equipment.

Song Xiaohu is a senior engineer from Ningbo Moke Robot Technology Co Ltd, a popular exhibitor at the exhibition. He was impressed by the changes on the application of robots over the past years.

"Since two years ago, we've received an increasing number of orders from small and medium-sized enterprises," Song recalled. However, he also pointed out the current problem, which is that purchasers prefer imported robots ahead of robots from domestic brands.

"Besides selling internationally known robots, we should hunt for global talents and build our own brands," Song said.

Visitors admire the robotic products at the exhibition in Ningbo, Zhejiang province. [Photo/gkzhan.com]