The popularity of China-made intelligent robotic lawn mowers overseas is surprising, yet well-founded. Since integrating into the global division of labor, China has developed the world’s most comprehensive supply chains and advanced infrastructure networks. Against the backdrop of an ultra-large domestic market, many Chinese enterprises have cultivated a strong innovative mindset, R&D capabilities, and market instincts. They also excel at leveraging economies of scale to deliver high-quality, cost-effective new products that quickly gain market recognition.

Peng Zhiwei

In practice, two key conditions are typically required for blockbuster products: First, the product’s functionality must meet market needs and deliver outstanding user experiences. Second, suppliers need to combine sharp market insight, strong innovation capabilities, and first-class supply chain integration to provide consumers with high-value options.

In recent years, while achieving business expansion, a large number of Chinese enterprises have increasingly prioritized independent R&D. The growing share of knowledge- and technology-intensive products leads to a structural transition of traditional foreign trade dominated by the export of labor-intensive products. Notably, China’s economic opening-up has enabled many domestic companies to acquire advanced technologies and management expertise, while also becoming well-versed in international markets, standards, and economic and trade rules. The global popularity of robotic lawn mowers exemplifies the synergy between international market demand and homegrown innovation, marking another milestone in the country’s transition toward intelligent manufacturing.

Amid the current complex and severe international situation characterized by the rising tide of unilateralism and protectionism, the foundation of China’s economic recovery still needs to be further consolidated. The success of robotic lawn mowers demonstrates that high-quality foreign trade development requires more blockbuster products. Each tangible order strengthens the brand influence and global competitiveness of “Intelligent Manufacturing in China”, injecting momentum into the steady and sustained growth of the Chinese economy.

On one hand, government agencies must consistently align with high-standard international economic and trade rules, and accelerate the implementation of agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Practical efforts should be made to explore new opportunities for international economic and trade cooperation. Concrete measures include increasing export tax rebates, credit insurance, and financing support for enterprises, optimizing foreign trade facilitation measures, and actively fostering new foreign trade formats to support “going global” companies in better navigating international competition. At the same time, greater emphasis should be placed on intellectual property protection worldwide to stimulate innovation among all players in foreign trade, while effectively promoting industry-academia-research collaboration and cultivating versatile talent with international experience.

On the other hand, enterprises should draw on valuable experience and expedite their transition from basic processing to high-end intelligent manufacturing. In practice, enterprises in competitive sectors, such as textiles and apparel, engineering machinery, biomedicine, and new energy, should make fully leverage their supply chain strengths to optimize global production capacity. By enhancing market research, adaptability, and expansion, these companies can establish strong brand recognition through high-quality, best-selling new products. In addition, non-governmental organizations such as industry associations should actively support enterprises by providing overseas market insights and cross-cultural management training, and helping them understand international economic and trade rules, thereby enabling businesses to navigate global commerce confidently.

Looking ahead, despite the increasingly complex and even turbulent international situation, China’s economy is built on solid foundations, diverse strengths, strong resilience, and vast potential. The country is well-positioned to overcome risks and challenges, with its long-term growth trend remaining positive and unchanged. We can be confident that, thanks to countless diligent and ingenious Chinese engineers and craftsmen, more blockbuster products like robotic lawn mowers will keep rolling out.