Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of domestic innovation and technology in the welding automation industry, highlighting the shift from reliance on imports to self-sufficiency and intelligent manufacturing solutions [1][36]. Group 1: Event Overview - The "2025 Annual Welding Industry Innovation Technology and Application Seminar" was held in Wuhu, focusing on "independent leadership in import substitution and intelligent driving of industrial evolution" [1]. - The event featured factory tours showcasing Efort's laser welding solutions for new energy vehicle components and visual inspection solutions, demonstrating the company's advancements in welding automation [3]. Group 2: Efort's Strategic Development - Efort's Executive President Wang Fukan outlined a strategic vision for domestic industrial robots, detailing a six-phase development plan from 2007 to 2028, aiming for an annual production of 50,000 units by 2026-2028 [6]. - The company aims to establish itself as the "first brand of industrial robots in China" and enter the global top tier by 2029 [6]. Group 3: Market Challenges and Opportunities - Wang Fukan noted the challenges of reduced external demand and intense competition but emphasized the vast potential for import substitution and government policy support [7]. - Efort's strategy focuses on targeting high-demand sectors such as automotive and heavy-duty applications, enhancing product capabilities, and building an integrated ecosystem with partners [7]. Group 4: Technological Innovations - Efort's advancements in welding technology were highlighted, showcasing the transition from automation to intelligent decision-making, with a focus on platform-based development [10][12]. - The market share of Efort's arc welding robots increased from 2% in 2022 to 6% in 2023, attributed to the implementation of a platform strategy [12]. Group 5: Software and Ecosystem Development - Efort's software platform is fully autonomous and modular, supporting flexible development and integration with hardware [26]. - The company emphasizes the importance of building an open ecosystem, collaborating with partners to enhance industry capabilities and drive innovation [34]. Group 6: Case Studies and Practical Applications - Successful collaborations with clients like China Railway Construction Heavy Industry showcased Efort's capabilities in high-end equipment manufacturing, demonstrating the effectiveness of its robots in complex applications [29]. - Efort's robots have been successfully implemented in various automotive welding lines, breaking the monopoly of foreign brands and proving the viability of domestic alternatives [30]. Group 7: Conclusion - The seminar served as a platform for showcasing Efort's technological achievements and underscored the shift in the welding industry towards intelligent automation and domestic innovation [35]. - Efort aims to continue its journey towards becoming a leader in the industrial robot sector, driven by a commitment to self-reliance and collaboration within the industry [36].