BEIJING - The China Robot Industry Association was launched here on Sunday to promote the application of robot technologies and products.

The association was initiated by the China Machinery Industry Federation (CMIF) as a non-profit organization that will focus on robot research and development, production and utilization.

Compared with developed countries, China's robot sector has witnessed slower growth, weaker technology strength, as well as lower market share and less added value, said Wang Ruixiang, president of the CMIF.

At present, foreign brands dominate more than 90 percent of China's robot market, Wang said. "The country's robot sector faces an urgent task of enhancing product quality and achieving sustainable development."

The robot association has 77 members, including major enterprises in the sector and research institutes.

Members will cooperate on robot technology, the market and intellectual property rights to popularize the use of products.

China's robot market represents a fifth of the world market. In 2011,robot imports rose 62 percent to 38,000 units with a total value of $866 million, Wang said.