Storyline: Robots, drones push carbon fiber demand to new heights in China [Voice_over] From robots to drones, carbon fiber is fast becoming the material of choice for an array of next-gen innovations in China, fueling demand for the lightweight composite at an unprecedented rate. For exoskeletons, in particular, researchers say carbon fiber is a game-changer that offers robust strength and flexible design at a fraction of the weight of iron and steel. [Sound_bite] Wang Hongwu, director, robot center, Shanghai research institute: "The weight of exoskeletons has been reduced from 3.4 kilos to just 2.2 kilos. Nearly half of the product's weight comes from carbon fiber materials. These products are mainly used for elderly care and rehabilitation applications." [Voice_over] Beyond robotics, the aviation and electric vehicle industries are also driving demand for carbon fiber. At a drone factory in the eastern Chinese city of Shaoxing, a 500-kilo fixed-wing drone recently rolled off the production line, with 60 percent of its structure crafted from carbon fiber. [Sound_bite] Gao Lin, production director, drone manufacturer: "The exterior components - including the skin and wing surfaces - are primarily made of carbon fiber. This is because carbon fiber offers significant advantages in both strength and weight reduction." [Voice_over] Carbon fiber is also an essential performance enabler in electric vertical take-off and landing, or eVTOL aircraft, with each vehicle typically requiring 100 to 400 kilograms. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]