GENERAL NEWS
Global robot density nearly doubles
The use of industrial robots in factories around the world is accelerating at a high rate ; 126 robots per 10,000 employees is the new average of global robot density in the manufacturing industries . This is nearly double the number five years ago ( 2015 : 66 units ) according to the 2021 World Robot Report .
By region , the average robot density in Asia / Australia is 134 units , in Europe it is 123 units and in the Americas 111 units . The top five most automated countries in the world are : South Korea , Singapore , Japan , Germany and Sweden .
“ Robot density is the barometer to track the degree of automation adoption in the manufacturing industry around the world ,” said Milton Guerry , President of the International Federation of Robotics ( IFR ).
According to the IFR , the development of robot density in China is the most dynamic worldwide . Due to the significant growth of robot installations , the density rate rose from 49 units in 2015 to 246 units in 2020 . Today , China ’ s robot density ranks ninth globally compared to 25th just five years ago .
“ Asia is also the home of the country with the world ´ s highest robot density in the manufacturing industry ; the Republic of Korea has held this position since 2010 . The country ’ s robot density exceeds the global average seven-fold ( 932 units per 10,000 workers ). Robot density had been increasing by 10 % on average each year since 2015 . With its globally recognized electronics industry and a distinct automotive industry , the Korean economy is based on the two largest areas for industrial robots ,” said the IFR .
Singapore takes second place with a rate of 605 robots per 10,000 employees in 2020 . Singapore ’ s robot density had been growing by 27 % on average each year since
Robot deburring cell with the Yaskawa handling robot which is deburring and chamfering various types of gearing components . ( Image : © Yaskawa .)
2015 . Japan ranked third in the world – in 2020 , 390 robots were installed per 10,000 employees in the manufacturing industry . Japan is the world ´ s predominant industrial robot manufacturer . The production capacity of Japanese suppliers reached 174,000 units in 2020 . Today , Japan ´ s manufacturers deliver 45 % of the global robot supply .
The IFR confirmed that robot density in the United States rose from 176 units in 2015 to 255 units in 2020 . The country ranks seventh in the world , ahead of Taiwan ( 248 units ) and China ( 246 units ). The modernisation of domestic production facilities has boosted robot sales in the United States . The use of industrial robots also helps to achieve decarbonisation targets e . g . in the cost-efficient production of solar panels and in the continued transition towards electric vehicles . Several car manufacturers have announced investments to further equip their factories for new electric drive car models or to increase capacity for battery production . These major projects will create demand for industrial robots in the next few years .
“ Europe ´ s most automated country is Germany , ranking fourth worldwide with 371 units . The annual supply had a share of 33 % of total robot sales in Europe 2020 ( 38 % of Europe ’ s operational stock is in Germany ). The German robotics industry is recovering , mainly driven by strong overseas business rather than through the domestic or European market . Robot demand in Germany is expected to grow slowly , mainly supported by demand for low-cost robots in the general industries and outside traditional manufacturing ,” added the IFR .
France has a robot density of 194 units ( ranking 16th in the world ), which is well above the global average of 126 robots and relatively similar to other EU countries such as Spain ( 203 units ), Austria ( 205 units ) or The Netherlands ( 209 units ). EU members like Sweden ( 289 units ), Denmark ( 246 units ) or Italy ( 224 units ) have a significantly higher degree of automation in the manufacturing segment .
As the only G7 country , the UK has a robot density below the world average of 126 units with 101 units , ranking 24th . Five years ago , the UK ´ s robot density was 71 units . The exodus of foreign labour after Brexit increased the demand for robots in 2020 . This situation is expected to prevail in the near future : the modernisation of the UK manufacturing industry will also be boosted by massive tax incentives , the ‘ super deduction ’. From April 2021 until March 2023 , companies can claim 130 % of capital allowances as a tax relief for plant and machinery investments . n
6 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR February 2022