GENERAL NEWS
China overtakes the USA in robot density
According to the World Robotics 2022 Report , China ’ s massive investment in industrial robotics has put the country in the top ranking of robot density , surpassing the United States for the first time . The number of operational industrial robots relative to the number of workers hit 322 units per 10,000 employees in the manufacturing industry . Today , China ranks in fifth place . The world ´ s top five most automated countries in manufacturing ( 2021 ) are South Korea ; Singapore ; Japan ; Germany and China .
“ Robot density is a key indicator of automation adoption in the manufacturing industry around the world ,” said Marina Bill , President of the International Federation of Robotics . “ The new average of global robot density in the manufacturing industry surged to 141 robots per 10,000 employees – more than double the number six years ago . China ’ s
Marina Bill , President , IFR . rapid growth shows the power of its investment so far , but it still has much opportunity to automate .”
Driven by the high volume of robot installations in recent years , Asia ’ s average robot density surged by 18 % compound annual growth rate ( CAGR ) since 2016 to 156 units per 10,000 employees in 2021 . European robot density had been growing by 8 % ( CAGR ) in the same period of time reaching 129 units . In the Americas , it was 117 robots ; plus 8 % ( CAGR ).
The Republic of Korea hit an all-time high of 1,000 industrial robots per 10,000 employees in 2021 . This is more than three times the number reached in China and makes the country number one worldwide . With its globally recognized electronics industry and a distinct automotive sector , the Korean economy profits from two large customer industries for industrial robots .
“ Singapore takes second place with a rate
of 670 robots per 10,000 employees in 2021 . Singapore ’ s robot density had been growing by 24 % on average each year since 2016 . There is a remarkable gap to Japan ( 399 robots per 10,000 employees ) which ranks third . Japan ’ s robot density had grown by 6 % on average each year since 2016 . Germany in fourth place ( 397 units ) is the largest robot market in Europe ,” said the IFR .
China , however , is by far the fastest growing robot market in the world . The country has the highest number of annual installations , and since 2016 it has each year registered the largest operational stock of robots .
Robot density in the United States rose from 255 units in 2020 to 274 units in 2021 . The country ranks ninth in the world , down from seventh – now head-to-head with Taiwan ( 276 units ) and behind Hong Kong ( 304 units ) and Sweden ( 321 units ). n
An eye on Italy
In the fourth quarter of 2022 , the index of machine tool orders processed by the UCIMU-Sistemi Per Produrre association , marked a 3.5 % increase compared to the October-December 2021 period . The absolute value of the index stood at 133.6 ( base year 2015 = 100 ).
“ The outcome was due to the [ strong ] trend of orders from overseas , as well as the excellent results in the domestic market . In particular , overseas orders grew by 2.4 % compared to the same period in the previous year ,” explained the Italian machine tool , robots , automation systems and ancillary products manufacturers ’ association .
On the domestic front , collected orders registered a 5.4 % upturn . The absolute value of the index at 257 is at a new all-time high .
Barbara Colombo , President of UCIMU- Sistemi Per Produrre , commented : “ The excellent outcome was mostly due to the accelerated purchasing decisions of end users , who completed their investment processes by the end of last year to take advantage of the tax credit at 40 %, aware that – as announced by the Italian Government – the tax rate would be halved from January 2023 .”
However , on an annual basis , the index of orders shows a -7.8 % downturn for an absolute value of 120.1 . The decrease was due to a reduction in orders in the Italian market ( -20.8 %). On the other hand , overseas orders were on the rise (+ 2.8 %). “ With reference to the 12-month period , the downturn in the domestic market is not
Barbara Colombo , President , UCIMU .
surprising ; we cannot expect the Italian market to keep on growing at the pace registered over the last two years . That said , the demand expressed in Italy remains dynamic because the process of digital transformation is in full swing ,” continued Barbara Colombo .
“ It is therefore necessary to ensure continuity of the [ Industry ] -4.0 measures in effect for over five years , which should continue and even , if possible , increase . While understanding the choice made by the Italian Government that gave priority to measures aimed at reducing the impact of high energy costs on the whole population , private citizens and enterprises , we stress again that it is necessary to confirm applicability of the 4.0 provisions under the same conditions established until 2022 .”
The association wishes the 40 % rate in the calculation of tax credit to be maintained for 2023 . From January 2023 , it pointed out , the rate will be halved unless amendments are made . This , it believes , will reduce the propensity of Italian end users to invest in new production technologies . It is also asking for a three-month postponement , from 31 September to 31 December 2023 , of delivery times for machines ordered by 31 December 2022 ( for which a 20 % down payment has already been made ).
“ In this way , manufacturers could absorb the delays in deliveries of electrical and electronic components suffered over the production phase ,” it explained .
“ Moreover , in the medium and long term , we also think that , in addition to the tax credit for new investments in digital and interconnected technologies , a further measure should be implemented ( to also be used in a cumulative way ) which might materialise into a tax credit for sustainability ,” added Barbara Colombo .
LAMIERA , the international exhibition dedicated to sheet-metal forming and cutting machines and related technologies , is scheduled to take place at fieramilano Rho in Milan ( Italy ) from 10-13 May 2023 . Promoted by UCIMU-Sistemi Per Produrre and organised by CEU-Centro Esposizioni UCIMU , LAMIERA will take place in partial conjunction with ‘ Made in Steel ’, the exhibition dedicated to the steel production chain , which will be held in the halls next to those occupied by LAMIERA . Read our ‘ Made in Steel ’ show preview on page 46 . n
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