Industrial Revolution with Robots: Significant Increase in Global Robot Installations

Jakarta, INTI - In the modern industrial world, robotics technology has become a driving force behind massive transformations in manufacturing processes. The "World Robotics 2023 Industrial Robots" report provides a comprehensive overview of the latest trends in global industrial robot installations in 2022. With the number of installations reaching a new record, this article will delve into how these robots are reshaping the global industrial landscape, particularly in key sectors such as automotive and electronics. We will also explore the factors influencing this growth and its impact on the future of the industry.

New Record in Robot Installations The year 2022 marked a significant milestone for the robotics industry, with the number of robot installations reaching 553,052 units, surpassing the 500,000 mark for the second consecutive year. This is an increase of 5% from the previous year, which recorded 526,144 units. This growth underscores the importance of robotics in enhancing efficiency and productivity across various industrial sectors.

Two key industries contributing most to this increase are the automotive and electronics industries. The electronics industry, which has been the largest consumer of robots since 2020, accounted for 28% of total new installations in 2022, up 1% from the previous year. This growth was driven by increased demand for electronic devices such as semiconductors, telecommunications equipment, and consumer electronics. The automotive industry also showed significant growth, with 25% of total installations, up 3% from the previous year, driven by the transition to more environmentally friendly vehicle technologies.

Asia: The Center of Global Automation Asia has been the global manufacturing hub for decades, and this trend has been further reinforced by its dominance in industrial robot installations. In 2022, a total of 404,578 robot units were installed in Asia, accounting for 73% of all new installations worldwide. Three of the five largest markets for industrial robots are in Asia: China, Japan, and South Korea.

China, as a major player, recorded 290,258 robot installations, representing 52% of the global total. This means that every second robot installed worldwide is in China. This growth is unsurprising, given the country's massive efforts to increase manufacturing capacity and automation. Japan, the second-largest market in Asia, saw a 9% growth with 50,413 new robot units, while South Korea recorded 31,716 units with a stable growth of 1%.

Drivers of Growth in Asia The rapid growth of robot installations in Asia can be attributed to several key factors. First, the high global demand for electronic products, particularly semiconductors and communication devices, has driven Asian countries to increase their production capacity through automation. Second, a prolonged labor shortage in some Asian countries, especially due to the aging population in Japan and South Korea, has forced companies to turn to robotics as a solution to labor shortages.

Additionally, government policies that support automation have also played a crucial role. Many countries in Asia, including China, have launched various incentives to encourage the adoption of advanced technologies in the manufacturing sector. These programs, which include subsidies, tax exemptions, and other financial support, have made it easier for companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to adopt robotics.

Global Operational Robot Stock By the end of 2022, the global operational stock of industrial robots reached 3.9 million units, reflecting an average annual growth of 13% since 2017. China once again led with more than 1.5 million operational robot units, accounting for 38% of the global stock. This highlights the importance of automation in maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly tight global market.

In Europe, the operational robot stock reached 728,391 units, with more moderate but still significant growth. Meanwhile, the Americas had 491,535 operational robot units, an increase of 9% from the previous year. This growth in robot stock reflects the global trend moving towards full automation in manufacturing processes.

Impact on Other Industries In addition to the electronics and automotive industries, other sectors have also shown an increase in robot adoption. The metal and machinery industry remains the third-largest customer, with 12% of total installations, despite a 1% decrease from the previous year. This sector uses robots for various applications, from cutting and welding to assembly and painting.

The plastics and chemical products industry, as well as the food and beverage industry, also showed an increase in robot adoption, each accounting for 4% and 3% of total new installations, respectively. Although these numbers are relatively small compared to the electronics and automotive sectors, growth in these sectors indicates that robotics is becoming increasingly accepted across various fields of production.

Challenges and Opportunities Despite the significant increase in robot installations, challenges remain. Supply chain disruptions and raw material shortages are still major obstacles for some projects, although their impact was not as severe as in the previous year. On the other hand, the increasing adoption of robots also creates significant opportunities for industries to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.

However, the adoption of robotics also requires significant adjustments in workforce skills. Companies need to invest in training and skill development to ensure that their workforce can operate and maintain robotic technology. Additionally, further support from governments and industries is needed to help small and medium-sized companies overcome barriers to adopting this technology.

The industrial revolution driven by robotics is becoming more evident and is affecting nearly all manufacturing sectors worldwide. With the growing adoption of robots across various sectors, especially in Asia, we are witnessing a massive transformation in how production is conducted. While challenges remain, the potential for increased efficiency and productivity through automation is immense. In the future, we can expect to see more innovation and adoption of robotic technology in other industries, bringing us closer to a new era of industrial automation.