The automation of manufacturing processes is increasing quite substantially worldwide. There are now 74 robot units per 10,000 workers in the manufacturing industry. In 2016, there were 66. Incidentally, with 99 robot units in Europe, the robot density is the highest of all continents.
This is all according to the 2018 World Robot Statistics, compiled by the International Federation of Robots (IFR). The top ten most automated countries are South Korea, Singapore, Germany, Japan, Sweden, Denmark, the US, Italy, Belgium and Taiwan. The Netherlands follows in twelfth place.
"Robot density is an excellent standard for comparing the automation rate of manufacturing industries in different countries," said Junji Tsuda, president of the International Federation of Robotics. "Due to the large number of robot installations in Asia in recent years, this region is experiencing the highest growth. Between 2010 and 2016, the average annual growth rate of robot density was 9 per cent in Asia, 7 per cent in the Americas and 5 per cent in Europe. "
Europe
Starting with our own little country, the Netherlands takes the 12th spot with a robot density of 153 units. The most automated country in Europe is Germany - third place globally with 309 units. The annual supply and operational stock of industrial robots in 2016 accounted for 36 per cent and 41 per cent of total robot sales in Europe, respectively. Between 2018 and 2020, Germany's annual supply will continue to grow by an average of 5 per cent per year due to increasing demand for robots in general industry and in the automotive industry.
France has a robot density of 132 units (18th in the world), which is well above the global average of 74 robots - but relatively weak compared to other EU countries. EU members such as Sweden (223 units), Denmark (211 units), Italy (185 units) and Spain (160 units) enjoy much higher levels of automation using industrial robots in the manufacturing segment. But under the new government, France is restoring competitiveness in its manufacturing sectors. To some extent, this may encourage the installation of new robots in the coming years. In 2017, the number of robot installations in France is expected to increase by about 10 per cent. Between 2018 and 2020, an average annual growth rate of between 5 and 10 per cent is likely.
As the only G7 country, the UK has a robot density lower than the world average of 74 units with 71 units, ranked 22nd. General industry urgently needs necessary investment to modernise and increase productivity. The low robot density is an indication of this fact. Despite the decision to leave the EU, there are currently many proposed investment plans for capacity expansion and modernisation from foreign and local automotive companies. However, it is not clear whether companies will hinder investment due to uncertainties related to customs duties.
Eastern European countries Slovenia (137 units, ranked 16th globally) and Slovakia (135 units, ranked 17th globally), both have robot density above Switzerland (128 units, ranked 19th globally). The Czech Republic ranks 20th globally with 101 units. Robot supplies in the Czech Republic and Slovakia depend mainly on demand from the automotive industry. Slovenia is the most successful in the Balkans, with 60 per cent of the total robot supply mainly used for the automotive industry (387 units, 33 per cent more than in 2015).
Asia
The development of robot density in China has been the most dynamic in the world. Due to the significant growth of robot installations, especially between 2013 and 2016, the density increased from 25 units in 2013 to 68 units in 2016. Today, China's robot density ranks 23rd worldwide. And the government plans to advance to the top 10 most intensively automated nations in the world by 2020. By then, robot density will rise to 150 units. Furthermore, it plans to sell a total of 100,000 domestically produced industrial robots by 2020 (2017: 27,000 units from Chinese robot suppliers, 60,000 from foreign robot suppliers).
Globally, the Republic of Korea has by far the highest robot density in manufacturing - a position it has held since 2010. The country's robot density exceeds the global average by a good eight times (631 units). This high growth is the result of continuous installations of a high volume of robots, especially in the electrical/electronic and automotive industries.
Singapore follows in second place with a rate of 488 robots per 10,000 workers in 2016. About 90 per cent of robots are installed in the electronics industry in Singapore.
Japan ranks fourth in the world with 303 robots installed per 10,000 manufacturing workers in 2016, behind Germany in third place (309 units). Japan is the world's largest producer of industrial robots: production capacity of Japanese suppliers reached 153,000 units in 2016 - the highest level ever measured. Today, Japanese manufacturers supply 52 per cent of global supply.
North America
Robot density in the United States rose significantly to 189 robots in 2016 - the country ranks seventh in the world. Since 2010, the necessary modernisation of domestic production facilities has boosted robot sales in the United States. The main driver of this growth has been the continuing trend to automate production to strengthen US industries in the global market and to keep production at home and, in some cases, to bring back production that had previously been shipped abroad. The automotive industry still remains the main customer of industrial robots with about 52 per cent of total sales in 2016. Sales of robots in the US will continue to grow at an average annual rate of 15 per cent between 2017 and 2020.
Robot density in Canada is on the rise, reaching 145 units in 2016 (13th globally). The growth was mainly due to installations in the automotive industry.
Mexico is mainly a manufacturing hub for car manufacturers and auto parts suppliers exporting to the United States and increasingly to South America. The automotive industry in Mexico is by far the most important robot customer with a share of 81 per cent in 2016. Robot density is at 33 units, which is still well below the world average of 74 units, 31st in the world rankings.
The importance of robotics
The importance of robotics has long been recognised in the Netherlands, and our country therefore has a strong position in the robotics market. Researchers and companies are strong in developing specific applications of robotics, for example in the agricultural sector. 'We' are also strong in 'systems thinking' and collaboration. But, there are also concerns. Investments, knowledge and skills are too much divided between regional projects and education does not pay enough attention to robotics, according to a recent survey. In a subsequent article, we will discuss the opportunities for Dutch robotics in more detail.
Source: IFR.org
