South Korea becomes first nation to replace 10% workforce with robots



An annual survey by World Robotics 2024 unveils that South Korea has emerged as the first nation in robotics adoption, boasting 1,102 robots for every 10,000 employees, a staggering figure that puts it far ahead of other nations.

According to the report, the country has replaced 10% of its workforce with robots and its focus on automation underscores a broader shift in workforce strategies worldwide.

With robot density nearly double that of Singapore, its closest competitor (770 robots per 10,000 workers), South Korea is setting new benchmarks in using technology to replace human labour in the industrial and service sectors. In comparison, the global average robot density stands at just 162 robots per 10,000 workers, a testament to South Korea’s aggressive automation strategy.

South Korea has become the first country to replace over 10% of its workforce with robots, marking a significant milestone in automation. According to the World Robotics 2024 report by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the nation boasts a robot density of 1,102 robots per 10,000 employees, the highest globally.

This surge in automation is driven by South Korea's robust electronics and automotive industries, which are the largest consumers of industrial robots. To further bolster this growth, the South Korean government has introduced the Fourth Intelligent Robot Basic Plan, allocating $2.4 billion in public and private investments by 2030. The plan aims to increase the domestic manufacturing rate of core robot components from 44% to 80%.

Beyond manufacturing, robots are increasingly integrated into sectors like healthcare, hospitality, logistics, and agriculture. This widespread adoption addresses demographic challenges, particularly the nation's shrinking working-age population due to low birth rates. By embracing robotics, South Korea aims to sustain productivity and tackle labor shortages across industries.

As nations worldwide grapple with the implications of automation, South Korea's approach serves as both a model and a cautionary tale. The rise of robotics highlights the urgent need for workforce adaptation, reskilling initiatives, and policy planning to navigate the evolving employment landscape.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Beyond manufacturing: Cobots in healthcare, labs, and food service

Image
When you hear the word “robot”, you probably picture a massive, unmoving arm on an assembly line, precisely welding car parts or lifting heavy machinery. And for good reason – industrial robots have revolutionized manufacturing for decades.  But a new breed of robotic assistants, collaborative robots or cobots, are breaking free from the factory floor, proving their versatility and value in an array of surprising environments. Designed to work safely alongside humans, cobots are now making significant inroads into fields like healthcare, laboratory research, and even food service, transforming how we approach tasks in these diverse sectors. Healthcare: A helping hand for professionals and patients In the fast-paced and often understaffed world of healthcare, cobots are emerging as invaluable allies. They aren’t replacing human caregivers but rather augmenting their capabilities, taking on repetitive or physically demanding tasks that free up medical professionals to focus on direct...
Read more

GreenBot unveils autonomous system for weeding woody crop areas

Image
The   GreenBot   project has taken a key step towards sustainable agriculture with the field deployment of a high-precision autonomous vehicle designed for the smart and localized control of weeds in woody crops such as almond, citrus, and olive trees. This breakthrough, made possible thanks to a public-private partnership, integrates artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and machine vision to optimize the use of plant protection products, reduce costs, and mitigate the environmental impact of intensive farming. A tech response to an agronomic challenge Weeds pose a constant threat to agricultural production, with estimated crop yield losses of up to 40%. Conventional control methods, based on the widespread application of herbicides, are not only costly (up to 30% of production costs) but also harmful to the environment due to drift or runoff. GreenBot addresses this problem through a precise and targeted approach, adapted to the complex environment of woody crops, where ac...
Read more

Robotics & automation firm Addverb Technologies to further expand globally

Image
  Addverb Technologies Accelerates Global Expansion Addverb Technologies, one of India’s fastest-growing robotics and automation companies, is setting a bold course toward global dominance. Known for its cutting-edge solutions in intralogistics, warehouse automation, and smart factories, the Noida-based firm is now amplifying its footprint across the globe and the timing couldn’t be more perfect. Global Vision Backed by Innovation Since its inception, Addverb has been redefining the automation landscape with innovative products like mobile robots, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), shuttle-based systems, and intelligent software platforms. Their flagship robots — including Dynamo , Zippy , and Quadron — have earned acclaim for their adaptability across industries such as e-commerce, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. Now, with strategic backing from global players and a surge in demand for automation post-pandemic, Addverb is pushing its boundaries beyond the I...
Read more