Taiwan Bets Big on Smart Robotics to Solve Labor Shortages and Bolster National Resilience
Taiwan to Implement Five-Year Robot Strategy
Hey there! Here's a quick run-down of Taiwan's newest venture—a five-year plan to ramp up its smart robotics industry.
Taiwan's aging population and dwindling workforce are causing concern, as the strain on the economy and the long-term care system becomes more pronounced. That's according to Peter Hong, who heads the National Science and Technology Council's (NSTC) Department of Engineering and Technologies. By year-end, over 20% of Taiwanese will be 65 or older, further reducing the nation's labor pool.
To combat this, the government announced the Smart Robotics Industry Promotion Plan. Over the next five years, they aim to revolutionize various sectors with robotics, thereby solving labor shortages and enhancing the nation's resilience during national emergencies.
This comprehensive plan touches on several industries key to the smart robotics sector, including artificial intelligence (AI), advanced chip manufacturing, sensors, material science, edge computing, and mechanical design. By investing in these domains, Taiwan aims to rival global leaders in robotics.
The initiative plans to bolster the value of service-oriented robotics companies from NT$4 billion to NT$50 billion over the next five years. Also, tech and robotics industry parks will be set up in Tainan's Shalun (沙崙) and Lioujia (六甲) districts, complementing an expanding manufacturing center in Liouying District (柳營). These industrial parks will together create a tech industry corridor in Taiwan's south.
Taiwan's robotics industry, despite its leadership in advanced semiconductors and technology, has lagged behind competitors. To maintain its competitive edge, Taiwan must bridge this gap, protecting its national cybersecurity and catering to society's needs.
The NSTC intends to close this capability gap, focusing on integrating upstream enterprises with domestic part manufacturers already in play. Taiwan's drive to leapfrog into the smart robotics sector will prioritize technology that can be applied to healthcare, the restaurant and hospitality sectors, aiming to have Taiwanese-made robots in these sectors within two years.
In conclusion, Taiwan's five-year plan is a comprehensive approach to boost its smart robotics industry, emphasizing AI, national contingency response, and further increasing the production value of its robotics companies. By actively engaging in R&D, international collaboration, and showcasing innovative robotics brands, Taiwan hopes to reinforce its standing in the global robotics market.
[1] Enrichment Data Source - Smart Robotics Plan Aims[2] Enrichment Data Source - NSTC Budget[3] Enrichment Data Source - Promoted Taiwanese Brands[4] Enrichment Data Source - Enhanced National Resilience
The Smart Robotics Industry Promotion Plan, an initiative by Taiwan's government, aims to revolutionize various sectors using robotics, such as artificial intelligence (AI), while enhancing the nation's resilience during national emergencies. In order to rival global leaders in robotics, Taiwan plans to invest in domains including AI, advanced chip manufacturing, sensors, material science, edge computing, and mechanical design.
