The world already experienced the rise of the robots once, but not in the apocalyptic sense envisioned by early science fiction writers and Hollywood directors, and Japan played a pivotal role in making it happen. For decades, Japan has been the leading provider of industrial robots to the world, using cutting-edge technologies to offer solutions to the soaring global demand to enhance productivity. The
, most notably the automobile industry, and the electronics industry, for instance in the production of smartphones and computers.
Enhancing productivity - industrial robots
Industrial robots make up the core of the robotics industry in Japan. They are employed in various manufacturing industries, taking over well-defined repetitive tasks. Industrial robots are used by Japanese companies to enhance productivity and efficiency, circumvent labor shortages, and improve product quality and safety. This is especially relevant in the context of the harsh population decline and related labor shortage of Japan's aging society. Heightened productivity is also very beneficial for domestic companies when competing on the international market. Japan is one of the countries that has the highest industrial robot penetration rates in manufacturing, meaning that the
employee-robot ratio is comparatively high, especially in the automobile manufacturing industry. Japan can look back on a long legacy in robotics, as the economic miracle during the 1970s and 1980s created tremendous workforce demand that could only be satisfied by the implementation of industrial robots. Despite its impressive heritage,
the industry keeps evolving, showing that there is still ample room for growth.
The government's vision and the place of service robots
In its Science and Technology Basic Plans, which set national policy guidelines for science and technology innovation, the government of Japan has emphasized the further development and use of artificial intelligence (AI), robots, the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data. “Society 5.0” is envisioned to integrate technological solutions fully into the infrastructure of households, industries, and the public. Consequently, the scope and importance of robotics will most likely increase further, as it is regarded as a central piece for further economic and social development. The growth pace and future viability of the robotics industry is exemplified, for instance, by the
positive outlooks for the domestic logistics and robot market, and the emerging field of service robots. Service robots are more complex than industrial robots and offer an extremely broad field of possible application. This includes, among others, healthcare, exploration, military purposes, and the entertainment industries. The
service robots segment is still in its infancy, as the technological and financial barrier for their use is still high. However, advancements in artificial intelligence have further opened avenues for service- and personal use robots.
High expectations for the future
Industrial robots will continue to contribute to solving some of Japan’s most pressing issues, such as alleviating labor force shortages, and improving productivity and efficiency in the manufacturing sector. Meanwhile, expectations toward service robots rise, as they could revolutionize society in a myriad of ways, for instance in the logistics industry, or by taking up a supporting role in healthcare. The rise of service robots is probably an inevitability that will descend upon the world eventually, and Japan is positioned in a prime spot to take the initiative in this regard.
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