Jang Seob Yoon
Research expert covering South Korea
Industrial robots in South Korea - statistics and facts
Industrial robots provide an efficient way to conduct business while also alleviating workplace hazards and risks in sensitive work environments. South Korea has been among the leading countries in industrial robot usage worldwide, with the industry also being officially supported and developed by the government. With the development of Industry 4.0 and the gradual adoption of disruptive technologies in smart factories, South Korean companies are pushing towards developing their competencies regarding robots.
What is Industry 4.0?
Modern businesses are striving to adapt digital technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and 5G connectivity in production facilities. Rapid communication between smart machinery will enable factories to have a fluid and responsive manufacturing system that can optimize itself in real-time. Ideally, successful implementation will lead to the next step in efficiency for manufacturing operations. Recent robotics trends indicate awareness in being more environmentally friendly, such as energy efficiency and the renewal or upscaling of older models. Additionally, easing utilization for end users is another point of interest, while digital automation and AI continue to gain traction in the industry.How is the robot industry developing in South Korea?
As an integral part of the next industrial revolution, the robot industry has become a focus point for the future of many sectors. In the manufacturing sector, industrial robots are expected to be in high demand in the Asia Pacific region. This interest is not only limited to purchasing industrial robots. Many of the major Asian electronics and motor vehicle companies are also actively researching and actively developing robot patents. South Korea was relatively new in entering the robotics market from an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) perspective, with most of the leading companies being around a decade old in terms of establishment. Nevertheless, both the public and private sector in South Korea were pulling in the same direction, and the government presented an ambitious plan to help the establishment of smart factories in the future.Accelerating after global shifts
Despite turbulent times in recent years, the industry remains positive. Following the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea, social distancing measures were implemented in everyday life and in the workplace. Results of a survey conducted among domestic robot company executives depicted optimismic views on the potential of the industry moving forward. Coupled with the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), the prospect of automation via robots is becoming increasingly attractive, and South Korea aims to be a major player in the market going forward.
