Over the past few years, Countries worldwide have been showing growing interest in robotics and automation and investing in robotics to support developments in industry and society. We at EqualOcean tracked the exact targets of robotics research funding programs (R&D) officially driven by governments in Asia.
China's Robot Policies
China is a country that has been making significant investments in the robotics industry in recent years. In 2015, the Chinese government launched the "Made in China 2025" initiative, which focuses on developing the robotics industry. The initiative aims to make China a world leader in advanced manufacturing, and robotics is seen as a key technology to achieve this goal.
The Chinese government has also established the "China Robot Industry Alliance" (CRIA) to support the development of the robotics industry in the country. The alliance supports robotics research and development and organizes robotics competitions and events to promote the technology.
The Chinese government has recognized the potential impact of automation on the workforce. In 2017, the government launched the "New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan" to provide training and education programs to prepare workers for the changes brought about by automation.
Japan's Robot Policies
Japan is a country that has been at the forefront of robotics technology for decades. The Japanese government has been investing in robotics research and development since the 1980s, and today, the country is a world leader in the field.
The Japanese government has established the "Robot Revolution Realization Council" to support the development of the robotics industry in the country. The council brings together government, industry, and academia to promote the development and use of robotics in various industries.
The Japanese government has also recognized the potential impact of automation on the workforce. In 2015, the government launched the "Work Style Reform" initiative to promote a more flexible and productive work environment. The initiative includes a focus on using robotics and automation to increase productivity and reduce the workload of workers.
South Korea's Robot Policies
South Korea is a country that has been making significant investments in the robotics industry in recent years. In 2014, the South Korean government launched the "Creative Economy" initiative, which focuses on the development of the robotics industry. The initiative aims to promote using robotics in various industries to drive economic growth and create new employment opportunities.
The South Korean government has also established the "Korea Institute for Robot Industry Advancement" (KIRIA) to support the development of the robotics industry in the country. The institute supports robotics research and development and organizes robotics competitions and events to promote the technology.
The South Korean government has recognized the potential impact of automation on the workforce. In 2017, the government launched the "Human-Centered Fourth Industrial Revolution" initiative, which focuses on training and education programs to prepare workers for the changes brought about by automation.
Singapore's Robot Policies
Singapore is a small city-state that has made significant investments in the robotics industry recently. The Singaporean government has recognized the potential of robotics to drive economic growth and has taken steps to support the sector's development.
In 2016, the Singaporean government launched the "Industry Transformation Map" (ITM), which focuses on the development of the robotics industry. The ITM aims to promote robotics in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.
The Singaporean government has also established the "Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre" (ARTC) to support the development of the robotics industry in the country. The center supports robotics research and development and organizes robotics competitions and events to promote the technology.
The Singaporean government has recognized the potential impact of automation on the workforce. In 2018, the government launched the "SkillsFuture" initiative to provide training and education programs to prepare workers for the changes brought about by automation. The initiative aims to equip workers with the skills they need to stay relevant and competitive.
It is worth noting that the development of robotics technology and the policies surrounding it is challenging. One major challenge is the ethical implications of robotics and automation. As robots and automation become more prevalent in various industries, there is a need to address the ethical issues surrounding their use. These issues include the potential loss of jobs and the ethical implications of using robots in healthcare and the military.
Another challenge is the potential for increased economic inequality due to automation. While automation can drive economic growth and create new employment opportunities, it can also lead to job displacement and widen the gap between the rich and the poor. Governments need to address these challenges and ensure that the benefits of automation are shared equitably among all members of society.
While there are challenges to address, such as the ethical implications of robotics and the potential for increased economic inequality, the use of robotics and automation can drive economic growth and create new opportunities for employment.