The Ministry of Transport and Communications has published a study comparing the use of robotics in six countries. The comparison reveals that the goals of using robotics are the same in every country; a transfer from production lines to robotics also in the services sector is underway.
The study explains how robotics is used and advanced in Sweden, the Netherlands, Japan, South-Korea, the United States and Great Britain. Based on the comparison between the countries it also includes suggestions for measures in which to invest in Finland.
According to the study robotics is used as a tool to respond to challenges that are mainly the same in every country. These include the ageing of the population, improving productivity and competitiveness, easing the labour shortage, improving the efficiency and quality of health care services, and safeguarding the energy supply. The strategies applied in each country in meeting these challenges are also similar.
Countries that have successfully used robotics all have clear strategies and policy measures for promoting it. A successful cooperation between the operators in the robotics sector and the opportunity to invest in research and development are the key drivers in the industry. Robotics seems to be directly linked with the competitiveness of businesses and states as it boosts production.
The direction in the development of robotics is also the same in every country. In future, robots will work not only in production lines but also assisting people in the service provision. For example, elderly people will be able to lead an independent life at home if they get help in everyday tasks from robots.
The study is part of a Government key project on building a growth environment for digital business. The aim of the measures is to promote the use and development of robotics in Finland.
