The World Robotics report presented by the International Federation of Robotics 
(IFR) shows a new record stock of about 300,000 operational industrial robots 
in the Republic of Korea in 2018 (+10%). Within five years, the country has 
doubled its number of industrial robots. Following Japan and China, the country 
ranked third in 2018. But the dynamics of robot installations has decreased in 
recent years and for 2019 a continued decrease is expected. 

"Robot installations declined by 5% to 37,807 units in 2018," says Junji Tsuda, 
President of the International Federation of Robotics. "Both, the 
electrical/electronics industry and the automotive industry reduced 
installations – together they account for 82% of total demand."

Trade dispute 
South Korea is affected by the US-China trade dispute: China is an important 
export destination for Korea's intermediate products. The conflict could result 
in decreasing demand from China. In contrast, Korean products might substitute 
Chinese products. But currently, the South Korean economy is in troubled 
waters. 

In the long run, the extensive use of robots is vital in order to maintain 
competitiveness. Korea's population is ageing rapidly. This helps to explain 
why South Korea has already embraced robots, where "robot density" in 
manufacturing ranks second place in the world - following Singapore. 

Korea´s Workforce Development 
The Workforce Development and Training Act, updated in 2019, is one important 
initiative in a series of government- driven programs. People get support to 
develop skills of how to handle robots and automated machines. The "Smart 
Manufacturing Innovation Strategy" announced the build-up of 50,000 smart 
factory workers by 2022. 

Press release full lengths: https://ifr.org/ifr-press-releases/

About IFR 
The International Federation of Robotics: www.ifr.org 

Press contact 
econNEWSnetwork
Carsten Heer 
phone +49 (0) 40 822 44 284 
E-Mail: press@ifr.org

SOURCE: The International Federation of Robotics