Boston consulting firm: Robots will accelerate the replacement of human workers

In the next 10 years, cheaper and better robots will accelerate the replacement of human workers in factories around the world, compressing the manufacturing workforce by 16%, according to a Tuesday report by the Boston consulting firm, the morning News of Beijing time, February 11.

The Boston consulting firm predicts that from now until 2025, 25 of the largest export countries or regions will achieve an annual 10% increase in investment in industrial robots, which is higher than the current 2% to 3% per cent rate. Although investment increases, it can reap lower costs and higher efficiency.

The robots will cut South Korea's labor costs by 33%, Japan by 25%, Canada by 24% and the US and Taiwan by 22%. In fact, only 10% of all jobs that automate can be done by robots. The Boston consulting firm expects the proportion to exceed 25% in 2025.

The cost of robots is falling, for example, the cost of owning and using robotic welders has fallen from $182,000 trillion in 2005 to $133,000 last year and will be reduced to $103,000 in 2025.

Newer devices can do more work: older robots can only be used in predictable environments, and new robots can use advanced sensors to cope with unexpected situations.

In another report, the Royal Bank of Canada's asset management company points out that the reprogramming speed of robots has been much faster and more efficient than humans, and can be readjusted when products are updated or upgraded – an important step in an era of rapid replacement of smartphones and products.

"As human costs rise around the world, it is important to take swift steps to increase the capacity of each employee to maintain a competitive advantage," he said. "Harold Sirkin, a senior partner at Boston Consulting, said," Companies have found that advances in robotics and other manufacturing technologies provide the best opportunity for Harod Hilkin to boost productivity. ”

The Boston consulting firm conducted a study last year on 21 industries in 25 countries, interviewed many experts and customers, and provided advisory support for Government and industry reports.

The rise of robots will not be confined to developed countries, and even lower-paid mainland China can use robots to reduce labor costs by 18%.

The increase in automation may change the location decision of the enterprise when it is under construction. Boston Consulting firms believe that manufacturing companies will no longer simply pursue cheap labour. Fewer people will be employed in the factory, and the remaining workers may have higher skills. This could attract more manufacturing companies to move back to the US from lower-paid emerging markets.

(Responsible editor: Mengyishan)