China's labor shortage is serious
Taking Mingzhi Science and Technology, a casting enterprise in Jiangsu, as an example, six robots are used in the production of automobile engine components. There will be more grinding robots in 2014. "There is a limit to reliance on manpower. We hope to use robots to improve the production efficiency of the factory, "the company's equipment manager stressed so.
"For what purposes?" In December 2013, no less than Vietnam held an unprecedented grand exhibition of new robots at the factory in Zhangjiagang City, Jiangsu Province. About 20 local enterprises engaged in casting and bolt processing participated in the seminar. Participants were deeply attracted by the high-speed and accurate movements of robots used for assembly and painting.
According to the International Federation of Robots (IFR), China's market will reach 28,000 units in 2014, which is expected to keep pace with Japan. By 2015, it will reach 34,000 units, 3,000 more than Japan, and become the world's largest demand country for industrial robots. China's demand in 2005 was only 4,500 units. In other words, it will increase to eight times in 10 years.
One of the reasons why China began to introduce robots actively is the shortage of manpower. Mingzhi Technological Equipment Manager said with a gloomy expression, "Because of the harsh working environment, young people will resign in less than three months."
In China, due to the influence of family planning policy, the working-age population (15-59 years old) turned to decrease in 2012. At the same time, with the continuous development of higher education, young people tend to refuse the "3K (hard, dirty, dangerous) working environment", and labor costs also rise. China's leadership has proposed that per capita income in 2020 will double that in 2010. In the surrounding areas of Suzhou, wages have nearly doubled compared with five years ago.
Anchuan Electric said that every introduction of a small multi-joint robot can replace the workload of two workers, and the cost can be recovered in two years. Five years ago, cost recovery took three to four years. Contrary to the rising labor costs, the recovery time of robot costs is shortening, which will also promote the popularity of robots.
The Chinese government is also actively committed to the cultivation of its robotic industry. In the 12th Five-Year Plan to 2015, China's leadership has shifted its focus on the quality of growth. Especially in the field of robotics industry, which is conducive to the improvement of production efficiency and quality, it will promote the cultivation and industrialization of talents with the strength of the whole country. Anchuan Electric Machinery China General Representative Fujito Yingshu analysis said: at present is "China's manufacturing industry transformation period".
For Chinese users, "system construction and maintenance after introduction will be a subject". The deputy general manager of an automobile air-conditioning parts manufacturer in Shanghai, which has introduced two robots, points out so. To make effective use of robots, it is necessary to build an automated production line to meet the needs of customers, but there is a shortage of technicians who can accomplish this task.
Actively cultivate technical personnel
In May 2013, Changzhou Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Technology of Jiangsu Province set up a training institution for robotics technicians. Chen Xiaoyan, a teacher at the school, said: "It is helpful for China's industrial upgrading to train people skilled in using robots." A total of 17 robots will be provided by Anchuan Electric Machinery and Electrical Equipment Company. Students will learn about robotic manipulation from welding to handling and assembling on the manufacturing front line.
In universities and national research institutes, relevant research has been started more than 10 years ago, in the form of venture enterprises, has begun to achieve results. One of them is Shenyang Xinsong Robot Automation Company. The Shenyang Institute of Automation, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a government-affiliated research institute, is a major shareholder in the company. Its products are welding, painting and handling robots used in automobile factories. Sales in 2012 amounted to 1.04 billion yuan, an increase of 30% over the previous year.
The number of Chinese enterprises entering this field has also increased since 2010. Compared with the latest robots in Japan and Europe, there are still gaps in technology, but through continuous accumulation of production experience.
