No More Humans: Foxconn Deploys 40,000 Robots In China
No More Humans: Foxconn Deploys 40,000 Robots In China
October 13, 2016, 10:21:26 am HKT
Foxconn has deployed 40,000 robots in its factories in
mainland China as it aims to reduce the number of workers at its plants
creating digital devices.
Dai Chia-peng, general manager of the automation
technology development committee of Foxconn, said during an interview with
local Chinese media that those robots are basically made by Foxconn itself,
except for some parts like servo motors and reducers that come from other
parties.
Those robots were deployed to Foxconn's manufacturing
base in Zhengzhou, a panel factory in Chengdu, and computer and peripherals
factories in Kunshan and Jiashan.
Dai said currently Foxconn can produce 10,000 robots
annually. In the future, those robots are all potential replacements for human
labor. For the Kunshan factory alone, Foxconn has cut 60,000 employees.
Prior to this, labor costs in mainland China were lower
than robots; therefore, Foxconn maintained nearly one million workers. However,
with the increase of labor costs and the younger generation's lack of interest
in production line work, many companies have launched huge investments in
automation.
Dai also revealed that apart from making robots on its
own, Foxconn may acquire other robot manufacturers. In addition, Foxconn plans
to create robots for medical and health applications.
Comments
Post a Comment