Robotics firm sees upside in low-tech PH workplace
One of the world’s leading robotics firms wants to expand its footprint in the Philippines—which it believes has large upside potential due to the low rate of automation—through its new partnership with a local partner.
In a press briefing, Danish robotics firm Universal Robots (UR) announced its venture with Asia Integrated Machine Inc. (AIM) to deploy and offer customized automation solutions comprising end-effectors and accessories for collaborative robots, known in the industry as “cobots.”
Universal Robots general manager for Southeast Asia Shermine Gotfredsen expressed optimism about the local market since the so-called “robot density” in the Philippine workplace stands at a low number of three units per 10,000 employees compared to the Asian average of 63 units per 10,000 employees and the world average of 74 robots per 10,000 employees.
In the region, Singapore leads the pack with an average of 488 robots per 10,000 workers, Thailand with 45, Malaysia with 34 and Indonesia with five.
“The Philippines is an important market for us, with strong adoption of UR cobots in the electronics, automotive and food and beverage industries that has surpassed our expectations,” Gotfredsen said. “We see further potential for the country as it trails behind its regional counterparts in automation adoption.”
“The Philippines needs to seize automation opportunities to stay competitive and avoid losing ground to its neighbors,” she added. “We are committed to supporting local businesses adopt our cobot solutions, working closely with our partners in the Philippines to make automation accessible to all. We offer free seminars and technical workshops on cobots in the Philippines and welcome local companies to learn how cobot technology can benefit their businesses.”
AIM is UR’s second channel partner in the Philippines after Elixir Industrial Equipment, which has been instrumental in growing UR’s distribution base in the country since 2016. UR aims to work closely with both partners to help more businesses remain competitive through automation by improving productivity and performance quality.
“AIM focuses on meeting customers’ changing needs for new equipment and technology to address growing manufacturing challenges, such as rising operational and manpower costs,” AIM president Albert Wang said. “We wanted to be part of the UR family due to its extensive experience in automated and collaborative assembly operations which will certainly revolutionize our automation offerings to clients.”
“Our work with companies such as Nestlé, Unilever and Jollibee Foods Corp. puts us in the best position to ensure current and potential UR end-users can integrate their UR cobots with cutting-edge tools to suit their specific business needs,” he added. “We are confident this will also allow us to expand our customer base and support automation needs of firms in several sectors.”
