Taiwan has announced the launch of a major initiative in robotics and artificial intelligence. The National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) has opened in the country, alongside the announcement of record funding to support startup development.
The NCAIR is set to become a key platform for the development, testing, and deployment of advanced robotics solutions. In addition to its research functions, the center will focus on training qualified personnel to provide the industry with world-class specialists. The main goal is competitiveness.
The Taiwanese government has approved a budget of $629 million USD, which will be directed toward the creation and support of new startups in the robotics sector.
Two pressing issues are the main drivers behind these reforms:
1. Labor shortages. Automation is seen as a key tool to compensate for the lack of manpower in industry and services.
2. Safety. A priority is the production of robots for hazardous work, which will reduce injuries among workers.
Priority areas of application:
1. Healthcare. Caregiving robots and assistive devices for the elderly.
2. Hospitality. Service robots for hotels and restaurants.
3. Industry and emergency situations. Machines for disaster response and work in hazardous conditions.
It is worth noting that Taiwan is no newcomer to this race. According to the latest global rankings, it is among the top ten countries with the highest robot density, ranking ninth in the world for the number of industrial robots per 10,000 workers. The new center aims to help the region rise even higher by shifting focus from pure manufacturing to intelligent development.