Firms join forces in robot race
Firms join forces in robot race
2008-06-20Newsfeed
Four rival Japanese companies have joined forces in a bid to ensure the country leads the way in innovative robot technology.
Four rival Japanese companies have joined forces in a bid to ensure the country leads the way in innovative robot technology.
The companies are concerned that neighbouring South Korea could power ahead in the race to produce commercially successful robots.
Tokyo's ZMP, Nagoya's Business Design Laboratory, Osaka's Vstone and Fukuoka's Tmsuk are now to join forces in a bid to gather strength.
Legislation passed in South Korea earlier this year compels the country to form an association to co-operate in research, development and marketing of robots.
The government wants a robot in every household by 2020 and wants robots to be integrated into society, drafting a Robot Ethics Code to prevent robot-human abuse. The country also plans to build two robot theme parks by 2013.
Japanese firms need a broader and more aggressive front to promote their robot technologies to the mass market, the chairman of the new group said. The country has led the way with robot technology for years and has created machines that can feed, clean, dance and greet people.
Both Japan and South Korea have ageing populations and are looking to robot technology to replace a dwindling workforce and to care for the elderly.
Copyright © The Press Association 2008
