The diffusion of industiral robots in the OECD countries and the impact thereof

Abstract

The paper describes and compares the patterns of diffusion of industrial robots in the oecd countries from the mid 1970s up till 1985. The pattern of application of robots in terms of handling, process and assembly robots, as well as a more specific categories is discussed. It is shown that, in some countries, assembly robots form the most rapidly growing category out of the three main ones mentioned.

The industrial distribution of the use of robots is then addressed. The dominance of the engineering industry (isic 38) is confirmed, but within this industry the pattern of diffusion varies considerably between countries. In some countries transport equipment (isic 384) dominates. In others it is non-electrical machinery (isic 382) and in some it is metal products (isic 381). Electrical machinery (isic 383) seems to be a minor user of robots, except in the case of Japan. With regard to types of user firms, large firms dominate heavily, but there are some signs that also small ones are increasingly investing in robots.

In the short run and in a limited perspective, reduced costs for unskilled and semiskilled labour is the most important reason for most robot investments. The profitability of robots is generally somewhat lower than for average investments in machinery. This is not suprising since many robot investments are made for strategic reasons, and since the benefits from such investments are not realized except in the long run and thereby not reflected in the usual investment calculations. In the long run robot investments should be seen as a part of more comprehensive automation processes. The capital prductivity (e.g. work in progress) can be substantially improved. In some larger companies, robot investments are already part of a capital (and labour) rationalization process.