Robotic automation key to Singapore's advanced manufacturing

SINGAPORE has identified advanced manufacturing as one of the key growth areas to maintain the country's standing in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Some S$3.2 billion has been set aside for advanced manufacturing and engineering under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2020 plan, to encourage manufacturers to move out of their comfort zones and capitalise on new opportunities. Through this initiative, the government aims to spur on factories that are globally competitive, efficient and productive.

The next phase of this initiative will see people and robots working closely together across a gamut of industries. Many manufacturers in Asia have been quick to recognise this trend, making the region the world's strongest growth market for industrial robots. Singapore has been a key contributor to this growth, increasing its number of robot installations significantly …