Russia's robot revolution: Tackling workforce gaps with automation
Russia is planning to speed up the technological development of the country by using machines to address workforce shortages. The government is investing in automation and implementing a system that will encourage companies to replace human workers with machines.
What do you need to know?
- Russia plans to increase the number of robots in industry: President Vladimir Putin has called for Russia to rank among the top 25 countries globally in terms of robot usage. Currently, the country has only around 14,382 robots.
- Workforce shortage in Russia: Research from the Higher School of Economics indicates that Russia requires about 2.6 million additional workers, prompting authorities to focus more on automation.
- Financial support for companies: The Ministry of Industry and Trade will reimburse companies for 20% of the costs associated with purchasing and implementing robots. This initiative is expected to span five years and cost approximately 350 billion rubles (about 6 billion Canadian dollars).
Why is Russia focusing on robots?
Senator Sergei Muratov, Vice Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Defence and Security, expressed support for automation. He pointed out that robots do not face adaptation issues, which are common among migrants.
He also mentioned that, as an industrialist, he would prefer to invest in automation and robotics today rather than create adaptation centres for foreigners. The senator indicated that he fundamentally questions the effectiveness of adaptation programs for migrants. He also highlighted that Russia trails other countries in automation, with just 19 robots per 10,000 workers compared to the global average of 162.
What are Russia's plans for the future?
In June 2024, President Putin demanded that Russia rapidly advance to a leading position in robot usage. To achieve this, plans are in place to introduce over 100,000 machines into workplaces. Presently, these technologies are in use in some defence industry plants in Kurgan, Novosibirsk, and Perm.
Will Russia achieve its goals?
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak emphasized that robotics and the development of artificial intelligence are crucial for sustainable economic growth. Russian authorities have declared that increasing the number of robots in enterprises to 99,325 units by 2030 is a primary goal. The Ministry of Industry and Trade intends to reimburse companies for 20% of the costs associated with purchasing and implementing robots, which is intended to support this ambitious plan.
