Universal Robots partners with machinery supplier to expand PH network

Universal Robots Southeast Asia and Oceana general manager Shermaine Gotfredsen demonstrates how the Danish firm’s robotic arm works during a media briefing on Tuesday (Feb. 27, 2018). Also called cobots, the robotic arm could be used in the healthcare or pharma industries. Universal Robots is partnering with local firm Asia Integrated Machine, Inc. to expand its Philippine network. (PNA photo by Ma. Cristina Arayata)

MANILA –– Danish robotics firm Universal Robots has partnered with Philippine firm Asia Integrated Machine, Inc. (AIM) to expand its network in the Philippines.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Universal Robots Southeast Asia and Oceana general manager Shermaine Gotfredsen said the Philippines was a strong market for the company, as the country had a strong adoption of Universal Robots’ collaborative robots (cobots) in the electronics, automotive, and food and beverage industries.

Universal Robots makes industrial robots meant to streamline processes in various industries. Gotfredsen said Universal Robots had been in the Philippine market since 2016.

The company manufactures robotic arms, which Gotfredsen claimed to be user-friendly and is being sold with no hidden charges. The robotic arm, which could be used in the healthcare or pharma industries, for instance, functions smoothly and quietly.

By partnering with AIM, a machinery and automation solutions supplier, Universal Robots targets to offer customized automation solutions and accessories for its cobots in the Philippine market.

“Universal Robots sees further potential in the Philippine market, since it trails behind its regional counterparts in automation adoption,” Gotfredsen said.

She said that according to the International Federation of Robotics, the Philippines ranked among the lowest in the region for automation adoption, having a ratio of three industrial robots per 10,000 employees in the Philippines.

Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia had 488, 45, and 34 robots per 10,000 employees, respectively, Gotfredsen added.

“The Philippines needs to seize automation opportunities to avoid being left behind by its neighboring countries. We are here to support local business, help them adopt our cobots, and we also aim to make automation accessible to everyone,” she cited.

Meanwhile, Gotfredsen also noted the growing importance of automation in the country’s manufacturing sector.

In order to further boost the manufacturing industry, she said there was a need to adapt available technologies, as this would also improve the operational efficiency.