Russia bets on robots to tackle workforce shortage crisis
Russia is planning to accelerate the technological advancement of the country by mitigating the workforce shortage through increased automation. The state is investing in technology and implementing a system designed to encourage companies to replace human labor with machines.
What do you need to know?
- Russia aims to boost robotic usage in industry: President Vladimir Putin has called for Russia to rank among the top 25 countries globally in terms of robot integration. Currently, the nation has just 14,382 machines.
- Workforce shortage in Russia: Research from the Higher School of Economics indicates that Russia is short 2.6 million workers, which is driving the investment in automation.
- Financial support for companies: The Ministry of Industry and Trade will reimburse companies 20% of the costs associated with purchasing and implementing robots. This initiative is expected to last five years and cost approximately 4.4 billion dollars.
Why is Russia focusing on robots?
Senator Sergei Muratov, Vice Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security, supports automation, highlighting that robots do not face the adaptation challenges many migrants encounter.
He added that, as an industrialist, he would choose to invest in automation and robotics today over creating adaptation centers for foreigners. The senator expressed doubts about the effectiveness of adaptation programs for migrants. He also noted that Russia is behind other countries in automation, with only 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 set a goal for Russia to quickly become a leader in robot usage worldwide. To achieve this, plans are in place to introduce over 100,000 machines to the workforce. Currently, such technologies are utilized in defense industry facilities 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 vital for long-term economic growth. Russian authorities have announced that the project to increase the number of robots in enterprises to 99,325 units by 2030 is a primary objective. The Ministry of Industry and Trade plans to reimburse companies for 20% of the costs of purchasing and implementing robots to support this ambitious plan.
