Foxconn urges Taiwan firms to join robot standards for full automation

The Hon Hai Group once again emphasized its strategic deployment in the automation sector at its annual technology day, HHTD 26. Speaking at the event, Li Guang-yao, General Manager of the Group's C Business Group, noted that Hon Hai hopes to participate in the formulation of robotics standards and called on Taiwanese manufacturers to collaborate and take part in defining these specifications. Li expressed the view that the commercial deployment of robotics technology is viable and projected that within the next three to five years, robots will be capable of undertaking the majority of work within factories, bringing significant efficiency gains to the manufacturing industry.

For Taiwan's manufacturing sector, robot standardization signifies more than just a technological upgrade; it is closely tied to the integrity of the industrial chain and international competitiveness. While Taiwan possesses a solid foundation in sectors such as semiconductors, electronics, and precision machinery, gaps remain in the design, manufacturing, and application of comprehensive robotics solutions. By playing a leading role in standard formulation, Taiwanese enterprises will be better positioned to master key technologies, reduce reliance on external suppliers, and further consolidate the core competitiveness of the domestic industry.

Against the backdrop of global supply chain volatility and geopolitical risks, the popularization and standardization of robotics technology have become critical to enhancing flexibility and resilience. If Taiwan's robot manufacturers can secure a foothold in international standards, it will help propel domestic products into the global market and attract more multinational corporations to invest and establish facilities in Taiwan. Furthermore, standardization can lower overall costs, promote the interchangeability of parts and modules, and further expand the scale of the industry.

As one of the world's largest electronics manufacturing services providers, Hon Hai has already achieved multiple breakthroughs in robotics research and development and applications. From automated assembly lines to logistics handling, Hon Hai has deployed advanced robots across multiple factories and optimized operational processes through data analysis. Li pointed out that integrating these practical experiences into international standards will not only elevate the international profile of Taiwan's robotics technology but also provide actionable case studies for other Taiwanese manufacturers.

Within the next three to five years, robots are expected to shoulder the majority of work within factories. This trend will transform traditional manufacturing models, prompting profound changes in labor structures and job content. The Taiwanese government and industry sectors have already begun discussing relevant policies and talent cultivation programs to ensure that industrial upgrading and employment transition proceed in tandem. Hon Hai's appeal also provides a more forward-looking development direction for Taiwan's robotics industry, with the expectation that collaborative standardization will help establish Taiwan as a major global hub for robotics innovation and manufacturing.