Smart robots are a key vehicle for bringing artificial intelligence (AI) into the physical world and represent a critical direction for the next phase of Taiwan's technology sector. With its exceptional achievements in semiconductors and information and communications technologies, Taiwan has built a strong foundation for developing a smart robotics industry; however, this industry remains in its early stages. To accelerate progress, the government has introduced a plan to promote the smart robotics industry. By fostering interministerial collaboration, leveraging local resources, and enhancing cooperation among government, industry, academia and research institutions, the plan aims to expedite the practical applications of homegrown smart robotics and boost the nation's global competitiveness in the field, thus helping to realize Taiwan's vision of becoming an "AI island."
Four major strategies
■ Advance key technologies: Establish a smart robotics research center and a smart robotics innovation and application R&D center, both located in Tainan, in collaboration with industry, academia and research institutions, to translate research and development into real-world innovations and value-added applications.
■ Grow the industry ecosystem: Foster robotics industry clusters by linking the smart robotics research center, the smart robotics innovation and application R&D center, and the Taiwan Tech Arena (TTA) South startup hub, creating a thriving robotics industry ecosystem across Taiwan's greater southern region.
■ Enhance industry cybersecurity, standards and regulation: Promote measures such as standards testing for service-oriented smart robotics products, and guidance for strengthening cybersecurity.
■ Cultivate and deploy talent: Promote vocational training and upskilling programs. Strengthen both local and international talent attraction. Foster master's and doctoral-level professionals. Establish demonstration sites and market outreach initiatives.