The Japanese 2012 Robotics Industry – A Strategic Crossroad for The World’s Leader

Abstract

Japan has dominated the production and use of industrial robots since it pioneered this technology over forty years ago however its leadership is rapidly slipping to Asian rivals. This paper reviews the history and the current status of Japan’s industrial and service robotics and: 1) it addresses the strategic decisions Japan faces in order to maintain its technological lead given the strong competition from China, Korea, Germany and the U.S.; and 2) it focuses on identifying the ideal market segments in service robots where joint U.S./Japanese collaboration would benefit both countries.