Foxconn, one of the world’s largest contract manufacturers that makes many Apple products including iPhone and iPad, had in August revealed its plans to hire a million robots in its assembly plants in the next three years. The move was then seen as a measure to counter growing labor costs and increase productivity at the same time. But little did anyone realize back then that Foxconn planned to manufacture those robots on its own. Yes, the manufacturer of some of the most popular gadgets will soon be manufacturing robots at a plant it is building in Taiwan. The ground breaking ceremony for the facility was held last week and Foxconn is looking at robots as one more thing it can sell (it sees great opportunity in hospitals).
Well, do we see an Apple-branded robot coming soon? Highly unlikely. A Chinese version of ASIMO? Very much possible. However, before we jump the gun, the first robots rolling (marching?) out of that factory are more likely to be assembly line machines, whose resemblance to Arnold Schwarzenegger would be limited to the fact that both have arms. But yes, this new business line could have the potential to form a sizable chunk of Foxconn’s revenues as its margins in making shiny gizmos are squeezed in coming years.
Well, do we see an Apple-branded robot coming soon? Highly unlikely. A Chinese version of ASIMO? Very much possible. However, before we jump the gun, the first robots rolling (marching?) out of that factory are more likely to be assembly line machines, whose resemblance to Arnold Schwarzenegger would be limited to the fact that both have arms. But yes, this new business line could have the potential to form a sizable chunk of Foxconn’s revenues as its margins in making shiny gizmos are squeezed in coming years.
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