Home ›› 10 Apr 2022 ›› Front
The modern economy was built on automation, so it’s only natural to assume it will continue to shape the future as well.
The fourth industrial revolution is underway in Bangladesh and a big indication of that is the recent rise in the number of robots being used by businesses in key industries to boost productivity.
From spinning mills to automobile, plastic industry, agro-processor, electronic, export-oriented furniture items, and the like, there is hardly any sector in local economy where robots and automated systems are not penetrating.
While sharing his view with The Business Post, Managing Director Bikarna Kumar Ghosh of Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park said mega industrial enterprises cannot survive without the use of robots within the next decade.
‘The developed countries have already adopted robotic technology and been enjoying the fruition of it. Some local industrialists here have taken it up. Actually, we want to bring in the fourth industrial revolution through eco-technology and robots,’ opined the official.
‘It is so hard to create a large number of robot manufacturers in Bangladesh at a moment, but it will be possible within the next 5-7 seven years.’
Five public universities include Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and Dhaka University have opened robotics programming course in collaboration with the High-Tech Park Authority and Bangladesh Computer Council. Private universities are also following suit.
Automation has the potential to improve quality while lowering costs in a variety of industries from food processing to furniture manufacturing.
In today’s internationally integrated market economy, robotics is a critical strategic instrument for sustaining and boosting competitiveness.
Without robotics, Bangladesh will not be able to sustain its cost advantage by depending just on labour, because robots are often cheaper because they decrease waste and increase quality.
In some areas, without the use of robots, companies are unable to reach the required precision and comply with issues such as safety, which is especially important when pursuing export market potential.
According to the National Strategy for Robotics in Bangladesh, many industries including ready-made garments, textile, high-tech manufacturing, leather, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals have already introduced automation.
Envoy Textiles Ltd (ETL) is one such denim fabrics manufacturer which is using robotic machinery to raise output and improve the quality of products.
The leading apparel manufacturer already has robotic machinery in its spinning section to ensure sophistication in its yarn production. ETL, meanwhile, also aims to install more such machinery for denim production by 2022.
“Robotic technology ensures more production and better yarn quality through a one-time initial investment in advanced technologies,” Abdus Salam Murshedy, managing director of Envoy Group told The Business Post.
‘When buyers seek for an urgent shipment, we go for automation since robots can work 10 times faster than what humans do. Thus we keep pace with the urgency,’ explained the business tycoon.
However, because skilled technicians are in short supply, major issues with the machinery must be fixed by technicians from robotic products’ manufacturers, he added.
Hatil, the leading furniture manufacturer in Bangladesh, also employs automated robotic systems in its factory. The usage of robots has improved quality and reduced material waste in the finishing section.
Managing Director Selim H Rahman says a German company monitors and solves the issues faced by operators with the robotic systems remotely.
According to the National Strategy for Robotics in Bangladesh, a lack of skilled manpower having the capability of working with robots collaboratively is a big constraint to the enormous scope for empowering youths to pursue creativity, innovation, and start-ups.
Insiders say, several institutions including BUET, RUET, and BRAC University have started courses and training on robotics and artificial intelligence.
“Due to a shortage of associated educational institutes, we lack competent labour for both operating and producing robotic machinery,” Dr Shaikh Anowarul Fattah, vice-chairman of Robotics and Automation Society and professor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) of BUET told The Business Post.
As robotics, automation, machine learning, and artificial intelligence gradually make their way into the production process, there are bound to be both positive and negative impacts on the job market and the economy.
While it is true that robots and automation will surely take away the dull, dangerous and dirty jobs across industries, there is now a growing number of studies that begin to support the notion that they lift productivity, wages and even total labour demand, but mostly benefit higher-skilled workers.
It has never been a better time for workers to get higher-skilled, higher-paying jobs as long as they become skilled and educated to fill those roles.
