PRESS RELEASE: A common stereotype of a robot is that of a dumb machine that is only capable of undertaking very basic and highly repetitive jobs. In Finland, however, this stereotype is being put to the test. Contrary to common practice, robots are often being used for advanced tasks in the Finnish industry, according to the new market report that is based on research on 113 robot and automation suppliers in the country. 

“The companies that use robots in Finland are mainly those that manufacture heavy and expensive machinery in low quantities. Automating this process requires robot cells to be more flexible and cleverer than in a high-volume production, which is where you would usually find robots working,” said Jyrki Latokartano, Chairman at the Robotics Society in Finland.

The robot integrators building and implementing the robot solutions in Finland have, according to the report, developed a special engineering expertise in automating these demanding niche applications required by end users.

“The integrators in Finland are automating things that no one else is willing to do. They are crazy enough to do it – and succeed,” said Jyrki Latokartano.

Robots are laser cleaning fighter jets

Examples of the niche applications that robotic companies in Finland are taking on include laser cleaning of body parts for the F-35 combat aircraft, arc welding of cruise ships, and robotic waste sorting using machine learning. Automating complicated tasks such as these requires special expertise and knowledge to be a profitable investment, according to Søren Peters, CEO of HowToRobot.com and Gain & Co: 

“Most businesses use robots to solve immediate needs and are careful with going into experimental projects with a more uncertain outcome. The robotic companies that are able to prove the business case in these new areas will be worth watching,” Søren Peters said.

The robotic companies in Finland have, according to Jyrki Latokartano, found some ways to turn seemingly difficult tasks into jobs that are affordable for robots to do.

“The Finnish integrators are working their way around automating the manufacturing of single-piece heavy machines. By breaking the task for the robot into smaller, repeatable parts they are able to resemble a high-volume production with a good return on investment,” Jyrki Latokartano said. 

Highlights from the report

The research has identified 113 robot and automation suppliers in Finland, namely: •    11 robot manufacturers, and 38 subcomponent suppliers •    55 integrators •    4 distributors •    5 advisors

The top industries in Finland that robot and automation companies are supplying to: •    Metal & Machinery: 74 suppliers •    Automotive: 44 suppliers •    Electronics & Technology: 44 suppliers

The top solution types offered by most robot and automation suppliers in Finland: •    Handling and picking: 48 suppliers •    Inspection & QA: 36 suppliers •    Logistics: 34 suppliers •    Assembly 34 suppliers

For access to further statistics and datasets on Finland, see purchase options and get a free preview of the market report on HowToRobot.com.