Canada Must Boost Robot Use to Fix Productivity Crisis

The Canadian Robotics Council urges the country to create a national robotics strategy to tackle falling productivity levels, according to a new report.

Canada ranks 15th among 20 countries in industrial robot use, the International Federation of Robotics reports.

The Bank of Canada has declared the country's productivity situation an "emergency" that risks hurting economic growth.

The CRC's report comes from a Toronto symposium that gathered 160 industry experts and policymakers in June.

Small and medium businesses need tax breaks and funding to help them adopt robots, the report says.

The council recommends building a national test center to show companies how to use automation effectively.

The report calls for more partnerships between universities and companies to create internships and research opportunities.

The CRC believes automation can free workers from repetitive tasks to focus on more skilled work.

Since starting in 2023, the council has grown to include 300 members from robotics companies and universities.

Canada could use its robotics experience, which dates back to the 1980s, to improve manufacturing and clean technology sectors.