As the low birthrate crisis continues, labor shortages are becoming more severe. Last year, births dropped to 238,000, with the fertility rate at 0.75. In response, some companies are innovating solutions to replace traditional labor with robots and AI.
Startups view the demographic decline not only as a challenge but as an opportunity for technological transformation. According to a representative from FuturePlay, the demand for investments in “productivity-replacement tech” is rising. These technologies are particularly sought after in industries facing labor shortages like agriculture and fisheries.
Labor-replacement technologies are gaining traction in sectors where the younger workforce is scarce. Tidepool, for instance, is advancing AI in aquaculture with its solution called ‘FISHSCOPE.’ This AI system monitors fish behavior, adjusts feeding schedules, predicts harvest timing, and detects injuries. Tidepool, which received support from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, expects to generate 2 billion Korean won in sales this year through its distribution channels.
Metafarmers, a startup specializing in AI agricultural robots, foresees a future where robots and humans collaborate in farming. Its robot, ‘Omni Farmer,’ uses vision AI to identify crops and selectively harvest ripe fruits. The robot’s delicate handling allows it to safely pick fragile crops like strawberries and tomatoes. Additionally, it can perform tasks like sorting and predicting diseases remotely.
Certain industries, like slaughtering, are too dangerous for human workers. Robos, a startup, is developing robots to automate pig slaughtering using bio-vision AI. These robots can precisely cut regardless of the pig’s size, and Robos has also created an automated meat processing solution.
Lion Robotics, founded by Professor Hwangbo Jeminn of KAIST, also aims to replace humans with robots in hazardous environments. Their quadruped robot, ‘Livo,’ recently completed a marathon, highlighting its durability and self-sufficiency. With a battery life three times longer than traditional robots, Livo can operate for over 8 hours, making it ideal for high-risk tasks.
The tech industry sees robots playing an increasingly important role in industries facing labor shortages, as well as in national defense and public safety, where they could be used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and patrol duties.