Taiwan is betting big on robotics, launching a NT$10 billion plan to boost the sector’s global standing.
This week, National Science and Technology Council Minister Wu Cheng-wen outlined the strategy in a press conference.
Crucially, the plan will center on a TSMC-inspired model for smart robots that emphasizes scalable production and innovation.
Unlike previous efforts, this initiative focuses on creating full-service robots, not just components or pre-programmed arms.
In fact, Taiwan’s new goal is to mass-produce AI-driven robots that learn, adapt, and interact like humans.
To make this happen, the National Development Fund will invest capital but own no more than 30% of the new startup.
Meanwhile, private industry partners will supply the rest of the funding and operational expertise.
Additionally, Wu confirmed that the first startup may launch as early as next year, pending final approvals.
Because Taiwan faces labor shortages, particularly in care, food, and hospitality, this push arrives at the perfect time.
Therefore, the government views smart robots as a key solution to long-term workforce challenges.
Moreover, NSTC’s “Smart Robot Industry Promotion Plan” aims to grow Taiwan’s robotics sector from NT$4 billion to NT$50 billion.
Alongside that, the Ministry of Economic Affairs will help develop robot applications for health care, logistics, and hospitality.
To support innovation, Taiwan will establish an R&D center at the Industrial Technology Research Institute in Tainan.
Mass production facilities will also rise nearby, inside the Liuying Science and Technology Industrial Park.
Together, these locations will form a local cluster designed to attract robotics firms and investment.
Although Taiwan excels in robot parts, Wu stressed that global competition demands fully integrated robot solutions.
Consequently, Taiwan wants to evolve from a parts supplier to a full-scale smart robot producer.
Importantly, chips will power these robots, and chipmaking is already a national strength.
Because of this, Wu believes Taiwan has a natural edge in building intelligent machines.
Furthermore, he noted that top Taiwanese tech companies have already expressed interest in joining the initiative.
While companies like Nvidia and Tesla develop similar robots, Taiwan supplies many critical components to them.
By using the TSMC-inspired model for smart robots, Taiwan aims to control more of the value chain.
Equally important, the model reassures foreign partners by reducing fears of intellectual property theft.
Since the government will act only as a shareholder, companies will retain operational independence.
In the long run, Wu said the TSMC-inspired model for smart robots mirrors how Taiwan built its chip industry.
