Digital Technologies Research and Applications

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High Robotization as a Foundation for Smart Industry: The Republic of Korea and Singapore as Exemplars of Future Industrial Development

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https://doi.org/10.54963/dtra.v4i2.1314
Karabegović, I. (2025). High Robotization as a Foundation for Smart Industry: The Republic of Korea and Singapore as Exemplars of Future Industrial Development. Digital Technologies Research and Applications, 4(2), 125–141. https://doi.org/10.54963/dtra.v4i2.1314
Volume 4 Issue 2: September 2025
Copyright (c) 2025 Isak Karabegović
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Authors

  • Isak Karabegović

    Academy of Science and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Received: 16 June 2025; Revised: 14 July 2025; Accepted: 16 July 2025; Published: 29 July 2025

Industry 4.0 marks a new phase of industrial transformation, driven by the integration of advanced technologies such as industrial robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and cyber‑physical systems (CPS). The Republic of Korea and Singapore are global frontrunners in this domain, ranking first and second worldwide in robot density per 10,000 manufacturing workers. This paper explores how the strategic integration of robotics with key Industry 4.0 technologies contributes to smart manufacturing and enhanced industrial performance. Using a comparative case study approach, the research analyzes national policies, investments in R&D and education, 5G infrastructure, and support for innovation ecosystems that have enabled these countries to develop flexible, automated, and intelligent production systems. Findings indicate that both Korea and Singapore have successfully combined robotics with IoT, big data analytics, and cloud platforms to create efficient and adaptive manufacturing environments. The study emphasizes that robotization alone is not sufficient; its effectiveness depends on alignment with broader digital transformation strategies. Based on longitudinal data from 2013 to 2023, sourced from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the OECD, and national innovation agencies, the research highlights how coordinated implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies fosters sustainable and globally competitive manufacturing.

Keywords:

Industry 4.0 Robotization Smart Factory Republic of Korea Singapore

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