Denmark is exploring the potential of automation and robotics to address a growing shortage of electricians, according to a recent study by HowToRobot, commissioned by the Danish electrical industry’s trade union, Dansk El-Forbund, and the employers’ association, TEKNIQ Arbejdsgiverne. The study highlights that Denmark could face a shortfall of 6,700 electricians by 2030.. Automation and robotics, particularly in tasks such as cable pulling, drilling, and measurement, are seen as solutions to mitigate this shortage. Existing technologies could address 14% of the expected shortfall, and further advancements might cover up to 70%.
The Danish electrical contracting industry is significantly impacted by labor shortages, with 37% of companies reporting production restrictions due to the lack of skilled workers, compared to 24% in other industries. The demand for electricians is exacerbated by the green transition, increasing the pressure on the existing workforce.
The study identified 13 specific tasks within electrical installation and maintenance that could be automated. These include physically demanding tasks such as cable pulling, marking, and channel cutting. Automation is also expected to improve working conditions by reducing the physical strain on electricians, particularly in tasks requiring prolonged work in uncomfortable positions.
Industry leaders view automation not as a threat to jobs but as a means to enhance productivity and maintain worker health. Companies like Linde-El, which participated in the study, are particularly interested in how automation can reduce wear and tear on employees, helping them stay in the workforce longer.
While the study emphasizes the potential benefits of automation, it also advises a pragmatic approach. Not all tasks can or should be fully automated; instead, the focus should be on finding cost-effective solutions that can significantly ease specific aspects of the work.
This initiative reflects a broader trend in Denmark’s efforts to integrate technology into industries facing labor shortages, aiming to ensure that businesses can meet demand despite a dwindling workforce.
