A groundbreaking study commissioned by Denmark’s electrical trade union (Dansk El-Forbund) and employers’ association (TEKNIQ Arbejdsgiverne) has revealed significant potential for automation and robotics to alleviate the country’s growing electrician shortage.
The research, conducted by robotics consultancy HowToRobot, found that implementing existing automation technologies could address 14 per cent of the projected 6,700 electrician shortfall by 2030.
More impressively, the development of new, fully automated solutions could potentially tackle up to 70 per cent of the expected shortage.
The electrical contracting sector in Denmark is facing severe labour constraints, with 37 per cent of companies reporting production restrictions due to workforce shortages.
This figure far exceeds the 24 per cent average across other industries.
Maria Schougaard Berntsen, Deputy Director at TEKNIQ Arbejdsgiverne, emphasised the urgency of the situation: “There is already a shortage of labour in the industry, and the green transition increases the need for electricians even further. This study shows that automation could be a key part of the solution.”
The study identified 13 specific electrical tasks suitable for automation across renovation, maintenance, and new construction.
Key areas with high potential include:
- Cable pulling behind ceilings and walls
- Hole drilling for electrical installations
- Measuring and marking
- Channel cutting for wiring
Existing technologies, such as 3D scanners for room mapping and mobile robots for floor printing, could significantly reduce the time spent on measurement and marking tasks.
Beyond addressing labour shortages, automation offers the potential to enhance working conditions for electricians.
Jesper Timming, Managing Director of Linde-El, noted: “What appeals to me most about automation is that we can spare our employees and reduce wear and tear.”
The study found that an improved working environment was the most significant positive effect of automation across analysed tasks.
The project has sparked interest among participating companies, with some exploring the development of new mobile automation solutions for cable management.
Others are investigating how existing technologies can help their electricians work more effectively and safely.
Lars B. Sørensen from Dansk El-Forbund highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, stating: “It is interesting to see that when employees and employers sit down together and ask what they can do smarter, a fantastic list of ideas and opportunities emerges on how they can make the workplace a better place.”
As the Danish electrical industry faces growing demands and an aging workforce, this innovative approach to automation may provide a crucial solution to ensure continued growth and improved working conditions in the sector.