Chrysler plans to double its robot work force.

The auto maker said it intends to spend $500 million over the next five years to increase to about 2,500 the number of computerized robots in its assembly and parts plants. Richard E. Dauch, Chrysler’s executive vice president for manufacturing, said the move is part of a plan--also involving retraining of staff--to cut overall production costs by 30% and to slash by 25% the time it takes to get a new vehicle to market. At the same time, Chrysler will concentrate on upgrading the skills of its workers and pushing for more flexible union contracts at the local plant level.