Europe's Largest Robotics Industry Organization Urges Policymakers To Boost Competitiveness

The robotics sector has generated massive interest over the past few years.

In all fairness, robots have always attracted the attention of businesses and people, but the last couple of years have seen technology companies pushing more than ever. This is because of the introduction and widespread adoption of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), which has subsequently improved artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

As such, GenAI-focused companies such as Meta, NVIDIA, Google, Apple, and others are investing big in robotics.

An internal memo from Meta revealed that the company will establish a new division within its Reality Labs to develop AI-powered humanoid robots that can execute physical tasks.

Google doubled down on its interest by playing a key role in humanoid robotics company Apptronik’s recent $350 million Series A funding round, which will help it scale operations, accelerate innovation, and grow its world-class team to meet surging demands.

Apple is also exploring both humanoid and non-humanoid robotic form factors, according to reports.

On the other side of the globe, it’s no secret that China has been aggressively pushing forward in the robotics industry.

The country has become the world’s largest market for industrial robots by heavily investing in robot adoption, production, and research. This has been further pushed by government policies that incentivize automation, especially in the manufacturing and electronics sectors.

In fact, China’s rapid expansion has seen it surpass Germany and Japan in industrial robotics to become the leader of the industry, boasting 470 robots per 10,000 employees, as per research conducted by VDMA Robotics, the largest networking organization for the robotics industry in Europe.

In comparison, Germany stands at 429, Sweden at 347, and Denmark at 306, while the European average is at 142 robots per 10,000 employees.

Furthermore, the research noted that the European share of annual global industrial robot installations dropped from 24% in 2013 to 17% in 2023.

This has raised concerns about the performance and global competitiveness of European economies, leading the VDMA to issue a call to action urging European policymakers, including national governments and EU institutions, to boost the industry’s competitiveness.

This was conveyed through a strategy paper titled “Robotics Action Plan for Europe” that outlines several key actions and recommendations for them to focus on.

VDMA Robotics says Europe needs a robotics boost as it finds itself being challenged by aggressive industrial policies in other countries, including the United States’ America First program and China’s 5-Year-Plan for Robotics. A boost in Europe will allow the region to revamp competitiveness, safeguard sovereignty, and counteract demographic decline among other benefits.

The region’s policymakers must focus on mobilizing additional venture capital by updating the regulatory framework for institutional investors, creating concrete national and European-wide technology roadmaps, and building an environment that is conducive to innovation which can be transferred into mass production and widespread adoption.

Ahead of this, Europe must work together to create and attract top talent, go easy on regulations, and offer incentives and awareness for automation.


“Europe's industries are falling behind in international competitiveness and urgently need to catch up,” said Dr. Dietmar Ley, Chairman of VDMA Robotics + Automation. “China, for example, has consistently shifted its focus to advanced technology and high-value manufacturing.”

“The country's drive for automation has seen its robot density double in four years to 470 robots per 10,000 workers. This is twice the European Union figure of just 219. Robotics and automation is the key enabling technology for the future growth of economies by increasing productivity, driving innovation and creating new opportunities.”

“We have no time to waste,” added Ley. “Our new strategy paper is a call to policymakers across Europe to set the course on how to use robotics and automation to make Europe more competitive and resilient. Let us get to work now.”

Do you think European policymakers need to urgently amend their policies to incentivize investments in robotics to ensure the region isn’t left behind in the global race?

Let us know in the comments below!