Europe's Robotics Revolution: A Tale of Innovation and Challenges
In a world where robotics is rapidly advancing, Europe finds itself at a crossroads. With a recent display of China's humanoid robot prowess, the question arises: Is Europe falling behind in the global robotics race, and what does it mean for the future?
The Rise of China's Humanoid Robots
Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to China left an impression, with a showcase of humanoid robots that danced, flipped, and boxed. This event highlighted China's dominance in the market, particularly with Hangzhou-based Unitree leading the way. The numbers speak for themselves: an impressive 87% of all humanoid robots delivered in 2025 were made in China.
However, despite the media attention, the actual sales figures are relatively modest. Last year, just over 13,000 humanoid robots were sold globally, with Unitree taking second place behind Agibot. What's intriguing is the investor interest; the market is expected to boom, reaching $200 billion by 2035. Europe, with its engineering prowess, could potentially hold an edge in the supply chain.
Europe's Fight for Robotics Dominance
Rodion Shishkov, founder of All3, a construction tech company, paints a different picture. He emphasizes the lack of capital for European robotics startups compared to their US and Chinese counterparts. Shishkov's startup is struggling to secure funding, while others have an abundance. He believes Europe needs to focus on function over form, especially when it comes to non-humanoid robots that can be more efficient in certain tasks.
Andrei Danescu, CEO of Dexory, an autonomous robot and AI logistics startup, shares a similar sentiment. He warns against framing the technology race as a beauty contest, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving capabilities over aesthetics. Danescu highlights the impact of robots in European industries, from factory floors to operating theatres, but urges caution against China's investments in robotics.
The Robot Supply Chain and Regulatory Challenges
The European robotics ecosystem is unique, with strengths in precision engineering and industrial automation. However, as Danescu points out, strength doesn't always equate to momentum. He calls for regulatory clarity and public investment to match global competitors' strategic ambitions. The AI Act is a step, but robotics requires dedicated attention.
Safety is a significant bottleneck, especially when integrating robots into established workflows. Sam Baker, an investor at Planet A, highlights the lack of regulatory standards for deploying robots with industrial-level strength alongside humans. Companies like BMW are trialling humanoid robots in factories, but the approach is cautious, focusing on experimentation and potential rather than guaranteed outcomes.
Conclusion: Europe's Path Forward
While China's hardware dominance in robotics is undeniable, Europe has an opportunity to excel in intelligence and data. Baker believes now is an excellent time to build robotics businesses in Europe, with room for experimentation and innovation. Europe must navigate the challenges of funding, regulation, and supply chains to stay competitive in the global robotics race. The future of robotics is not just about the technology but also about the problems it solves and the impact it has on industries and society as a whole.
