American robotics companies are urging the development of a national robotics strategy that includes establishing a federal office to promote the industry. This call comes as China prioritizes intelligent robots on a national level. Key players such as Tesla, Boston Dynamics, and Agility Robotics recently met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to demonstrate their technological advances and advocate for U.S. policies that will help bolster American robotics enterprises in the global race for the next wave of robotic innovation.
Jeff Cardenas, co-founder and CEO of the Austin-based humanoid startup Apptronik, highlighted to lawmakers that the U.S. was once a pioneer in industrial robotics, with General Motors deploying the first industrial robot in 1961. However, the United States lost its initial advantage to Japan and Europe, both significant players in industrial robotics to this day. Cardenas emphasized that the forthcoming robotics race, driven by artificial intelligence, is still open for conquest. Meeting that challenge requires a national strategy so the U.S. can maintain its lead in AI and robot development.
According to the Association for Advancing Automation, a comprehensive national strategy could empower U.S. companies to scale manufacturing and in the integration of robots as the “physical embodiment” of artificial intelligence. The association highlighted that countries such as China already have strategies in place, increasing the urgency for U.S. action. They also called for tax incentives, federally-supported training, and funds for academic and commercial innovation. A new federal robotics office is seen as crucial due to intensifying global competition and advancing technology.
Illinois Democrat Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi mentioned that the U.S. still has the upper hand but warned of the quick resource allocation by Chinese enterprises in this area. He urged maintaining the country’s culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, Jonathan Chen from Tesla emphasized the need for manufacturing capabilities to determine national competitiveness, questioning who will successfully scale robots after creation.
The International Federation of Robotics reports that by 2023, China became the world’s largest market for factory and industrial robots with 1.8 million robots in operation. While Japan and Europe maintain dominance in large-scale factory robotics, China’s domestic market has seen a rise in local manufacturers. However, assessing the progress of nascent robot technologies like humanoids or agile legged robots remains challenging due to their limited commercialization.
China is actively integrating its robotics initiatives with other technologies such as AI. A state-endorsed venture capital fund totaling $138 billion has been approved to finance innovations in robotics, AI, and related fields. Its recent display of humanoid dancing robots—including performers from the robotics company Unitree—during the Chinese New Year gala served as a public demonstration of China’s ambitions to match or surpass U.S. robotic achievements.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang, in a yearly work report, affirmed the country’s focus on blending digital breakthroughs with manufacturing strength to advance intelligent robots and electric vehicles. In both China and the U.S., humanoid robots equipped with AI and human-like appearances have garnered public interest, though some in the industry remain skeptical about their practicality.
Industry analyst Bill Ray pointed out that humanoid robots may offer less functional utility compared to more pragmatic designs like wheeled robots that perform practical tasks. In his view, geopolitical tensions might prevent either Chinese or American robots from dominating foreign factories, regardless of governmental backing. Cardenas supports a national strategy that would spur robot adoption and promote the next generation of robotics professionals, emphasizing the role of humanoid robots in both practical applications and capturing public imagination.