American robotics companies are advocating for a national robotics strategy. They want the creation of a federal office dedicated to promoting the robotics industry, especially as China pushes its own robot development as a national priority.
Leaders from companies like Tesla, Boston Dynamics, and Agility Robotics recently met with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to showcase their innovations. They called for the U.S. to adopt policies that would enhance the competitiveness of American firms in the global robotics race.
Jeff Cardenas, the CEO of humanoid robot startup Apptronik, reminded lawmakers that General Motors was the first in the U.S. to use industrial robots in 1961. However, he pointed out that the U.S. has since lost its lead to Japan and Europe in robotics technology.
According to Cardenas, the upcoming robotics competition will be driven by artificial intelligence, presenting a real opportunity for the U.S. to reclaim its position. He believes that with the country’s advancements in AI and robotics, the U.S. can dominate this field, but a well-defined national strategy is essential for future success.
The Association for Advanced Automation supports the push for a national strategy, stating that it would aid U.S. companies in expanding production and adopting robotic technologies. They made it clear that countries like China already have solid plans in place to advance their robotics industries.
Without strong leadership in the robotics sector, the U.S. risks falling behind, not just in robotics but also in the broader AI arena, according to the association. They proposed ideas such as tax incentives to encourage robot adoption, federally funded training programs, and increased funding for both academic research and private sector innovation. Establishing a federal office to oversee robotics is essential, especially in light of rising global competition and advancing technologies.
Some lawmakers, like Illinois Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, believe the U.S. is currently ahead but acknowledge that Chinese companies are quickly catching up. He emphasized the need to foster innovation and maintain a culture of entrepreneurship in the U.S.
Jonathan Chen, a manager at Tesla working on the company’s humanoid robot project, pointed out that manufacturing capabilities would be crucial for competing on a national scale. He posed the question of who will scale robot production as a key factor in determining success.
China has emerged as the largest market for industrial robots, with approximately 1.8 million units in operation in 2023. While Japan and Europe still lead in the production of large factory robots, China holds a substantial share of its domestic market, which has grown significantly in recent years.
Tracking the progress of newer robot technologies like humanoids can be challenging, as they are not yet widely used. Boston Dynamics, now a part of Hyundai, initially relied on military research grants for its development of agile robots.
China aspires to merge robotics with other burgeoning technologies such as AI and has set up a $138 billion fund to support its robotics and AI initiatives. The Chinese government has publicly showcased its advancements, even featuring humanoid robots at national events to showcase their technological prowess.
Both the U.S. and China are experiencing a surge of interest in humanoid robots that blend AI with human-like functionality. However, some industry analysts remain skeptical, questioning the practicality of these robots. Bill Ray, a market research analyst, noted a preference for more versatile robots that perform specific tasks instead of humanoid designs.
Ultimately, there is a consensus that political circumstances will influence the future collaboration between American and Chinese robotics. Advocates like Cardenas emphasize that a national strategy in the U.S. could facilitate better robot adoption and foster the next generation of robotics experts.
