Big robotics companies in the US, like Tesla, Boston Dynamics, and Agility Robotics, are asking the government to create a national robotics plan. They want a federal office that will help grow the industry because China is making fast progress in building smart robots.
Showing Off Robots in Washington, D.C.
On March 26, 2025, representatives from these companies met with government leaders to show off their latest robots. They explained why new government rules and support are needed to help American businesses stay strong in the global robotics competition. Jeff Cardenas, CEO of Apptronik, reminded officials that the US created the first industrial robot in the 1960s. However, Japan and Europe have since taken the lead.
AI is the Future of Robotics
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming the key to making better robots. Cardenas believes the US is leading in AI, but without a solid plan, the country might lose its top position in robotics.
What the Robotics Industry Wants
The Association for Advanced Automation suggests several ways to help robotics companies in the US:
- Tax breaks to encourage companies to use more robots
- Government-funded training programs to teach people robotics skills
- More money for research and new robot technology
- A government office focused on robotics
If these steps are not taken, experts warn that China could take the lead in both AI and robotics.
China’s Big Investments in Robotics
China is working hard to become a leader in robotics and AI. The government has created a $138 billion fund to invest in new technology. By 2023, China had 1.8 million industrial robots, making it the largest robotics market in the world.
Who Will Win the Robotics Race?
The battle between US and Chinese robotics is getting intense, but some experts don’t think humanoid robots will be the most important. Bill Ray, a researcher at Gartner, says practical robots, like machines that move packages, will be more useful than robots that look like humans.
However, Cardenas thinks humanoid robots will be a big part of the future. His company, backed by Nvidia and Google, believes that the US government must step in and help if America wants to stay ahead.
