U.S. robotics companies want federal help to keep Chinese robots out of America’s networks

The US robotics industry, valued at $50 billion, is seeking federal assistance to counter Chinese competition, citing the need for a level playing field to adapt to the AI era. Executives from top companies, including Boston Dynamics, are requesting government funding, new legislation, and streamlined regulations to stay competitive. The industry is expected to sell millions of robots in the US over the next four years, raising concerns about potential state-aligned threats from China. A report from the International Federation of Robotics highlights the growing market, with significant implications for national security¹. The US robotics sector's ability to compete with Chinese state-funded companies will have significant geopolitical implications, extending beyond the immediate target. So what matters to practitioners is that the federal government's response will determine the industry's ability to mitigate potential security risks and maintain a competitive edge.