Europe finds itself at a crossroads when it comes to humanoid robotics. While innovation in AI and robotics is celebrated globally, the stark differences between Europe and its competitors, namely China and the United States, paint a concerning picture. As someone who’s navigated the intricate world of startups, I can tell you firsthand: you don’t want to look up in ten years and realize you’re merely a consumer in a field where you were supposed to be a creator.
Europe: A Risk of Losing Ground
The robotics race is heating up, and Europe is falling behind. Recent events such as the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing showcased China’s dominance, not just in robot design but in cost-efficient manufacturing and public engagement. These weren’t ordinary competitions, they were captivating showcases that turned robotics into a spectator sport. Picture robots strutting their stuff in athletic contests and even dance-offs, embedding robotics into entertainment culture.
Meanwhile, Europe’s efforts seem timid. Sure, it has world-class researchers and deep industrial roots, but that alone won’t keep it in the game. Startups like Norway-born 1X Robotics (creator of the Neo robot butler) are opting to relocate their operations to Silicon Valley for access to better funding ecosystems. London-based Humanoid Robotics has the talent, but without widespread public or investor interest, their uphill climb becomes steeper by the day. What’s left is a frustrating pattern: Europe builds, others profit.
What Asia and America are Doing Differently
It’s not just about building robots; it’s about creating momentum. In China, companies like Unitree have streamlined production processes to deliver robots at a third of the cost compared to non-Chinese manufacturers. These financial advantages, paired with strategic public events, have pushed humanoid robots into the mainstream. To top it off, “robot fight nights” in San Francisco have created cultural buzz, attracting venture capital and spawning new investments in hardware and software.
The lesson here isn’t complicated: public attention draws investor money. And when you control the supply chain like China does, the game changes significantly. Europe, in contrast, struggles with bureaucratic roadblocks like the EU’s slow-moving AI Act and insufficient late-stage venture capital, which stifles startups just as they need to scale.
How Europe Can Bounce Back
Europe isn’t doomed to lose; it just needs a serious wake-up call. Based on my experience as a European founder, I can offer a few key strategies we need to execute as soon as yesterday:
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Invest in Competitive Events
Take a page out of Asia’s playbook and host large-scale robotics competitions. Events that mix technical skill with entertainment value can boost public fascination and attract venture capital. ETH Zurich’s robotics club plans to organize a European robot face-off in 2026, but more needs to be done. A pan-European robotics championship could create a unifying platform. -
Rethink Regulation
Regulations are stifling experimentation. Flexible and transparent frameworks will allow startups to innovate without drowning in red tape. Stakeholder collaboration is critical here, but we need immediate action rather than lengthy policy talks. -
Ramp Up Public Awareness Campaigns
Humanoid robots still aren’t an accessible mental image for most Europeans. Public engagement campaigns similar to what was done during the space race, highlighting the human side of tech through storytelling, could bridge this gap. -
Bridge Academic and Industry Gaps
Stop locking research into academic silos. Universities need clearer avenues for turning groundbreaking discoveries into scalable startups. -
Focus on Costs
This, of all things, is key. European manufacturers need to find strategies or partnerships to produce hardware affordably, matching the Chinese supply chain.
Three Mistakes Europe Can’t Afford to Repeat
Before building on big ideas, Europe has to stop shooting itself in the foot:
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Ignoring Startup Migration
Losing companies like 1X to Palo Alto is a clear failure of the local ecosystem. We need to ask why these companies can’t find the funding and support they need here. -
Delaying Policy Action
The AI Act was a promising idea, but endless revisions mean startups are left waiting. The world won’t pause for us to figure out regulatory clarity. -
Underestimating the Value of Public Events
Whether it’s neglecting to fund competitions or failing to see their value, ignoring public events is a missed opportunity to inspire future developers and investors alike.
A Proactive Plan for Entrepreneurs
If you’re an entrepreneur or a startup founder, focus on where you can contribute to Europe’s robotics strategy instead of waiting for governments to make the first move. Here’s a simple game plan:
- Network Aggressively: Build relationships with robotics clubs, researchers, and investors. ETH Zurich’s robotics community, for example, could be a good start.
- Prototype and Test Frequently: Don’t get caught in a perfectionist loop. The sooner you can showcase your product, the more likely you’ll attract attention.
- Leverage Crowdfunding Platforms: Competitions aren’t the only way to draw public interest, platforms like Kickstarter have proven invaluable in gaining traction for unique tech products.
A Simple Reminder
The barriers Europe faces are surmountable, but only with focus and agility. Remember: it’s not necessarily about being first; it’s about staying in the fight. Fifty years from now, do we want to be the wheelhouse of great robotic ideas that other nations bring to life, or do we want to own the stage? The choice is ours to make, but the clock is ticking.
FAQ
1. What are the key challenges Europe faces in the humanoid robotics sector?
Europe struggles with bureaucratic obstacles like the EU’s slow-moving AI Act, insufficient late-stage venture capital, and a lack of public engagement in robotics innovation. This hinders its ability to compete with China and the U.S., where streamlined regulations and cultural enthusiasm drive progress. Learn more about challenges in Europe’s robotics sector
2. How is China leading in humanoid robotics innovation?
China has established cost-efficient supply chains and organized major public events like the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing. Companies like Unitree Robotics deliver robots at one-third the cost of non-Chinese manufacturers, ensuring market and cultural dominance. Read about China’s robotics dominance
3. What role does the U.S. play in humanoid robotics?
The U.S. leads in cultural engagement through events like robot fight nights in San Francisco, attracting venture capital and shaping public fascination with humanoid robotics. Explore robotics events in the U.S.
4. Why are startups like 1X Robotics relocating from Europe to the U.S.?
European startups, such as Norway's 1X Robotics, move to the U.S. for better funding ecosystems and access to talent networks. Their recent relocation to Silicon Valley highlights Europe's struggle to retain innovative companies.
5. What impact do robotics events have on innovation and public interest?
Competitions like the World Humanoid Robot Games and U.S. fight nights generate excitement, inspire future developers, and attract investor attention, driving both cultural and financial investment in robotics. Dive into public engagement with robotics
6. What steps can Europe take to revive its robotics sector?
Europe should host large-scale robotics competitions, rethink regulations to enable innovation, launch public awareness campaigns, and facilitate partnerships between academic institutions and industries to turn research into scalable startups.
7. Why is Europe struggling with manufacturing costs?
Unlike China, Europe lacks the supply chain efficiency needed to produce affordable hardware. This disadvantage makes European robots more expensive compared to their Chinese counterparts. Understand Europe’s manufacturing challenges
8. What is the role of ETH Zurich in Europe’s robotics future?
ETH Zurich plans to host a European robot competition in 2026, modeled on successful events in China and the U.S., in a bid to generate unity, investor interest, and public fascination across the continent.
9. Are there regulatory hurdles slowing Europe’s progress?
Yes, lengthy policy revisions, such as with the AI Act, delay legal frameworks needed for robotics innovation, creating uncertainty for startups and investors. Learn about European regulatory challenges
10. What is the global forecast for humanoid robotics innovation?
With rapid advancements in AI and robotics, the next decade will likely see both the U.S. and China dominating the field, unless Europe acts swiftly to address its funding, regulation, and public engagement gaps. Discover global robotics trends
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.