Asia, Europe, and America drive robotics forward with billion-dollar investments

Research Asia, Europe, and America drive robotics forward with billion-dollar investments

2025-02-13 Source: International Federation of Robotics | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

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What are the individual focus areas in international robotics research? The fourth edition of the report "World Robotics R&D Programs" covers the latest developments in funding programs.

Many countries are currently investing billions in robotics.(Image: Gorodenkoff—stock.adobe.com) — Many countries are currently investing billions in robotics.
(Image: Gorodenkoff—stock.adobe.com)

Governments worldwide are investing specifically in robotics to drive innovation in industry and society. The current report "World Robotics R&D Programs 2025" by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) has analyzed government support programs in 13 countries. According to a statement, especially China, Japan, South Korea, the EU, Germany, and the USA are focusing on different priorities.

China aims to become a leading nation in the robotics sector with the "14th Five-Year Plan." The government is specifically investing in AI-driven robotics and independent key technologies. Developing independent key sectors for the national economy is to be supported with a budget of approximately 45.2 million USD (about 329 million CNY). Japan is focusing on autonomous systems in industry, medicine, and care with its "New Robot Strategy" and "Moonshot Research Program." In South Korea, robotics is the core industry of the fourth industrial revolution, with strong growth in robot density. The program is being launched with funding of 128 million USD (180 billion KRW) and is set to run until 2028.

The EU consolidates its research funding under "Horizon Europe" with 100 billion USD until 2027. Robotics projects particularly benefit in the areas of AI, data analysis, and clean energy technologies. For the robotics-related work program from 2023 to 2025, the European Commission is providing a total of 183.5 million USD (174 million EUR). Germany complements this with the "Hightech Strategy 2025," which strengthens research networks and develops practical robotic solutions.

In the USA, the focus is on basic research, space, and military robotics. Programs of the National Science Foundation, NASA, and the Department of Defense advance autonomous systems for the workplace and exploration.

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