Synapticon CEO Ensslen comments on Robotic Institute Germany

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China is not fitter because of state subsidies

That things are different in the USA and often very successful, we have somehow become accustomed to, notes Ensslen. The success of many Chinese manufacturers, especially in the field of robotics, is often casually dismissed. The usual refrain is that they are subsidized by the state anyway. So it's no wonder they're successful. But what is actually happening? Ensslen: "If you look closely, it's not subsidies that create Chinese market leaders, but purely the competition in China itself." He is referring to the competition between the many companies, between the numerous investors, between the countless local governments who want to win the companies, and between the many ambitious employees. "What makes countries like China strong and large in building a robotics industry is in the end exclusively their own ambition," Ensslen is sure.

Some reasons why things are not going so well for us...

This is the point at which to apply the lever! Because as long as companies only live off their status quo and at most strive to invent clever specialities according to classic German engineering culture or with the best data protection conformity, for which there is no global competition anyway (because the market for it is usually not global either), our declining relevance on the world economic stage will not change, fears the Synapticon boss. "We need more entrepreneurs again who dream of leading the world markets with top products and dare to take the necessary steps to do so," is his demand. They should constantly engage with new technology and at the same time have strong ambitions for their company, according to his wish. What annoys him is that many today hide behind less than ideal political conditions.

German robotics can still be saved

Initiatives like the RIG can be successful, admits Ensslen. But only if it is ensured that no further Bohemian village is being built here. The results of top research and development and their authors must be picked up as quickly as possible by corporations, medium-sized companies and start-ups alike, he recommends. Investors interested in the topic must be close, in his opinion, to accompany such technology and talent transfers. People and content must be brought together in a few places, or ideally in just one place. However, there is no need for new buildings. Less inspiration should be taken from other associations or institutions, but rather from places like the "Y Combinator" or the "UnternehmerTUM". If this succeeds, then the train in terms of robotics in Germany and Europe has not yet left the station, believes Ensslen. However, if the RIG also turns out to be a sham, then the starting shot will quickly turn into the famous shot in the oven, concludes Ensslen's statement.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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