Guest commentary: AI-based robotics is becoming a global power factor
China is driving humanoid robotics forward. Germany has strong prerequisites, but needs to translate them into marketable applications more quickly, writes Heinz-Werner Rapp.
A staggering $6.1 billion was invested in 2025 by venture capital firms in the field of humanoid robotics, marking a fourfold increase from the previous year. However, this is just the visible manifestation of a much larger trend, as significant value creation occurs through data, software, sensors, simulation, semiconductors, and AI infrastructure. Pilot projects and investments in research and development are shaping this market, but its pace is astonishing, and the global potential is immense.
The shift from a technology question to a critical factor for industrial competitiveness is unfolding, alongside a pivotal geopolitical role. Demographic change is a key driver of this development, as many developed economies face a shrinking workforce. Japan and South Korea are experiencing this shift most acutely, but China is also rapidly aging. When human labor is scarce, robotics becomes essential in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, caregiving, and healthcare.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
