The United States is approaching a crucial juncture in the field of robotics and physical artificial intelligence, according to a new white paper from the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International’s Partnership for Robotics Competitiveness. This report warns that delayed and fragmented policy responses could enable Chinese state-backed firms to dominate global supply chains, ultimately threatening U.S. manufacturing capacity. The analysis draws parallels to the early trajectory of the commercial drone market, where insufficient regulatory frameworks allowed for significant market capture by Chinese entities.
As the paper emphasizes, robotics is evolving into foundational infrastructure across several vital sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, public safety, and defense. Failure to address the competitive landscape could lead to dependencies that are not only broad but also deeply entrenched, with far-reaching economic and national-security implications, the partnership argues. “The age of autonomy and advanced robotics is here, and dominance in this industry will determine who leads the next industrial revolution,” stated Michael Robbins, President & CEO of AUVSI.
At its core, the partnership’s analysis presents an urgent call to action: the rapid scaling of robotics coincides with China’s comprehensive strategy to take over the sector. Without early, coordinated intervention from U.S. policymakers, domestic firms risk being outmatched—not on the basis of technological superiority, but due to state-supported pricing and regulatory advantages. The paper outlines several key factors emphasizing the urgency of robotics policy, including the increasing reliance on these technologies as essential infrastructure and China’s aggressive industrial strategy, which compresses development timelines and disrupts global markets.
The white paper further argues that modern robotics has transcended traditional automation methods. Recent advancements in machine learning and sensory technology now enable robots to operate autonomously in unstructured environments, such as farms and city streets, rather than being confined to fixed industrial settings. This shift represents a move from task-specific automation to systems capable of generalizable intelligence, significantly increasing the strategic importance of robotics in areas such as standards, interoperability, and supply-chain management. The analysis positions robotics alongside semiconductors and aerospace as a domain where economic competitiveness and national security intersect.
As robotics gains traction, the report highlights its impact on the U.S. workforce, countering the narrative that automation primarily displaces human labor. Instead, it frames robotics as a solution to ongoing labor shortages and rising productivity demands. This perspective suggests that robots are taking on repetitive and hazardous tasks, allowing workers to focus on oversight, maintenance, and integration roles. The partnership emphasizes that safety improvements could enable longer working lives and better employee retention, contingent upon adequate workforce training and development.
On the defense front, the report underscores the increasing role of robotics in military operations, noting that these technologies are no longer experimental but essential for logistics, reconnaissance, and force protection. China has demonstrated a commitment to integrating uncrewed systems into military exercises, showcasing their potential for real-world applications. This context is particularly significant given recent conflicts where autonomous systems have proven their value, reinforcing the importance of U.S. competitiveness in this domain.
The analysis identifies various cyber-physical risks associated with modern robotics systems, pointing out vulnerabilities that extend beyond data breaches to physical disruptions. Key identified risks include exposure of operational data and reliance on foreign firmware and services, which could compromise U.S. security. The report argues for a proactive approach to mitigate these risks, as reactive measures may not suffice once market dominance is established.
In light of these challenges, the partnership advocates for a National Robotics Strategy to unify federal action, including the establishment of a National Robotics Council. The strategy would aim to counter China’s unfair market practices while enhancing the U.S. robotics industrial base. It would also involve aligning federal procurement practices to prioritize U.S. and allied platforms that meet stringent security and transparency standards. The analysis further calls for investment in domestic production of critical components, such as rare earths and batteries, to alleviate strategic supply chain vulnerabilities.
Ultimately, the report highlights that robotics and physical AI are set to redefine industrial competitiveness and national security in the 21st century. While the U.S. retains significant advantages in innovation, timely action is essential to secure long-term leadership in this transformative sector. By applying lessons learned from the drone industry and initiating early interventions, the U.S. has the opportunity to shape the future landscape of advanced robotics and ensure its benefits extend to the broader economy and society.
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