Apply AI Strategy: Accelerating AI-powered Robotics in Europe

Driving Europe’s leadership in “physical AI”

With over 90,000 industrial robots installed in 2023 and more than 400 service robotics producers, Europe is leading the global robotics revolution. Building on its strengths in mechatronics, sensors and microcontrollers, the integration of artificial intelligence is ushering in a new generation of agile, intelligent and collaborative robots that can learn, adapt and work safely alongside humans.

These innovations will transform key sectors – from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare, agriculture and defence – helping Europe address labour shortages, optimise resources and strengthen its global competitiveness.

The European Robotics Catalyst

As a flagship under the Apply AI Strategy, the European Robotics Catalyst will unite end-user industries, developers and researchers to accelerate AI-powered robotics in Europe. Acting as a central collaboration hub, it will build on the AI, Data and Robotics Association (ADRA) it will channel expertise and investment, ensuring that innovation meets real market and societal needs.

Three major actions will drive this effort:

• Robotics Skills Qualification Centres (RSQC): practical environments to assess and qualify robotics skills, with the first pilot at the TEF for Manufacturing by early 2026 AIMATTERS.
• Robotics Skills Booster: advancing manipulation, navigation and interaction skills through Horizon Europe projects, building on initiatives such as EuRobin.
• Sectoral Acceleration Pipelines: coordinated funding pathways linking research, testing, skills and deployment for high-impact sectors like advanced manufacturing and precision surgery.

The first pipeline will start in 2025 through a Horizon Europe project developing foundation models for robotics, enabling adaptable and trustworthy AI systems across industries.

Supporting innovation and deployment

Through Horizon Europe, the Commission will fund Robust and Trustworthy Generative AI for Robotics and Industrial Automation (2025), alongside complementary initiatives to:

• advance next-generation robotic platforms;
• promote interoperable and modular solutions for industrial integration;
• boost robotics skills and cross-sector training;
• ensure secure, trusted access to operational and industrial data.

Together, these measures will form the backbone of Europe’s robotics ecosystem — turning world-class research into real-world, human-centric innovation.

For more information : https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/robotics