EU launches robotics program; to create 240,000 jobs

The European Commission and 180 companies and research organisations, under the umbrella of euRobotics, have launched a civilian research and innovation program in robotics.

The EU will invest €700 million and euRobotics will invest €2.1 billion in the initiative, which is expected to create over 240,000 jobs in Europe and increase Europe’s share of the global market to 42% (a boost of €4 billion a year). The EU believes the global robotics market will grow from €22 billion in 2014 to €60 billion in 2020.

European Commission Vice President Neelie Kroesa announced the initiative at Automatica, the 6th International Trade Fair for Automation and Mechatronics held in Munich, Germany. Kroesa said, “It is no longer just about machines that are better, faster, cheaper. There is the prospect of every greater integration. Robots that help with everything we do; devices that you wear; even implants inside the body. Of course those raise issues - about ethics, about privacy, about our humanity and interaction.

“Meanwhile, 70% of EU citizens believe that robots steal people’s jobs. None of these worries mean that we should turn our backs on innovation. But equally - we cannot dismiss these concerns; we need to take them seriously. They are legitimate. I know that robots can empower people, boost our competitiveness and create jobs. And many studies agree with me.

“Europe needs to be a producer and not merely a consumer of robots. Robots do much more than replace humans - they often do things humans can’t or won’t do, and that improves everything from our quality of life to our safety. Integrating robots into European industry helps us create and keep jobs in Europe.”

euRobotics President Bernd Liepert said: “SPARC will ensure the competitiveness of European robotics industries. Robot-based automation solutions are essential to overcome today’s most pressing societal challenges - from demographic change to mobility to sustainable production.”

Robotics enables companies to continue manufacturing in Europe, where they might otherwise move operations to lower-cost countries. But the potential of robotics goes far beyond the factory: from helping nurses in hospitals to inspecting dangerous power plants and tedious farm work. Autonomous cars and drones are other examples of robots.  For more information, see what robots can do for you.