AI-driven robotics is emerging as a central competitive factor with far-reaching economic and geopolitical implications. The ability to develop and manufacture intelligent robots is crucial for the future viability of highly industrialized economies. Germany has the potential to take a leading role in AI robotics. By strategically promoting a competitive framework, new growth impulses can emerge. While Germany has a solid foundation, it must significantly enhance its innovative capacity to remain internationally competitive.
The increasing integration of AI into robotic systems is elevating their capabilities to an entirely new level. In industry, autonomous robots are already being used for precise manufacturing tasks such as welding and painting, while the military and security sectors are advancing the development of autonomous drones and defense systems. AI-powered robots are also making their way into everyday life – whether in healthcare, household assistance, or transportation. Their economic significance is steadily growing, particularly as they contribute to crisis resilience, help address labor shortages and make domestic production more independent of global supply chains through automation and recycling processes.
A major breakthrough in AI robotics is Embodied AI – AI that learns and improves through direct interaction with the real world. To enable robots to better perceive their environment and move with greater precision, new advancements in microelectronics, sensors, and mechanical engineering are essential. At the same time, robotics is driving AI development forward, as real-world applications present complex challenges for machine learning and rapid decision-making, necessitating the creation of new and improved algorithms.
Globally, companies and governments – especially in the U.S. and China – are making massive investments in AI robotics. While Germany has a strong starting position, it must significantly expand its innovation capacity and industrial implementation to compete at the forefront of the geoeconomic race. Achieving this requires greater freedom for market-driven forces and an innovation-friendly regulatory framework – akin to a real-world laboratory where research, development, and application are interconnected and advanced in parallel. This would allow AI robotics to scale economically and be widely adopted.
This calls for simplified regulatory frameworks, improved access to data resources, stronger digital sovereignty, and targeted support for education and research. At the same time, an entrepreneurial mindset with greater risk tolerance and innovation freedom must be fostered – without neglecting critical societal aspects such as data protection, ethics, and security.
The AI Action Summit in Paris highlighted that AI robotics has not only economic but also geopolitical implications. Those leading in this technology can strengthen their economic and military position. Germany should actively participate in its development – not just as a market player but as a key architect of the technological future. Otherwise, it risks losing its place among the global leaders, with profound consequences for prosperity, security, and geopolitical influence.
Read the entire analysis: ‘Mit intelligenten Maschinen an die Spitze: KI-Robotik als Wettbewerbsvorteil’ here as a PDF. Please note, to date this publication is only available in German.
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The series informs in a concentrated form about important positions of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung on current topics. The individual issues present key findings and recommendations, offer brief analyses, explain the Foundation's further plans and name KAS contact persons.
