Speaking at the annual European Robotics Forum (ERF) in Stuttgart, Bernd Liepert, president of euRobotics, addressed growing concerns over Europe’s position in the global robotics landscape. In light of ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic challenges, Liepert emphasized the need for strategic planning and increased self-reliance in Europe’s robotics sector.
The ERF 2025 gathering, hosted in Germany’s industrial and research hub of Stuttgart, comes at a time of international instability. Liepert acknowledged the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global markets and supply chains, as well as the implications of the evolving political and technological landscape in Eastern Europe, Asia, and the United States.
“Unfortunately, current developments in the United States give us cause for concern that the situation in Europe could worsen rather than improve,” Liepert said during his opening remarks.
He underscored the central role of robotics in Europe’s technological future but questioned whether the continent is fully prepared to meet challenges independently. Liepert cautioned against isolationist approaches, stating that while Europe must remain open to global collaboration, contingency planning is essential in case access to external technologies or markets becomes restricted.
“We must not close ourselves off in Europe,” he said. “But what if we are denied access? Nobody can say at the moment how the future will develop. We therefore need a Plan B for European robotics.”
According to Liepert, this Plan B would involve ensuring that European robotics development can proceed using primarily European resources—ranging from research institutions and startups to industrial partners and SMEs. He pointed to Stuttgart and the surrounding Baden-Württemberg region as an example of local ecosystems where robotics, artificial intelligence, and industry intersect, supported by both private engagement and political leadership.
Liepert noted a meeting with the Lord Mayor of Stuttgart as evidence of the growing political support for robotics initiatives in the region.
The European Robotics Forum, now in its latest iteration, continues to grow in attendance and industry participation. Liepert credited this momentum to strong collaboration between academia and industry and thanked the event’s sponsors, organizers, and workshop contributors.
He concluded with a call for unity and strategic focus: “Let us use the current situation as a wake-up call and focus on our strengths. Stuttgart is the right place to do this.”
