The global race to develop and deploy humanoid robots is accelerating, and the numbers paint a stark picture of current market dynamics. According to the UK-based consultancy Omdia, approximately 87% of the 13,000 humanoid robots deployed worldwide in 2025 were manufactured in China. China’s first automated humanoid robot factory in Guangdong can produce one unit every 30 minutes. This overwhelming dominance by Chinese manufacturers like Unitree and Agibot has cast a long shadow over the industry, but a new crop of European robotics startups is determined to fight back, seeking to carve out specialized niches and defend the continent’s technological sovereignty.
The contrast between the Chinese heavyweights and the emerging European challengers was on full display at the recent VivaTech trade fair in Paris, as reported by TechXplore. While Chinese companies wowed attendees with tightly choreographed displays of highly capable, mass-produced androids, European firms showcased robots designed for specific, high-touch applications, emphasizing local manufacturing and data security.
Carving Out Niches: Social Robots and Industrial Automation
One of the standout European companies at VivaTech was Enchanted Tools, a French startup that has developed Mirokai, a “social” robot designed for interaction in public spaces. With its long orange ears, wide blue eyes, and ability to communicate in over 50 languages, Mirokai is a far cry from the utilitarian, faceless humanoids often seen in industrial settings. Prototypes are already being deployed in hospitals and airports, with mass production slated to begin by the end of 2026.
Richard Malterre, marketing chief at Enchanted Tools, emphasized the company’s commitment to local production. “At least 60% of the robot is manufactured in Europe, and we’re fighting to keep it that way,” he stated. However, he acknowledged the challenges of relying entirely on a European supply chain, noting that critical components, such as the advanced graphics processors from US chip giant Nvidia that power Mirokai’s AI capabilities, are “not necessarily available” from domestic suppliers.
In Germany, Neura is taking a different approach, focusing on humanoid industrial and household robots, as well as a platform for training them to perform human tasks. The company, which recently raised a staggering $1.4 billion, is collaborating with major German automotive suppliers like Bosch and Schaeffler on factory automation projects. CEO David Reger highlighted the acute labor shortages facing Europe’s aging population, describing robots as the continent’s “last chance” to sustain its economic pillars.
The Sovereignty and Security Imperative
Beyond the economic arguments for developing a domestic robotics industry, European executives are increasingly framing the competition with China in terms of technological sovereignty and data security. Humanoid robots, equipped with arrays of cameras, microphones, and sensors, collect vast amounts of data as they navigate and interact with their environments.
Francesco Ferro, CEO of Spain’s PAL Robotics, warned of the risks associated with relying on foreign manufacturers. “If all robot production goes to Japan or China, that could be a big problem when it comes to sovereignty,” he said. Ferro argued that Europe must aim to create “a totally European supply chain, without thinking only about price,” cautioning that prioritizing cheap Chinese imports could lead to sensitive data “falling into the wrong hands.”
This concern is driving some companies to rethink their manufacturing strategies. Genesis AI, a French-American startup developing the Eno multifunctional robot, recently announced plans to reshore its production from China back to Europe next year, targeting the “big industrial base in France, Italy and Germany.”
The Uphill Battle Against Chinese Scale
Despite the ambition and innovation of European startups, they face a formidable challenge in competing with the sheer scale and manufacturing prowess of their Chinese rivals. Joern Buss, a robotics expert at the consultancy Arthur D. Little, noted that China is “definitely on the forefront” of the industry, with companies increasingly demonstrating “dark factories” where robots operate largely without human supervision.
Chinese manufacturers benefit from a massive domestic market, robust government support, and deeply integrated supply chains that allow them to iterate rapidly and drive down costs. In contrast, European firms often struggle with fragmented markets, tighter regulatory environments, and a more conservative venture capital landscape compared to both the US and China.
Nevertheless, European robotics leaders remain defiant. “We need to be ready for a fight, not throw in the towel,” said Malterre of Enchanted Tools. As the humanoid robot market transitions from research labs to real-world deployments, the battle between Chinese manufacturing scale and European specialization will be a critical dynamic to watch, with profound implications for the future of labor, industry, and technological sovereignty. The outcome of this competition will likely dictate not only the economic landscape of the robotics industry but also the strategic autonomy of nations in an increasingly automated world.