Soaring robot costs and China’s growing advantage trigger urgent calls in Washington for a national strategy to protect US manufacturing.
A senior robotics executive has warned that American manufacturers are struggling to compete amid soaring costs, widening the gap with Chinese suppliers. The concerns were raised at a joint congressional economic hearing on technology and innovation held last week.
Evan Beard, CEO of Standard Bots, told lawmakers that American firms face serious disadvantages when sourcing components. He said quotations from US suppliers are reportedly ten times higher than those from Chinese companies, making it difficult for domestic robotics firms to scale as demand for automation rises.
Standard Bots builds robotic arms used by Lockheed Martin, Verizon, NASA and other industrial customers. Beard noted that while several major global players operate in the United States, many are headquartered in Europe or Asia. His company is among the few US domestic manufacturers of robots.
Beard said other nations already have national strategies to support robotics and advanced manufacturing. He argued that the United States lacks a clear, funded plan to lead in this field.
He presented a four-part proposal to strengthen the sector. His recommendations included more federal funding for manufacturing excellence centres, greater access to low-cost loans, and measures to counter market imbalances caused by foreign subsidies. Beard also questioned how domestic firms could compete if China continues supporting its robotics industry.
Meanwhile, the hearing highlighted recent policy moves by the Trump administration. New tax incentives and a revolving credit programme for small manufacturers have been rolled out. However, the administration briefly proposed cutting funding for the long-running Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) before reversing course after objections from Congress.
MEP centres have supported thousands of small manufacturers over two decades. Beard urged Congress to fund and modernise the network fully, suggesting an updated model that offers hands-on access to advanced tools and comprehensive training to workers and entrepreneurs.
He also called for an Energy Department-style lending scheme to ease capital constraints and suggested tariffs or restrictions on Chinese-made industrial robots, citing national security concerns.
Beard warned that delaying action risks further erosion of the US industrial base. After waiting every month, their manufacturing base slips farther behind, he said.
