China delivered 97% of the world’s humanoid robots in the first half of 2026, according to research firm Smart Analytics Global. European suppliers have the technical expertise to dominate a crucial component market worth around 30 billion dollars by 2030. But unless Europe acts immediately and decisively, it risks becoming a minor player in one of the decade’s most important manufacturing shifts.
The numbers show the scale of the challenge. About 19,100 humanoid robots were delivered in the first half of 2026, and researchers expect 60,000 to ship during all of 2026 and half a million by 2030. Agibot, based in the greater Shanghai area, had already delivered 8,400 robots. U.S. firms Tesla, Figure AI and Agility Robotics lagged behind. Europe barely appeared.
Germany’s Component Advantage
The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA) has identified a genuine opportunity. European manufacturers already have the expertise and production facilities to make the complex components humanoid robots require: joints, motors, gearboxes, sensors and dexterous hands. German firms Schaeffler, Bosch, Schunk, Wittenstein and Neugart have spent decades as automotive suppliers, making precisely these products.
Vincent Bezold, head of the Automated Manufacturing Systems business segment at IPA and author of the institute’s specialist report, said: “In principle, the potential along the German and European supply chain is very large.” Recent technical comparisons point to an advantage over Chinese-made parts in durability and reliability. Sebastian Reitelshöfer, head of robotics research at the University of Erlangen–Nuremberg, explained the problem with Chinese showcase models: “They don't happen to run, as recently in Beijing, a half marathon as a PR stunt by chance. They do it because they wouldn't withstand a full marathon.” Under heavy loads, some Chinese showcase models have components that last “one or two weeks”; European automotive-sector designs last considerably longer.
Schaeffler, based in Herzogenaurach, unveiled a strain wave gearbox specifically designed for humanoid robots in August. It meets core requirements for humanoid robot joints, and a new production method could cut manufacturing costs by more than 25% and material use by over 75%. The company expects to start series production in mid-2027. At Hannover Messe in April 2026, the company received the Hermes Award for developing humanoid robot joints. That recognition shows Europe’s engineering prowess is real.
Bosch and Schunk began collaborating in June 2026 on a robot hand designed for integration into different humanoid systems. Schunk brings 20 years of specialised gripping-technology development; Bosch contributes precision mechanics, electronics and software. Mathias Pillin, Chief Technology Officer at Robert Bosch GmbH, said: “Robot hands are a key component in advancing humanoid robotics in production and enabling more flexible and precise work than with conventional gripping systems.”
The Supply Chain Problem
Here’s the critical vulnerability: Europe has relatively few humanoid robot manufacturers, and few robots are currently built here. That puts European suppliers at a structural disadvantage. Bezold said “access to manufacturers of humanoid robots” is Europe’s biggest shortcoming because “that makes it harder for European suppliers to become part of the relevant value chains at an early stage.” Supplier chains develop near original equipment manufacturers. China currently produces the vast majority of humanoid robots, so corresponding supplier structures are forming there, just as they did around the German automotive industry decades ago.
The Strategic Gap
The Fraunhofer IPA and P3 consultancy report identifies the real challenge: Europe’s question isn’t whether it builds its own humanoid robot, but where the industrial value chain develops. European suppliers that engage early with actuators, gearboxes, batteries, dexterous hands and lightweight structures can help shape future reference architectures and secure positions in emerging supply chains. But this window is closing. The opportunity is tangible only if Europe acts immediately.
Germany’s mechanical and plant engineering association VDMA published “Humanoid Robotics 2040” in April 2026, projecting that annual sales in the millions could be possible by 2042. The study argues that Europe should bring the whole production and supply chain here—but only if Europe receives “far more capital, stronger support for start-ups and bolder industrial steps.” VDMA recommends treating humanoid robots as a priority and joining the supply chain at the earliest possible stage.
Bezold emphasised the funding problem: “We ourselves need more manufacturers of humanoid robots in Europe.” The IPA report criticises funding policies that focus exclusively on artificial intelligence while neglecting hardware development. The institute and industry association both call for coordinated action by industry, policymakers and researchers—and they’re calling for it now.
Why This Matters:
Europe’s robotics future hinges on decisions made in the next twelve months. If European firms don't secure positions in the humanoid robot supply chain early, China will lock in its suppliers as the market scales to half a million units annually by 2030. A 30-billion-dollar component market by 2030 represents significant industrial value, manufacturing jobs and technological leadership. Europe has the engineering expertise and production capacity, but policymakers and industry must move decisively. The alternative is becoming a marginal supplier in a market dominated by Chinese architectures and Chinese supply chains. That would represent a strategic loss comparable to Europe’s retreat from consumer electronics and smartphones. Whether Europe shapes the next generation of manufacturing technology or simply supplies components to Chinese robots remains an open question—but not for long.