Link to summary: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lL3k9zhxN8TMvU2UI1J3rniJc-NhH0yJ/view
euRobotics has published its Vienna Statement, calling on European policymakers, industry, researchers and investors to recognise robotics as a strategic technology for Europe’s sovereignty, resilience and competitiveness.
Published in June 2026, the Vienna Statement highlights the essential role robotics can play in addressing some of Europe’s most pressing challenges, including food and energy security, an ageing population, reshoring manufacturing, maintaining critical infrastructure, responding to emergencies and supporting scientific discovery and healthcare.
Building on the Tallinn Statement of December 2025, euRobotics focuses on three central questions: where robotics is mission-critical for European sovereignty and resilience, how artificial intelligence should contribute to robotic systems, and what Europe must do to turn its existing strengths in robotics into a stronger global strategic position.
The Statement is built around three key principles:
- Robots should work with and for people, not only replace them.
- Economic viability and sustainability should be considered from the outset of system design.
- The robotics community must take responsibility for the societal and environmental impact of its technologies.
The Vienna Statement also underlines that AI should be considered as one component of a robotic system. AI can significantly improve perception, planning and learning, but it should complement rather than replace robust engineering, advanced materials, reliable system design and appropriate human oversight.
Priority application areas identified include manufacturing, critical infrastructure, defence, healthcare, scientific exploration and other environments where robots can operate under dangerous, inaccessible or highly demanding conditions.
euRobotics is also calling for concrete next steps, including mapping European robotics supply-chain dependencies, developing practical guidance to accelerate robotics adoption, and defining measurable indicators to monitor progress.
The Vienna Statement reflects broad discussions across the euRobotics Board of Directors and its sector-focused topic groups, representing a shared position within the European robotics community.
For Switzerland and the wider European robotics ecosystem, the message is clear: Europe has the expertise and technological capabilities to lead in robotics, but coordinated action across research, industry, investment and public policy will be essential to convert these strengths into long-term economic and societal impact.
