To maintain its global leadership in automation, the United States will need to advance physical applications of AI and robotics, according to the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) in Ann Arbor, which just released its vision for a National Robotics Strategy.
“The United States is at a critical moment in shaping the future of automation,” says Jeff Burnstein, president of A3. “While AI is a major focus, we cannot afford to fall behind in robotics. Our vision for a national strategy provides a roadmap for strengthening U.S. competitiveness, innovation, and workforce readiness.”
The vision outlines six key policy priorities to drive U.S. leadership in robotics:
Establish a Central Government Robotics Office and a Robotics Commission: A dedicated federal office to coordinate robotics policy, innovation, and industry collaboration, along with a Robotics Commission of appointed industry and academic leaders to formulate policy recommendations to assert US leadership in robotics and bolster economic and national security.
Implement Tax Incentives to Drive Adoption: Tax credits and incentives to accelerate robotics investment and innovation.
Government as a Leading Adopter: Encouraging federal agencies to integrate robotics into their operations, setting an example for industry.
Expand Workforce Training Programs: Investing in STEM education and upskilling programs to prepare workers for automation-driven industries.
Fund Academic Research and Commercial Innovation: Strengthening public-private partnerships to drive breakthrough robotics advancements.
Develop New Industry Standards: Modernizing standards to support safe and effective AI-powered robotics deployment.
A3 says it calls for the creation of a cross-government task force and a centralized robotics office to coordinate efforts across industries and agencies. The organization also recommends a Robotics Commission similar to previous government appointed commissions in key technology areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and biosecurity.
The strategy, if implemented, will help drive economic growth, enhance national security, and ensure the U.S. remains a leader in robotics-driven innovation.
“With recent advances, including the rapid integration of AI functionality, robots are becoming increasingly capable and essential in industries that will face worker shortages due to demographics,” says Brendan Schulman, chair of the A3 Advocacy Committee and vice president of policy and government relations at Boston Dynamics.
“It is urgent for government leaders to launch a national robotics strategy, and I commend A3 and members of our committee for the development of this comprehensive policy framework for global leadership.”
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