RoboticMeet

Knowledge that opens doors.

Taking robotics to Europe.

Figures, rules and practical experience for manufacturers from China and Asia who want to sell their robots in Europe. Explained briefly, with sources.

中国及亚洲机器人企业进入欧洲市场指南

Market in figures

Europe is the world’s second-largest robotics market.

16% of all new industrial robots worldwide go to Europe. Germany is Europe’s largest single market and number five worldwide.

85.000new industrial robots installed in Europe in 2024
27.000of them in Germany, Europe’s largest market
449robots per 10,000 employees in German manufacturing, rank 4 worldwide
~200.000professional service robots sold worldwide in 2024, up 9%
+34 %professional cleaning robots, the fastest growth in 2024
102.900transport and logistics robots, the largest service category
57 %market share of Chinese manufacturers at home, ahead for the first time
700.000+industrial robots per year expected worldwide by 2028

Source: International Federation of Robotics (IFR), World Robotics 2025 (industrial robots: 25 Sep 2025; service robots: 7 Oct 2025).

Why now

Europe needs helping hands.

Populations are ageing and skilled workers are scarce. Hotels, hospitals, care homes, warehouses and cleaning companies are looking for solutions that relieve their staff.

Care

280,000 to 690,000 additional care workers

That is how many Germany is expected to need by 2049 (Federal Statistical Office, 2024). Assistance robots for transport, reminders and activities relieve care staff.

Logistics

Transport is the largest service robot category

With 102,900 units sold in 2024, up 14%, autonomous mobile robots are growing most in absolute numbers (IFR).

Cleaning

Cleaning robots up 34%

Airports, shopping centres and office buildings increasingly rely on autonomous cleaning, including at night and at weekends.

Hospitality

More than 42,000 service robots in 2024

Delivery robots in hotels and restaurants are established. European customers expect local service and documents in their own language.

CE & EU law

The rules that change everything in 2027.

Anyone selling robots in the EU needs CE marking and a responsible partner based in the EU. These are the points you should know.

From 20 January 2027

New Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230

It replaces the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and applies directly in all EU countries, with no transition period. New requirements cover artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and connectivity. The old directive applies until 19 January 2027.

Since 16 July 2021

A responsible operator based in the EU

For CE-marked products such as machinery and radio equipment, an economic operator in the EU must be named: importer, authorised representative or fulfilment service provider (Regulation (EU) 2019/1020, Art. 4). Name and address must appear on the product, packaging or accompanying documents.

From 2 August 2026 · 2028

AI Regulation (AI Act)

The “Digital Omnibus” (in force since 27 July 2026) postponed the high-risk obligations: for AI in products such as machinery to 2 August 2028 at the earliest. Most transparency obligations already apply since 2 August 2026.

Before the first sale

Registrations in Germany

Electrical equipment with stiftung ear (Electrical Equipment Act), packaging in the LUCID register, batteries under the EU Batteries Regulation. Plus: operating manual and safety information in German.

Note: this overview is not legal advice. For CE testing we work with accredited testing bodies.

Düsseldorf

China’s gateway to Europe.

North Rhine-Westphalia is the most important location for Chinese companies in Germany, and Düsseldorf is its centre.

600+companies from Greater China in Düsseldorf
1.200+companies from Greater China in North Rhine-Westphalia
1China Competence Centre run by the IHK, the economic development agency and Messe Düsseldorf

Sources: NRW.Global Business (figures as of 2021); IHK Düsseldorf, China Competence Centre.

From practice

7 tips for a successful start.

What European customers expect before they buy a robot from Asia.

  1. Documents in GermanData sheets, manuals and a website in the local language build trust.
  2. Local serviceA fixed contact person and spare parts in Europe matter more than price.
  3. Provide demo unitsCustomers want to see the robot live in their own environment before they order.
  4. Prices in euros, delivery includedClear offers including delivery, customs and warranty in Europe make the decision easier.
  5. Clarify CE earlyTesting takes months. Plan for the new Machinery Regulation from 2027 now.
  6. Start with a pilot customerOne successful reference project in Germany opens the door to more customers.
  7. Show at European trade fairsautomatica, LogiMAT, Hannover Messe and others are the stage for new customers and partners.

Questions about your market entry?

We advise you personally, in German, English or Chinese.

Get in touch

Sources