“Robots Made in America: Advancing U.S. Leadership in Manufacturing and Automation"

The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee held a hearing on April 22, 2026, titled "Robots Made in America: Advancing U.S. Leadership in Manufacturing and Automation." The hearing focused on the state of the U.S. robotics industry, emphasizing the need for a national robotics strategy to enhance manufacturing competitiveness, workforce development, and national security. Witnesses from industry and academia highlighted challenges such as dependence on foreign supply chains, particularly Chinese components, and the underfunding of programs like the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) that support small and medium-sized manufacturers. They advocated for increased federal investment in robotics research, workforce training, and the establishment of a central government robotics office or commission to coordinate efforts. Discussions also covered the importance of safety standards, cybersecurity, and the dual-use nature of robotics technology for both commercial and defense applications. Several witnesses called for policy actions including production tax credits, federal procurement incentives, and risk-based restrictions on adversary-linked robotics to protect U.S. interests and promote domestic manufacturing. The committee members and witnesses agreed on the urgency of decisive government action to maintain U.S. leadership in robotics and automation.