The Industrial Robotics Race: Why the US Is Falling Behind China w/ Rishabh Agarwal

The Manufacturing Executive · 23 Sept 2025 · Episode 276

What this episode covers

Rishabh Agarwal, Co-Founder and CEO of Peer Robotics, explains why US small and medium-sized manufacturers lag behind China in industrial robot deployment, citing the mismatch between existing 'brownfield' facilities and 'greenfield' automation solutions. He highlights that US SMEs struggle with labor shortages and outdated infrastructure, whereas China benefits from newer facilities and massive state support. Agarwal advises manufacturers to leverage Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) grants and flexible 'Robot-as-a-Service' pricing models to lower adoption barriers.

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