US Commerce Department Convenes Urgent Robotics Roundtable on March 10 to Counter China's Lead

The US Department of Commerce is hosting American robot manufacturers for a roundtable on March 10 to address supply chain and policy challenges affecting domestic robotics manufacturing and deployment. The meeting, organized by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), was revealed through a leaked invitation first reported by Semafor. Both humanoid and industrial robot makers are expected to attend. The move comes as China dominates the global humanoid robot market — AgiBot alone shipped over 5,000 humanoid robots in 2025, capturing nearly 40% market share according to Omdia data. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has reportedly held private meetings with robotics executives, and there is speculation that a robotics-related executive order could follow later this year. Industry leaders say Chinese manufacturers benefit from strong government subsidies, a vertically integrated supply chain built through the EV sector, and the ability to undercut US companies on price and production speed.