Catenaa, Thursday, October 23, 2025-Executives from Western automotive and green energy companies are returning from China alarmed at the country’s advanced automation and industrial robotics, raising concerns over global competitiveness.
Ford CEO Jim Farley told The Verge that the US faces a serious challenge beyond electric vehicles, emphasizing that losing ground in manufacturing and innovation could threaten the future of major Western companies.
Andrew Forrest, founder of Fortescue, said a recent visit led him to abandon efforts to produce EV powertrains in-house after witnessing fully robotic factories. Several executives described “dark factories” running 24/7 with minimal human labor.
China’s manufacturing leadership stems from a combination of demographic pressures and a highly skilled engineering workforce innovating rapidly. British energy supplier Octopus CEO Greg Jackson noted the country’s shift from low-cost labor to cutting-edge technology.
The International Federation of Robotics reports that China has deployed far more industrial robots than Germany, the US, or the UK, allowing faster scaling and production efficiency.
Analysts highlight China’s broader adoption of artificial intelligence and investment in strategic sectors, including EVs and space exploration, as indicators of long-term economic dominance.
European experts warn aging populations and slower automation adoption could leave Western nations behind if protective measures and innovation strategies are not reinforced.
Ford’s Farley acknowledged personally using a Xiaomi EV imported from China, noting the vehicle’s superior performance, illustrating the gap between Western products and Chinese innovations.
