The European Commission, industry and academia have agreed to launch a Public Private Partnership (PPP) in Robotics, to help Europe-based companies take a larger share of the EUR 15.5 billion annual global robotics market.
Representatives from European robotics manufacturers, research institutes joined European Commission Vice President Neelie Kroes in signing a Memorandum of Understanding, the first step towards a PPP launch in 2013. The Commission believes that the future PPP will strengthen the EU robotics sector.
Robotics is a key driver for Europe's growth and competitiveness.The domestic and professional service robot markets are expected to grow by 40% in the coming years with the strongest growth in rescue, security and professional cleaning applications. By 2020, service robotics could reach a market volume of more than 100 billion euros per year.
The PPP in Robotics aims to:
1. Develop strategic goals for European robotics and foster their implementation;
2. Improve the industrial competitiveness of Europe through innovative robotic technologies;
3. Provide robotic products and services as key enablers to help solve Europe‘s societal challenges;
4. Strengthen the networking activities of the European robotics community;
5. Promote European robotics;
6. Reach out to existing and new users and markets;
7. Contribute to policy development and address ethical, legal and societal issues.
The private partners in the PPP (from academia and industry) will now prepare a proposal for the PPP for, the Commission to examine and formally endorse.
To see the official press release, please consult --> here
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