About ECRA

The Europe–China Robotics Association (ECRA) is an independent European association dedicated to connecting and strengthening cooperation between the European and Chinese robotics ecosystems. ECRA brings together companies, research institutions, universities, industry organizations, investors, experts and public stakeholders to advance cooperation in robotics, artificial intelligence, intelligent manufacturing, automation and related future technologies.

Established under German association law, ECRA operates with a European perspective and an expanding international network. It works closely with leading industry organizations and institutional partners in Europe and China, including the China Robot Association.

Going beyond the traditional role of an industry association, ECRA combines industry dialogue and ecosystem building with industrial cooperation, market access, technology exchange, standards and compliance, innovation programs, education, competitions and joint projects — turning connections into concrete and sustainable cooperation.

Our mission is to build a sustainable Europe–China robotics ecosystem by enabling open dialogue, practical industrial cooperation, technological innovation and long-term partnerships between European and Chinese stakeholders.

Industrial Cooperation & Technology Exchange

Connect companies, research institutions, universities and innovation ecosystems, facilitate technology exchange and transform professional dialogue into concrete industrial cooperation.

Two-Way Market Access

Support European companies engaging with China and Chinese companies developing sustainably in European markets through trusted networks, market knowledge and professional cooperation.

Standards, Certification & Compliance

Promote professional dialogue and cooperation in standards, certification, quality, regulation, compliance, governance and responsible innovation relating to robotics, AI and intelligent manufacturing.

Innovation & Joint Projects

Develop technology cooperation, joint innovation projects, industrial partnerships and cross-border initiatives that connect complementary capabilities in Europe and China.

Competitions & Innovation Challenges

Develop robotics competitions and innovation challenges that connect real industrial needs with technology, talent, research and entrepreneurial solutions. ECRA will build the ECRA Robotics Challenge Series as a long-term platform for industrial application challenges, robotics and AI hackathons, youth competitions, university challenges and cross-border innovation programs.

Education, Talent & Youth

Develop professional networks and future talent through education, professional training, youth robotics programs, university cooperation and international exchange.

Long-Term Institutional Cooperation

Strengthen lasting relationships between industry organizations, companies, universities, research institutions, innovation platforms and other stakeholders in Europe and China.

To become the leading European platform for robotics cooperation between Europe and China — a trusted, independent and internationally connected organization where industry, research, technology, talent and capital come together to shape the future of robotics and intelligent systems.

ECRA aims to build long-term bridges rather than short-term connections. By bringing together complementary strengths, expertise and networks from Europe and China, ECRA seeks to create lasting value for both sides and contribute to an open, innovative and responsible global robotics ecosystem.

Robotics is entering a defining decade. Europe brings world-class engineering, advanced manufacturing, research excellence and a strong industrial base. China contributes extraordinary scale, rapid commercialization, dynamic innovation and a highly developed manufacturing ecosystem. Connecting these strengths creates exceptional opportunities for both sides.

ECRA was founded to transform this potential into concrete cooperation — bringing together companies, technology, research, talent and capital, and turning dialogue into real projects, partnerships and long-term value.

Our ambition is not simply to connect Europe and China, but to build an enduring professional ecosystem in which both sides participate, contribute and benefit.

I warmly invite companies, research institutions, universities, industry organizations and professionals from Europe, China and beyond to join us in shaping the future of robotics together.

President, Europe–China Robotics Association

ECRA combines transparent association governance with professional execution and long-term institutional continuity. Its governance structure is built around the General Assembly, Senate and Board, supported by the Secretariat, Senior Advisors, Professional Communities and flexible Working Groups.

General Assembly

The highest decision-making body of ECRA, representing the Association's members and deciding on fundamental matters in accordance with the Statutes.

Senate

Safeguards ECRA's long-term development, institutional continuity and international orientation. The Senate participates in fundamental strategic matters and provides long-term institutional guidance.

Board

The executive body of ECRA, responsible for implementing decisions, strategic planning, organizational development, membership, projects, partnerships, events and the overall management of the Association.

The Board includes the President, Managing President, Vice Presidents, Treasurer and other Board Members. The President, Managing President and Vice Presidents coordinate major strategic, organizational and international matters within the Board structure.

Secretariat

Responsible for ECRA's day-to-day administration and operational implementation, including member services, programs, events, communications and organizational coordination.

Senior Advisors

Distinguished leaders and experts from industry, technology, academia, public institutions and international cooperation may serve as Senior Advisors to ECRA, contributing strategic perspectives, experience and professional expertise to the Association's long-term development.

Dual Leadership is a core operating principle of ECRA. Key departments, Professional Communities and major programs are jointly led by European and Chinese leaders, bringing together complementary expertise, perspectives, experience and networks.

Within ECRA's organizational structure, European and Chinese leaders share responsibility for defining priorities, developing programs, coordinating resources and building partnerships.

In Professional Communities, the Dual Leadership principle is typically reflected through a European Chair and a Chinese Chair, jointly shaping the agenda and activities of the community.

This model ensures that European and Chinese perspectives are represented from the beginning rather than introduced only after projects have already been designed.

Dual Leadership reflects ECRA's commitment to balanced participation, mutual respect, shared responsibility and genuine long-term cooperation.

ECRA's Professional Communities bring together experts from industry, research, universities and relevant professional institutions around key technology, industry and cross-sector topics.

The communities are developed progressively in response to member participation, technological developments and evolving industry needs. Under ECRA's Dual Leadership principle, Professional Communities are jointly led by European and Chinese experts.

Explore Professional Communities →

The ECRA Robotics Challenge Series is a long-term initiative designed to connect industry needs, technological innovation, research, education and emerging talent through practical robotics challenges and competitions.

Through real-world challenges, ECRA aims to encourage applied innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, talent development and international exchange.

Explore the ECRA Robotics Challenge Series →

ECRA builds long-term institutional relationships with leading industry organizations, companies, universities, research institutions, innovation platforms and public stakeholders in Europe, China and other major robotics regions.

In China, ECRA maintains close cooperation with the China Robot Association, strengthening connections with one of the world's most dynamic robotics and intelligent manufacturing ecosystems.

ECRA will continue to expand its international network of strategic partners, creating a broader platform for industrial cooperation, technology exchange, innovation, education, competitions and market development.

Industry & Innovation
Connecting companies, research institutions and universities around robotics, automation, AI and emerging technologies.

Standards, Regulation & Knowledge Exchange
Professional dialogue on standards, regulation, certification, safety, governance and responsible innovation.

International Cooperation
Long-term connections between companies, institutions, universities, industry organisations and innovation ecosystems.

Talent & Professional Communities
Professional networks, expert communities, university cooperation and future robotics talent.

Events & Flagship Initiatives
Conferences, delegations, expert forums and flagship initiatives such as the ECRA Robotics Challenge Series.

Explore ECRA Services →

Phase 1 — Foundation & Launch

Establish ECRA's governance and operational structure, develop its founding membership network and core institutional partnerships, launch initial Professional Communities, build the competition framework and organize flagship Europe–China activities.

Phase 2 — Growth & Flagship Programs

Expand membership and international strategic partnerships; establish additional Professional Communities and Working Groups; develop structured market-access and business-matching services; and launch major flagship programs, particularly the ECRA Robotics Challenge Series.

The competition program will progressively include industrial robotics application challenges, robotics and AI hackathons, youth robotics competitions, university challenges and cross-border Europe–China innovation competitions.

Phase 3 — Ecosystem & International Reach

Develop ECRA into a leading European platform for Europe–China robotics cooperation, supported by permanent bilateral programs, a broad international strategic partnership network, influential Professional Communities, joint innovation projects, standards and regulatory dialogue, investment cooperation and internationally recognized robotics competitions.

ECRA is led by an international team bringing together experience from industry, technology, academia and Europe–China cooperation.

The leadership structure reflects ECRA's commitment to professional expertise, European–Chinese cooperation, shared responsibility, international perspectives and long-term development.

Whether you are a company exploring new markets, a research institution seeking international partners, an industry organization building global connections, an investor identifying emerging opportunities, a university developing future talent or a professional shaping the future of robotics, ECRA provides a platform to connect, cooperate, innovate and create long-term value.

Join ECRA and become part of a growing Europe–China robotics ecosystem.