A US robotics manufacturer calls for changes in manufacturing practices due to concerns about expenses.

High costs are hindering U.S. manufacturers' competitiveness in the industrial robot market, as noted by Standard Bots CEO Evan Beard at a recent congressional hearing. He highlighted that U.S. parts are significantly pricier than those from China, placing American firms at a disadvantage. Beard criticized the lack of a coherent U.S. strategy for advanced manufacturing and proposed a four-part plan to boost federal support for domestic manufacturers. He emphasized the need for a redesigned Manufacturing Extension Partnership program and suggested creating a lending program to assist manufacturers.