Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has identified artificial intelligence-powered robotics as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity for Europe, leveraging the continent’s robust industrial and manufacturing foundations. Huang remarked that this convergence of industrial prowess with AI ushers in the era of “physical AI,” or robotics, during his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He suggested this development could enable Europe to surpass the software-dominated era, which has largely been steered by the United States.
The burgeoning field of AI robotics is capturing significant attention across both industrial and technological sectors, fueled by recent advancements in AI that promise more sophisticated autonomous capabilities. European manufacturing and industrial titans, including Siemens, Mercedes-Benz Group, Volvo, and Schaeffler, have notably engaged in robotics initiatives and collaborations with specialized tech firms over the past year.
Major technology players are also intensifying their focus on this domain. Tesla CEO Elon Musk projected that its Optimus humanoid robots could contribute 80% of the company’s valuation. Google’s AI division, DeepMind, unveiled AI models for robotics in 2025, and Nvidia announced a partnership with Alphabet to advance physical AI research in March. This surge in innovation is reflected in investment trends, with robotics companies securing a record $26.5 billion in funding in 2025, according to data from Dealroom.
To fully capitalize on the AI robotics opportunity, Huang emphasized the critical need for Europe to address its energy supply. He stated that a more substantial and reliable energy infrastructure is a prerequisite for investing in the necessary technological advancements and fostering a thriving AI ecosystem. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella echoed this sentiment, identifying energy costs as a significant determinant of success in the global AI race.
Europe’s energy landscape presents a challenge, with some of the highest energy costs globally. This, coupled with the escalating demand from hyperscalers deploying AI infrastructure, has led to concerns about energy access. Huang highlighted that the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure represents “the largest infrastructure buildout in human history,” with hundreds of billions already invested and trillions more required to meet the burgeoning demand.
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