From celebrated champion to insolvency: The United Robotics Group – Why Europe’s most ambitious robot champion failed
Language selection 📢
Published on: September 26, 2025 / Updated on: September 26, 2025 – Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
From Celebrated Champion to Bankruptcy: The United Robotics Group – Why Europe's Most Ambitious Robot Champion Failed – Creative Image: Xpert.Digital
The end for Pepper & NAO? How Germany's robot hopes were dashed and what will become of the cult robots now
Billion-dollar investment and big visions: What's really behind the surprising bankruptcy of the United Robotics Group
It was a vision as grand as the machines it sought to create: The Bochum-based United Robotics Group (URG) was to become nothing less than Europe's answer to global competition—a true "European robotics champion." Driven by the financially powerful RAG Foundation and the entrepreneurial spirit of Thomas Hähn, the URG acquired iconic brands such as Rethink Robotics and the creators of the world-famous humanoid robots Pepper and NAO. But the dream of an integrated ecosystem of hardware, software, and services came to an abrupt end.
In 2025, the ambitious company filed for bankruptcy, leaving an industry in shock. How could a project with so much capital and strategic foresight collapse in the face of reality? The story of URG is a lesson in high development costs, the pitfalls of rapid consolidation, and fierce competition in the global technology market. But amid the ruins of the old dream, a new hope is emerging: with a radical reorientation toward the healthcare industry and the announcement of a new humanoid robot called uMe, the company is embarking on a fresh start. The fall of the United Robotics Group is thus more than just the chronicle of a failure—it is a reflection of the challenges and future of European robotics as a whole.
Suitable for:
The United Robotics Group between dream and reality – What happened to the United Robotics Group?
The United Robotics Group (URG) was supposed to be Europe's answer to international robotics competition. But in 2025, the Bochum-based company filed for self-administration insolvency. What began as a visionary project to become the "European robotics champion" ended in financial difficulties. How did this come to this, and what does this mean for the future of the European robotics industry?
How did the idea of the European Robotics Champion come about?
The idea for United Robotics Group was born out of the vision of Thomas Hähn, founder of the successful Hahn Automation Group. After nearly three decades in the field of industrial automation, Hähn recognized the potential of service robotics as a growth market. The inspiration came in 2016 when the Hahn Group acquired the Boston-based cobot specialist Rethink Robotics. The friendly cobot with its distinctive display face inspired Hähn: "Such a friendly cobot would fit perfectly into public life."
Who was behind the financing?
The driving force behind the United Robotics Group was the Essen-based RAG Foundation. As one of Germany's largest foundations, born out of the structural transformation of the coal-mining regions, the RAG Foundation was looking for promising investments. Through its holding company RSBG SE, it invested a majority stake in the vision of a European robotics champion. Bernd Tönjes, Chairman of the Board of the RAG Foundation, supported the project with the conviction: "Solutions for the future are being created here."
Which companies belonged to the United Robotics Group?
The United Robotics Group evolved into a complex network of eight robotics companies with over 300 employees. At its core was Rethink Robotics, the former cobot pioneer from Boston, which was acquired by the Hahn Group in 2018 after its bankruptcy. In 2022, the group completed the spectacular acquisition of SoftBank Robotics Europe, which was renamed Aldebaran. This secured URG the rights to the world-famous humanoid robots Pepper and NAO. Other companies such as Humanizing Technologies, Robshare, and various service robot specialists rounded out the portfolio.
What was the strategy behind the robotics champion?
Thomas Hähn pursued a clear consolidation strategy for the fragmented robotics industry. Instead of developing individual robots, URG wanted to create a complete ecosystem—hardware, software, and services from a single source. The "CobiotX" approach was intended to develop robots that would not replace humans, but rather support them. The strategy encompassed various areas: industrial robotics with the Rethink cobots, humanoid robots with Pepper and NAO, service robots for hospitality and healthcare, and laboratory automation.
How did the different product lines develop?
URG's product development spanned several areas. The Plato service robot was developed for the hotel and hospitality industry and was the first service robot developed and produced in Europe to comply with the EU Machinery Directive. In the laboratory sector, uLab Mobile established itself as a mobile automation solution. These robots could handle samples, operate laboratory equipment, and move autonomously through laboratories. The portfolio also included cleaning robots (uClean), transport robots (uLog), and other service solutions.
What led to the insolvency of the United Robotics Group?
The reasons for URG's insolvency were complex. High development costs combined with a lack of profitability burdened the company. Ambitious plans for rapid growth and consolidating various robotics divisions proved more costly than expected. As early as 2024, the RAG Foundation stopped funding Aldebaran, further putting the company in financial difficulty. The difficult market situation in the German robotics industry, which recorded a ten percent decline in sales in 2025, further exacerbated the situation.
How did the insolvency affect the employees?
The insolvency under self-administration was originally intended to secure URG's approximately 200 jobs. The procedure enabled the company to manage the restructuring process itself, while an administrator oversaw the interests of creditors. At Aldebaran, the French subsidiary, the situation was more dramatic: massive job cuts were planned there, with approximately half of the workforce to be laid off. The uncertainty about the future placed considerable strain on employees.
What happened to the famous robots Pepper and NAO?
The humanoid robots Pepper and NAO have experienced a turbulent time. After SoftBank discontinued production of Pepper in 2021, URG attempted to revive the robots following its acquisition of Aldebaran. However, the hoped-for successes failed to materialize. In mid-2025, Aldebaran was finally acquired by the Chinese Maxvision Technology Corporation, which intends to continue production of the robots. The new owners plan to leverage French expertise and manufacture the robots in China.
Our global industry and economic expertise in business development, sales and marketing
Our global industry and business expertise in business development, sales and marketing - Image: Xpert.Digital
Industry focus: B2B, digitalization (from AI to XR), mechanical engineering, logistics, renewable energies and industry
More about it here:
A topic hub with insights and expertise:
- Knowledge platform on the global and regional economy, innovation and industry-specific trends
- Collection of analyses, impulses and background information from our focus areas
- A place for expertise and information on current developments in business and technology
- Topic hub for companies that want to learn about markets, digitalization and industry innovations
From laboratory automation to humanoid helpers: URG's risky but exciting turnaround
Is there a new beginning for the United Robotics Group?
A surprising new beginning was announced. United Robotics Health & Food GmbH acquired the patent, trademark, and content rights for all product lines and now operates as the United Robotics Group (holding company). Kerstin Wagner, who previously worked at Siemens Healthineers, joined the company as Co-CEO and COO. The focus is now firmly on the healthcare industry, where the uLab Mobile laboratory robot is already in use in over 30 laboratories.
What role does the humanoid robot uMe play?
A central component of the reorientation is the humanoid robot uMe, which is scheduled to be presented at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in early 2026. Wassim Saeidi, the new CEO, promises a "milestone for the entire robotics industry." The uMe will be "Made in Germany" and stand out from the competition with its superior quality and reliability. Contrary to many visions in the industry, the new URG team aims to demonstrate that robotics already delivers real benefits today.
How has the robotics market developed in Germany?
The German robotics industry is going through a difficult period. The industry association VDMA Robotics forecasts a ten percent decline in sales to €14.5 billion for 2025. The automotive industry, traditionally the largest buyer of industrial robots, has drastically reduced its investments. In 2024, only 7,000 robots were installed in the German automotive industry—the lowest figure in 15 years. Uncertainties about US tariffs and weakening demand for electric cars have reinforced the reluctance to invest.
What does this mean for other robotics companies in Germany?
URG wasn't the only German robotics company in trouble. EK Robotics, a specialist in autonomous mobile robots, also filed for insolvency under self-administration. The challenges are similar across the industry: high development costs, customer reluctance to invest, and strong international competition, especially from Asia. Many German robotics companies are struggling with the question of whether their high investments in research and development are paying off.
What lessons can be learned from the URG case?
The case of United Robotics Group highlights the challenges of building a European robotics champion. Despite generous funding from the RAG Foundation and a promising strategy, the project foundered due to the complexity of the robotics industry. The rapid consolidation of various companies proved more difficult than expected. At the same time, the case highlights the importance of developing profitable products early on rather than simply focusing on future markets.
How does Europe compare internationally in robotics?
Europe is in danger of losing ground in robotics development. While the US is forging ahead with companies like Boston Dynamics and China with massive government investments, Europe lacks a clear champion in humanoid robotics. The fragmented landscape of smaller companies can hardly compete with the resources of American tech giants or Chinese state-owned enterprises. Germany, once a leader in industrial robotics, is criticized for being "too slow in its risk-taking."
What are the future prospects for service robotics?
Despite the setbacks, experts still see great potential in service robotics. The market for professional service robots is expected to grow significantly by 2030. Applications range from delivery robots to cleaning machines to care robots. The shortage of skilled workers in many sectors, especially healthcare, is driving demand for supportive robot solutions. The question is whether European companies can develop competitive products in time.
What role does financing play in robotics projects?
Financing remains one of the biggest hurdles for European robotics companies. While American startups benefit from venture capital and Chinese companies from government investments, European companies often rely on a few large investors. The URG case demonstrates how dangerous this dependence can be: When the RAG Foundation reduced its funding, the entire project was jeopardized. Diversified financing sources and early profitability are therefore even more important.
Is there hope for a European robotics champion?
URG's reorientation toward healthcare applications could be a glimmer of hope. By focusing on concrete applications like laboratory automation rather than visionary humanoid robots, the company is pursuing a more pragmatic approach. Close collaboration with laboratory equipment manufacturers and successful installations in over 30 laboratories demonstrate that specialized solutions can indeed be successful. The announced humanoid robot uMe will have to demonstrate whether the lessons of the past have been learned.
What significance does Bochum have for the robotics industry?
Bochum developed into an important robotics center in the Ruhr region thanks to the establishment of URG and related companies. Its proximity to Ruhr University Bochum, with its Chair of Production Systems, provided ideal conditions for research and development. Even after URG's insolvency, Bochum remains an important location, as the new URG holding company continues to operate there. The former Opel site, MARK 51°7, has established itself as an innovation district and is home to various technology companies.
What can other European countries learn from the URG case?
The URG case also serves as a warning to other European countries seeking to build their own robotics champions. France, with its strong tradition in humanoid robotics through Aldebaran, Italy with its automation manufacturers, and the Nordic countries with their tech companies, face similar challenges. The lesson from Germany is clear: It's not enough to generously fund individual companies. Success requires a sustainable ecosystem of research, industry, and government.
What is the impact of international competition?
International competition in robotics is becoming increasingly intense. Chinese companies are pushing into European markets with affordable solutions, while American tech corporations with enormous resources are setting new standards. German robot manufacturers must ask themselves whether they can survive in global competition or whether they should focus on niche markets. URG's experience shows that even with substantial financing, success is not guaranteed.
From dream to reality
The story of the United Robotics Group is the story of a failed dream of becoming the European robotics champion. What began as a visionary project to consolidate the fragmented robotics industry ended in bankruptcy. But the fresh start under new leadership shows that mistakes can be learned. By focusing on concrete healthcare applications and concentrating on profitable niche markets, the new URG could pursue more successful paths. However, the case calls for caution regarding overly ambitious plans and demonstrates how difficult it is to succeed in the globally competitive robotics industry. Europe still needs a robotics champion—but perhaps one that relies less on size and more on sustainable innovation.
We are there for you - advice - planning - implementation - project management
☑️ SME support in strategy, consulting, planning and implementation
☑️ Creation or realignment of the AI strategy
☑️ Pioneer Business Development
Konrad Wolfenstein
I would be happy to serve as your personal advisor.
You can contact me by filling out the contact form below or simply call me on +49 89 89 674 804 (Munich) .
I'm looking forward to our joint project.
Write to me
Xpert.Digital - Konrad Wolfenstein
Xpert.Digital is a hub for industry with a focus on digitalization, mechanical engineering, logistics/intralogistics and photovoltaics.
With our 360° business development solution, we support well-known companies from new business to after sales.
Market intelligence, smarketing, marketing automation, content development, PR, mail campaigns, personalized social media and lead nurturing are part of our digital tools.
You can find out more at: www.xpert.digital - www.xpert.solar - www.xpert.plus
Keep in touch
