Chinese Robot Firms Rush to IFA Despite Visa Hurdles

The IFA consumer electronics exhibition, held annually in Berlin, has become a key gateway for Chinese robotics companies aiming to enter the European market.

This year, despite strict visa timelines and tight logistics, a notable delegation of Chinese robot firms managed to secure their presence.

Tang Jing (a pseudonym), an employee at one such company, obtained her German visa only on August 20—barely two weeks before the show opened on September 6. The preceding month she spent nonstop on preparations: coordinating product freight, clearing customs, and designing the booth layout. Every detail had to be settled remotely before she could travel.

Tang's experience mirrors that of many peers in China's robotics sector. Facing fierce domestic competition, numerous companies view IFA as a crucial platform to showcase their wares to European buyers and distributors. Some even reported that travel restrictions and scheduling conflicts forced last-minute adjustments to their exhibit plans.

The collective effort underscores a persistent trend: Chinese robotics startups and established firms alike are accelerating their global expansion. By braving paperwork mountains and crossed fingers, they bet on IFA's power to open doors to partnerships and sales in Western markets. Their determination signals that overseas expansion is no longer an option but a necessity for growth.