Two Swiss robotics teams unexpectedly met at the 2026 Hangzhou International Embodied Robotics Application Competition on May 16, highlighting the city's growing role as a global robotics hub.

At the entrepreneurship and investment track, teams from Switzerland presented their technologies and ambitions, both drawn to Hangzhou's fast-evolving robotics ecosystem and real-world application scenarios.

One team, led by CEO Jonathan Lehner of Jilian Technology, said China's robotics sector stood out for its speed and rapid iteration.

He noted key differences between markets: "China prioritizes speed and ROI, while Europe focuses more on reliability and certification. These differences are complementary." He added that his company has already registered in Hangzhou's Xihu district to accelerate product iteration and market access.

Another Swiss-founded team, Xperbot, is building an AI-driven "translator" platform that converts user needs into engineering specifications, helping match robotics solutions with real-world demand.

"Many companies have good products but lack access to clear use cases. We bridge that gap," said co-founder Wang Xiaomeng, an ETH Zurich PhD. The team recently supported a Swiss ski resort in selecting and deploying multiple robotics solutions, including Chinese-made products.

Wang emphasized the challenges of entering Europe's market, including strict regulation, safety standards, and public unfamiliarity with service robots. "We aim to build a bridge between China's manufacturing strength and Europe's application needs."

For both teams, Hangzhou is not just a competition venue but a strategic launchpad — offering industrial clusters, policy support, and direct access to manufacturing ecosystems.