Šabac, Serbia — Serbia’s first robot factory officially began production in the western city of Šabac over the weekend, marking the launch of Europe’s first mass-production base for humanoid robots. Jointly built by China and Serbia, the facility was launched with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić attending the ceremony, calling the project an important step toward the country’s future, according to Chinese automotive supplier Minth Group. Global Times
The first humanoid robot produced at the factory rolled off the production line on the opening day. Vučić interacted with the robot, which demonstrated a range of capabilities including Chinese calligraphy, folding clothes, playing chess and dancing.
Vučić said the launch opens a new field of technological development for Serbia, with the country aiming to integrate robot manufacturing with sectors such as artificial intelligence, supercomputing and data centers, while boosting local talent development and employment. He added that the Šabac launch marks a significant moment for Serbia, positioning the country as a frontrunner in humanoid robot mass production in Europe.
According to Minth Group, the first phase of the factory involved a €20 million investment and covers roughly 3,000 square meters.
Background
The project builds on months of deepening technology cooperation between the two countries. In November 2025, the 7th Session of the China-Serbia Joint Committee Meeting on Scientific and Technological Cooperation identified artificial intelligence and the digital economy as priority areas for collaboration. In February 2026, Vučić announced Serbia’s plan to partner with Shanghai-based robotics company AGIBOT and auto parts supplier Minth Group to build Europe’s first large-scale humanoid robot production base, with mass production targeted for 2026. CGTN
Vučić had earlier voiced enthusiasm for the venture during a state visit to China in late May 2026, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, when he toured a Minth Group factory and took part in discussions on robot production cooperation between the two countries. Bastille Post
The robotics push follows other major Chinese industrial investments in Serbia, including Linglong Tire’s factory in Zrenjanin, which began mass production in September 2024 as China’s first tire manufacturing facility in Europe, a $990 million investment.