The 'Climate Pathways 2.0' study published by the BDI in October, in which the ZVEI also participated, shows that automation technology will make a decisive contribution to achieving future climate targets. One example of this is the European Digital Product Passport, which is based on the digital type plate developed by ZVEI and presented for the first time at SPS in 2019. As a sub-model of the Industry 4.0 administration shell (AAS), it offers numerous advantages: "Not only can specific device information be retrieved digitally, in multiple languages and always up to date, but also that of entire machines," explains Gunther Koschnick, Managing Director of the German Automation Association. Paper documentation is no longer necessary.

Long-term growth expected

In economic terms, automation technology was able to catch up: from January to September 2021, reported sales in the automation sector in Germany amounted to €38.4 billion, an increase of 11% compared to the same period last year. Turnover almost matches the 2019 level. Sales growth of 8% is expected for 2021 as a whole. Incoming orders rose by 26.1% in the first nine months of this year.

"The varying development in incoming orders and turnover this year is primarily due to material shortages. Companies' order books are full, but many companies are unable to deliver as they would like," says Rainer Brehm, Chairman of the ZVEI Automation Association. Shortages can be observed in particular for metals, plastics and semiconductor components.

According to the ZVEI, the global growth trend remains intact. The market has grown by an average of 5% since 2010. Following the coronavirus-related decline and the recovery in 2021, the ZVEI Automation Association expects above-average growth in 2022. The long-term development trends in automation, in particular the requirements for effective climate protection and advancing digitalization, are still in place.