The coronavirus pandemic is affecting all sectors and industries. How does automation compare to other sectors?

Mrosik : Covid-19 has hit us all hard and we can see that the recovery is progressing slowly. The second lockdown is another setback for many industries. For the automation industry, we can see that the overall decline has been limited so far: From January to July, we had a decline in sales of -10% in Germany. The forecast for 2020 is a decline of 7 to 8%. However, the picture in the membership varies greatly: automotive and machine tools in particular have suffered significant declines in sales, while drive manufacturers that supply 'logistics', for example, have probably escaped with less massive slumps. The long project durations and less cyclical sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food, water, etc. are helping here.

What trends have been reinforced by the coronavirus pandemic and how can automation benefit from this?

Mrosik: Automation has proven its adaptability during the coronavirus crisis. Companies in the automation industry are making a very important contribution right now by maintaining availability through services and software solutions as well as with their products and spare parts. Automation technology such as sensors, actuators and control systems play a crucial role here. Digitalization and automation will continue to play an increasingly important role in companies in the future.

Looking into the future is like gazing into a crystal ball. How is automation arming itself against the unpredictability of the pandemic?

Mrosik : The lockdown has shown us how important digitalization is. For example, virtual conferences, mobile working and home schooling. Our competitiveness and value creation will fundamentally depend on how digitally fit we are in the future. People must be at the center of all considerations. Overall, we have passed the practical test during the pandemic.

How is the ZVEI supporting its members in coping with the pandemic?

Mrosik: Automation is a driver of the digital and green transformation. We will continue to drive forward Industry 4.0 and bundle parallel development strands in digitalization and digital transformation. The digital transformation in automation is the basis for greater sustainability. We can see this, for example, in the digital type plate or the DC industry research project. At the same time, the digital transformation is the basis for greater resilience and more flexibility in production.

Everyone is talking about corona and the USA, Brexit is being somewhat overlooked. How does the ZVEI assess the risk of a hard Brexit?

Mrosik : First and foremost, Brexit means a slowdown and bureaucratization of delivery processes due to the introduction of border controls and formalities. This is less about a 'deal' or 'no deal' scenario. Only a continuation of the existing single market and customs union would have brought significant benefits for the electrical industry. A lack of a free trade agreement would affect important customer sectors such as the automotive industry in particular. The expected non-tariff trade barriers in particular, if European and British technical legislation continues to diverge year on year, will be a concern for the electrical industry.