VDMA Robotics and Automation
Growth forecast for 2024 halved
The VDMA Robotics and Automation Association has reduced the industry's original sales forecast for 2024 from 4% to 2% growth to EUR 16.5 billion. In the previous year, companies achieved record sales growth of 13% to reach 16.2 billion euros.
"The robotics and automation industry is treading water in a weak domestic economy," says Frank Konrad, Chairman of VDMA Robotics + Automation.
© VDMA"The robotics and automation industry is treading water in a weak domestic economy," says Frank Konrad, Chairman of VDMA Robotics + Automation. "In 2024, the industry expects impetus solely from abroad: here, incoming orders rose by 21% in the first four months of 2024."
Robotics and automation in Germany will be driven in particular by international business in a subdued domestic economy: the industry is forecasting an overall increase in sales of 2% to EUR 16.5 billion in 2024.
© VDMAInternational competition for the German robotics and automation industry is likely to intensify in future due to the increased involvement of Chinese competitors in Europe. China is one of the most advanced economies in the world when it comes to industrial automation: according to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), robot density in the manufacturing industry recently rose to 392 units per 10,000 employees, almost on a par with Japan (397 units) and Germany (415 units). Beijing is also specifically promoting its own high-quality Chinese robotics industry as part of its five-year plans. The trade disputes with the USA mean that Chinese companies will increasingly set up local service and sales structures in Germany and the EU.
"Politicians have recognized robotics and automation as a key technology for Germany's competitiveness," says Frank Konrad. "But now the pace of implementation needs to pick up: Germany needs a reliable framework for investment and new impetus in order to strengthen its competitiveness." The VDMA strategy paper 'Robotics and Automation 2028', which defines specific fields of action, provides important guidance for this. The recommendations include industrial policy measures, accelerated innovation, the promotion of talent and practical regulation.
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