Barcelona Declaration on Robotics and Automation
Robotics Associations Adopt Global Automation Strategy
The global robotics industry is stepping up its collaboration. The associations AER Automation, A3, IFR, and VDMA Robotics + Automation have signed the Barcelona Declaration 2026. The alliance represents over 3,000 companies and calls on governments worldwide to improve the framework conditions for automation through ten key strategic priorities, such as national robotics strategies, investment incentives, and the promotion of technology education.
The signatory organizations—AER Automation (Spain), A3 (U.S.), the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), and VDMA Robotics + Automation (Germany)—collectively represent more than 3,000 companies and institutions worldwide. The goal of this ongoing collaboration is to position robotics as a strategic priority for economic, industrial, and societal development, as well as to establish direct dialogue with policymakers.
"This Declaration represents an international commitment to work hand in hand with governments to build a policy framework that enables robotics to reach its full potential as a driver of competitiveness, sustainability, and social well-being," said Carlos Méndez, President of AER Automation.
The guide that was developed defines ten key priorities for national and regional legislation:
- National Robotics Strategy: Establishment of a central, government-funded agency to prevent fragmented responsibilities.
- Tax Incentives for Investment: Tax breaks that cover not only hardware but also software, system integration, and training programs.
- Government Use: Actively promote automation in the public sector, hospitals, and infrastructure projects through procurement.
- Early Childhood Education: Integrate robotics and AI into school curricula starting at age six to foster mathematical and technical skills.
- Labor market effects: Educate the public about the structural shift toward more secure and higher-paying jobs resulting from automation.
- Care and assistance systems: Recognize care robotics, exoskeletons, and assistive devices as necessary investments in the public health system in light of aging societies.
- Accessibility: Targeted funding, regional clusters, and no-code tools to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Technology-appropriate regulation: Introduction of agile laws and real-world testing environments (sandboxes) that ensure cyber and data security without hindering innovation.
- International Standards: Prioritizing global standards to prevent market fragmentation and rising compliance costs caused by regional variations.
- Scaling innovations: Facilitated access to growth capital to ensure the transition from prototypes to global products.
The associations commit to a continuous exchange of information with government agencies, the provision of industry data, and the publication of regular progress reports.










