The sales volume of the three segments - 'Robotics', 'Integrated Assembly Solutions' and 'Machine Vision' - rose from EUR 6.2 billion in 2009 to EUR 12.8 billion in 2016. For 2017, the VDMA anticipates a record sales volume of EUR 13.7 billion for robotics and automation.

Foreign business in particular is soaring: export sales rose by almost 9%, while domestic business remained constant. Germany remains the largest single market with a 43% share of sales. In terms of international sales, the biggest growth drivers are Europe with a share of 30%, China with 10% and North America with 9%. The export share of German robotics and automation increased to 57%.

Dr. Norbert Stein, Chairman of the Executive Board of VDMA Robotics + Automation: "In the global race to modernize the industry, market participants from Germany are benefiting from a robust economy."

© VDMA

A comparison of the three segments

The largest sub-sector of German robotics and automation remains the 'Integrated Assembly Solutions' segment, i.e. intelligent assembly and production solutions. Turnover in this segment rose by 2% to EUR 7 billion. Domestic business grew by 3% and exports by 1%. With a 69% share of sales, the automotive industry ranks first in terms of system sales. For 2017, the VDMA is forecasting sales growth of 6% to a new record of EUR 7.4 billion.

At €3.6 billion, German robotics generated an 8% increase in sales compared to the previous year, reaching a new record. According to the latest figures from the International Federation of Robotics, Germany ranks fifth worldwide with a total of 189,400 industrial robots. In terms of unit numbers, production increased by 21%. For 2017, the VDMA is forecasting an increase in sales of at least 8% to EUR 3.8 billion.

Machine vision is following the record figures with an increase in turnover of 9%. Domestic business rose by 3% and international business by14%. The VDMA forecast anticipates an increase in turnover of 10% for 2017.

Effects of digitalization on the labour market

According to the VDMA, the labor supply in Germany will decrease significantly by 2040. The reason for this is that while the baby boomers are growing out of working age, the baby boomers with low birth rates are coming of age. Expressed in figures, the labor force potential in Germany will shrink by 10 million people by 2040 - which corresponds to a drop of 20%.

In order to adapt to this new labour market situation, digital transformation with robotics and automation will play a key role: "In the coming decades, demography and digitalization will offer Germany a unique opportunity to combine innovation, qualifications and competitiveness into a positive alliance of economic strength and social solidarity," says Dr Horst Neumann from the Institute for the History and Future of Work (IGZA) in Berlin. "Accelerated digitalization and the resulting increases in productivity are necessary to secure competitiveness and form the basis for financing infrastructure, education and pension systems."