Robotics and automation in Germany achieved a record sales volume of 14.5 billion euros in 2017 (up 13 per cent). For the current year, the VDMA Robotics + Automation trade association is again forecasting industry growth of 9 per cent to 15.8 billion euros.
13. July 2018
Robot system (Image: Leuze)
Robotics and automation in Germany achieved a record sales volume of 14.5 billion euros in 2017, which corresponds to an increase of 13 per cent compared to the previous year. For the current year, the VDMA Robotics + Automation trade association is again forecasting industry growth of 9 per cent to 15.8 billion euros.
Export as a growth driver
Exports were the main driver of growth in 2017, in particular the Exports to Asia. Export sales to China grew by around 60 per cent compared to 2016, significantly expanding China's position as the most important market for robotics and automation. Major investments in automation by the electronics industry ensured strong demand here. Exports to all other Asian countries also grew at an above-average rate of around 20 per cent. In addition, the dynamic growth in North America continued. Exports to other European countries increased only moderately - but still accounted for the largest share within the regions. The export ratio rose from 57 per cent (2016) to 60 per cent (2017).
Norbert Stein (Image: Vitronic GmbH)
„2017 was a very strong year for our industry,“ says Dr Norbert Stein, Chairman of the Executive Board of VDMA Robotics + Automation. „We already raised our forecast significantly over the course of the year. The fact that our expectations have now been exceeded once again is testament to the extraordinary market dynamics in automation. Between 2010 and 2017, the industry grew by an average of 10 per cent annually and almost doubled its turnover during this period.“
Forecast: industry remains on course for growth
The global trend towards automation and the digitalisation of production are providing sustained growth impetus. Car manufacturers and suppliers are increasingly investing in electric and hybrid drives. The necessary components, especially batteries, require new production facilities. Automation in the electronics industry will generate further growth momentum in 2018. The unusually strong demand for robotics and automation technologies in 2017 extended delivery times for systems and will continue to have a positive impact on sales well into 2018. Despite protectionist tendencies and macroeconomic risks VDMA Robotics + Automation expects the industry to grow by 9 per cent to 15.8 billion euros in 2018.
Display
Standard developed for Industry 4.0 communication
Together with its member companies, VDMA Robotics + Automation is creating the conditions for a interoperable communication in the smart factory: The Machine Vision, Integrated Assembly Solutions and Robotics departments have developed the first manufacturer-independent information models based on the OPC UA communication standard. This means that the machines will speak the same language in future and can communicate directly with each other - and with the workers.
Using an OPC UA demonstrator, the association and industry partners presented two use cases at this year's automatica 2018 in Munich and made the interfaces between man and machine in the digitally networked factory tangible at the automatica special show „People in the Smart Factory“.
[infotext icon]The VDMA is the largest industrial association in Europe and represents more than 3,200 member companies from the mechanical and plant engineering sector. VDMA Robotics + Automation forms its own trade association with more than 300 members: Suppliers of components and systems from the fields of robotics, integrated assembly solutions (formerly assembly and handling technology) and industrial image processing[/infotext].
