The German robotics and automation industry is facing a significant decline in sales in 2025. A reluctance to invest and international competitive pressure are hitting the industry hard - with consequences for automation solutions in packaging machine construction.
Expectations in the German robotics and automation industry have clouded over: VDMA Robotics + Automation is forecasting a ten per cent drop in sales to 14.5 billion euros for the current year. Automated solutions are particularly hard hit with an expected drop of 15 per cent. .
These figures are also a warning signal for the packaging machinery industry, traditionally a pioneer in the use of robotics and automation. Highly automated packaging lines in particular - from the primary and secondary packaging process through to palletising - are increasingly based on flexible robotic solutions, intelligent sensor systems and data-based optimisation.
Reluctance to invest slows down innovation cycles
„The weak sales forecast at the start of the year has been confirmed,“ explains Dr Dietmar Ley, Chairman of VDMA Robotics + Automation. The association cites postponed investment decisions due to geopolitical uncertainties and increasing pressure from Asian competitors as the reasons for this. .
For the machine vision sector - also a key factor for automated packaging processes - sales are expected to stagnate at 3.1 billion euros in 2025. In the robotics sector itself, the VDMA anticipates a decline of five per cent to 3.7 billion euros. .
In the packaging industry in particular, many manufacturers rely on fully automated lines that combine speed, flexibility and quality. Robot-assisted pick-and-place solutions, adaptive end-of-line systems and camera-based quality controls are standard - and without continuous investment in automation technologies, efficiency gains and innovation leadership quickly falter.
Focus on SMEs and AI solutions
This year's automatica (24-27 June in Munich) will serve as a platform for new impetus. The focus will be on automation solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the increased use of artificial intelligence to optimise production processes. The intelligent networking of robotics, image processing and control technology is regarded as a key lever for increasing efficiency, particularly in packaging machine construction. .
VDMA calls for political solidarity
With the „VDMA Robotics Action Plan for Europe“, the association is presenting three key demands: More venture capital for start-ups and scale-ups, a roadmap to strengthen competitiveness and targeted scaling of European innovations. In particular, the VDMA is pushing for the swift implementation of the investment support programmes agreed in the coalition agreement. .
Dr Ley warns: „Robotics and automation are key technologies without which industrial production is no longer conceivable in high-wage Germany.“ Politics and business must act now to reduce locational disadvantages and give industry new impetus for growth.
Packaging industry at a glance
Automation remains a question of survival for the packaging industry. In view of increasing demands for efficiency, flexibility and sustainability, innovative robotic solutions are indispensable - from the flexible packaging of individual products to smart palletising. The expected decline in investment is therefore not only an economic challenge, but also a strategic one. Investing now will secure competitive advantages for the future.
VDMA Robotics Action Plan for Europe: http://www.vdma.org/robstrat
