The robotics and automation industry in Germany is expected to generate total sales of €14.5 billion ($16.5 billion) in 2025, according to VDMA Robotics + Automation, the largest networking organization for the robotics industry in Europe. The estimate represents a drop of 10% compared to the previous year. Robotics being used in a factory. Courtesy of VDMA. According to the VDMA forecast, the machine vision subsector remains stagnant with expected revenues of €3.1 billion. The forecast for robotics has slightly worsened from -3% to- 5%, with expected revenues of €3.7 billion for 2025. The sharpest decline is expected in automated solutions, with a projected revenue drop of 15% percent to €7.7 billion. Key causes of the economic weakness in Europe and Germany, according to the VDMA, include postponed investment plans due to current geopolitical tensions and increasing competitive pressure from Asian rivals. Dietmar Ley, Chairman of VDMA Robotics + Automation. Courtesy of VDMA. “Robotics and automation are key technologies without which industrial production in a high-wage country like Germany will no longer be conceivable in the future,” said Dietmar Ley, chairman of VDMA Robotics + Automation. “Politics and business must now take concerted action to reduce location-based disadvantages in international competition and set the course for renewed growth.” Earlier this year, the VDMA introduced the “VDMA Robotics Action Plan for Europe.” In sharing the 2025 forecast findings, the VDMA reiterated three core demands stemming from this plan. These include increases in available venture capital for startups and scale-ups, the establishment of a roadmap for competitiveness, and a specific focus on scaling up European innovation.
