VDMA Forecast: Machine Vision ‘Made in Germany’ to Grow by 8% in 2022

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Machine vision in Germany is expected to achieve a turnover of 3.3 billion euros in 2022 - this corresponds to an increase of 8 percent compared to the previous year. The “seeing machines“ are thus continuing their economic recovery. The strongest demand comes from abroad. This was reported by VDMA Machine Vision at the opening of the VISION 2022 trade fair in Stuttgart.

"Machine vision is a key component for companies in the international automation race," says Mark Williamson, Chairman of the Board of VDMA Machine Vision. "This is impressively reflected in the sales figures: demand for machine vision components and systems developed more strongly than expected in 2021 and increased by 16 percent in Germany to an industry turnover of 3.1 billion euros. The further growth prospects are positive for the coming years despite the overall economic uncertainty."

VDMA Market Survey 2022 "Machine Vision in Europe

In 2021, German machine vision suppliers generated 97 percent of their sales in the two segments "components" (50 percent) and "systems" (47 percent). The export ratio of these business sectors is high:

The manufactures of machine vision components generated 66 percent of their turnover abroad: Exports to Asian countries contributed 30 percent to turnover in 2021 - the strongest single market was China with a market share of 56 percent of exports to Asia. Exports to China increased by 20 percent in 2021. The largest growth market in the region was India with a plus of 89 percent. Exports to North America grew by 15 percent in 2021. Exports from Germany to other European countries accounted for 22 percent of sales. Sales to Europe grew by 15 percent.

The manufactures of machine vision systems achieved 74 percent of their turnover on foreign markets. Asian countries accounted for 33 percent of turnover - exports increased by 22 percent in 2021. Business in China accounted for 38 percent of exports to Asia and grew by 16 percent. The largest growth market in this segment was also India with an increase of 20 percent. Exports to other European countries contributed 24 percent to turnover. The recovery of the European market is reflected by a 22 percent increase in turnover. Exports to America accounted for 16 percent of turnover. Most of these exports were destined for North America (95 percent). Turnover there increased by 23 percent in 2021. Exports to South and Central America recovered from their slump in 2020 - a 63 percent decline - and increased by 62 percent.

Market shares: Industries and applications

The manufacturing industry is the largest customer sector for machine vision from Germany and has a market share of around 60 percent. Looking at applications of machine vision components and systems, object recognition (21 percent) and quality control (20 percent) have the largest market shares.

The world's leading trade fair VISION from 04 to 06 October 2022 

The world's leading trade fair for machine vision will be taking place at Messe Stuttgart from 4 to 6 October 2022. Every two years, VISION covers the entire spectrum of machine vision technology and discusses trends. The trade fair is particularly characterised by first-class exhibitors, a high level of internationality and a diverse supporting programme.