-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueThe Hole Truth: Via Integrity in an HDI World
From the drilled hole to registration across multiple sequential lamination cycles, to the quality of your copper plating, via reliability in an HDI world is becoming an ever-greater challenge. This month we look at “The Hole Truth,” from creating the “perfect” via to how you can assure via quality and reliability, the first time, every time.
In Pursuit of Perfection: Defect Reduction
For bare PCB board fabrication, defect reduction is a critical aspect of a company's bottom line profitability. In this issue, we examine how imaging, etching, and plating processes can provide information and insight into reducing defects and increasing yields.
Voices of the Industry
We take the pulse of the PCB industry by sharing insights from leading fabricators and suppliers in this month's issue. We've gathered their thoughts on the new U.S. administration, spending, the war in Ukraine, and their most pressing needs. It’s an eye-opening and enlightening look behind the curtain.
- Articles
- Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - pcb007 Magazine
VDMA: Machine Vision Navigating Through Uncertain Times
April 18, 2024 | VDMAEstimated reading time: 2 minutes

For over a decade, the European machine vision industry has reported steady growth, with turnover increasing by an average of 9 percent annually between 2012 and 2022. Despite a temporary setback in 2020 (minus 4 percent) due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the industry rebounded strongly in 2021 (plus 17 percent) and 2022 (plus 11 percent). "The European machine vision industry has demonstrated exceptional growth over the last decade and remains a very attractive industry." says Mark Williamson, Chairman of the Board of the VDMA Machine Vision division during the VISION / VDMA CEO Roundtable. "Unfortunately, due to the current economic and geo-political situation we were unable to repeat this in 2023 and while we are starting to see improvements, it’s unlikely to see growth until late 2024.”
Based on the latest VDMA statistics, the European machine vision industry experienced a 7 percent decrease in sales during 2023. For this year, VDMA Machine Vision anticipates a continued downturn, projecting a further 3 percent decline in sales for the current year.
2023: weak economy and decline in exports
The weakened global economy, coupled with crises such as the war in Ukraine, contributed to a tough year for the European machine vision industry. The demand in Europe fell by 3 percent. Export-oriented companies were particularly affected, with demand for European machine vision dropping by 21 percent in Asia and 18 percent in North America.
German machine vision industry: turnover twice as high as in 2013
According to the latest VDMA annual market survey, the German machine vision industry showed strong growth, doubling turnover from 1.6 billion euros in 2013 to 3.2 billion euros in 2023, despite a decline in sales of 7 percent in 2023.
Turnaround expected in autumn, along with VISION 2024
Looking ahead, the industry faces uncertainties with many customers being hesitant to invest amidst prevailing uncertainty. Order backlogs have been shrinking, new orders have been postponed and business expectations again worsened in November and December 2023, leading VDMA Machine Vision to publish a negative forecast for the first time in over a decade. However, the industry's diversified customer base has helped mitigate the impact of declining sales compared to other sectors. Many industries and many visionary products rely on computer / machine vision.
Longer-term outlook remains positive
Despite short-term challenges, the longer-term outlook for machine vision remains positive. As a key technology in the global automation race, machine vision finds applications not only in traditional industrial sectors but also in non-manufacturing industries, driving improvements in quality, cost-effectiveness, competitiveness, autonomy, and safety standards.
With the emergence of new AI-technologies and -approaches, the market potential for image processing continues to grow, with VDMA Machine Vision anticipating a shift in trends by the fourth quarter of 2024.
The industry eagerly anticipates VISION 2024, expecting further impetus from the world-leading trade fair for machine vision technology. While challenges persist, the European machine vision industry remains committed to innovation and long-term growth.
Suggested Items
TRI Unveils New Multi-Camera AOI, TR7500 SIII Ultra
06/27/2025 | TRITest Research, Inc. (TRI), the leading test and inspection systems provider for the electronics manufacturing industry, proudly introduces the new TR7500 SIII Ultra.
NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Shipments Expected to Rise Amid Market Uncertainties
06/24/2025 | TrendForceThe NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 has recently generated significant buzz in the market, with expectations running high for strong shipment performance driven by solid demand.
Green Circuits Boosts Test Capacity with New Takaya APT-1600FD System
06/24/2025 | Green CircuitsGreen Circuits, a full-service Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) partner to leading OEMs, is pleased to announce the purchase of its fourth Takaya APT-1600FD Double-sided Flying Probe Test System.
Reflections and Priorities: An Update to I-Connect007 Readers
06/24/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007The electronics and manufacturing industry is evolving rapidly—with new technologies, deeper global connections, and a growing drive toward sustainability. To reflect these changes and our place in this dynamic space, we’re refreshing our brand.
France, Spain Renew Commitment to the Airbus A400M Programme
06/17/2025 | AirbusAirbus and OCCAR have reached an agreement with the A400M launch nations to secure production for the programme for the foreseeable future, improve the cost of operations, and jointly develop new capabilities.