-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueMaterial Matters
Materials management is nuanced, multifaceted, and requires a holistic systems approach for business success. When building high mix, low volume, and high technology, managing materials and overall cost containment are even greater challenges.
Additive Manufacturing
In this month’s issue, we explore additive manufacturing technology for the PCB fabricator: where it stands today, the true benefits, and where it seems to be headed.
The Growing Industry
In this issue of PCB007 Magazine, we talk with leading economic experts, advocacy specialists in Washington, D.C., and PCB company leadership to get a well-rounded picture of what’s happening in the industry today. Don’t miss it.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Events
||| MENU - pcb007 Magazine
VDMA Robotics and Automation Halves Growth Forecast – Positive Signs from International Business
June 17, 2024 | VDMAEstimated reading time: 1 minute
![](https://iconnect007.com/application/files/7617/1862/5941/Frank_Konrad_VDMA.jpg)
Robotics and automation in Germany will be mostly driven by foreign demand in a subdued domestic economy: The industry is forecasting an overall increase in sales of 2 percent to 16.5 billion euros in 2024. In the previous year, companies achieved a record of 16.2 billion euros with a 13 percent increase in turnover.
“The robotics and automation industry is treading water in a weak domestic economy,” says Frank Konrad, Chairman of VDMA Robotics + Automation. "Uncertain customers are reluctant to invest. The German economy needs better framework conditions so that we can return to a solid growth path. The industry is expecting some momentum from overseas business in 2024 as the incoming orders rose by 21 percent in the first four months."
China sets its sights on Europe
International competition for the German robotics and automation industry is likely to intensify in the future due to the increased focus of Chinese competitors on Europe. China is one of the most advanced economies in the world when it comes to industrial automation: according to the latest IFR data, robot density in the manufacturing industry rose to 392 units per 10.000 employees, on a par with Japan (397 units) and Germany (415 units). Beijing is also specifically promoting its own high-quality Chinese robotics industry as part of its five-year plans. The trade disputes with the USA mean that Chinese companies will increasingly establish local service and sales structures in Germany and the EU.
Germany needs speed
“Politicians have recognized robotics and automation as a key technology for Germany's competitiveness,” says Frank Konrad. “But now the pace of implementation needs to pick up: Germany needs a reliable framework for investment and new measures in order to strengthen its competitiveness.” The VDMA strategy paper “Robotics and Automation 2028”, which defines concrete recommendations, provides important guidance for this. The proposed actions include industrial policy measures, accelerated innovation, the promotion of talent and a pragmatic approach to regulation.
Conference “AI-based Robotics 2024” (KIRO2024) in Berlin
To strengthen Germany's competitiveness in robotics, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) together with the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWK) is organizing this conference for the first time. Representatives from research, industry and politics will come together at FUTURIUM Berlin on June 18 and 19, 2024, under the motto “AI-based robotics”:
Suggested Items
IDC Reveals Automotive Semiconductor Market Outlook and Discusses Technological Advancements
06/26/2024 | IDCA recent IDC report, Worldwide Automotive Semiconductor Market Forecast, 2024 categorizes automotive chips into distinct segments: analog chips, logic chips, microprocessors, memory chips, discrete devices, optoelectronic devices, and sensors.
CSPs to Expand into Edge AI, Driving Average NB DRAM Capacity Growth by at Least 7% in 2025
06/26/2024 | TrendForceTrendForce has observed that in 2024, major CSPs such as Microsoft, Google, Meta, and AWS will continue to be the primary buyers of high-end AI servers, which are crucial for LLM and AI modeling.
Airbus Provides 2024 Guidance Update
06/25/2024 | Airbus GroupAirbus SE is providing a market update to report on new developments related to its space activities and commercial aircraft business, the impact of which is leading the Company to update its 2024 guidance.
Plexus Issues Fiscal 2023 Sustainability Report
06/25/2024 | Plexus Corp.Plexus Corp. released its fiscal 2023 Sustainability Report. The report, which is now available on the company’s Sustainability web page, highlights the progress and impact of its sustainable and responsible business practices in strengthening customer partnerships, supporting team member growth and demonstrating a positive environmental and social impact.
DigiKey Receives ISO 27001 Certification, Adding to Robust Information Security Program THIEF
06/21/2024 | Digi-KeyDigiKey, a leading global commerce distributor offering the largest selection of technical components and automation products in stock for immediate shipment, announced it has added ISO 27001 certification to its robust data security program.