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Germany's Robotics Industry Heads for Second Straight Year of Decline
Industry·The Robot Report / VDMA·1 min read

Germany's Robotics Industry Heads for Second Straight Year of Decline

Germany's VDMA Robotics + Automation Association expects revenue to fall 5% in 2026 to about €14.1 billion, following a 7% decline in 2025. The trade group warns that Germany is losing ground internationally as Asian competitors expand faster and gain market share. High costs, regulatory burdens, and slow decision-making in Europe are making it harder for local companies to compete. Despite the downturn, VDMA chairman Dr. Olaf Munkelt says long-term growth drivers like AI, smart production, and automation remain intact — but Germany needs rapid deregulation and competitive cost structures to return to growth. Germany remains Europe's largest robotics market and the world's fifth-largest, with 26,982 robot installations in 2024.

GermanyVDMAIndustryMarketEuropeManufacturing
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