"We have no time to lose": VDMA proposes robotics action plan for the EU
European countries are at risk of falling behind other players when it comes to robotics and automation. The VDMA has developed a plan.
(Image: Kuka Group)
The German Engineering Federation (Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau, VDMA) Robotics + Automation sees an increasing loss in the competitiveness of European economies in the field of robotics and automation. To counter this loss of competitiveness, the association has drawn up a robotics action plan to encourage political players in Europe to take targeted action.
Robotics and automation are key technologies for future growth in Europe. However, compared to other countries, such as China, Europe is increasingly lagging. In China, for example, robot density has roughly doubled within four years to 470 units per 10,000 employees. In Europe, the average robot density is currently only 219 units. With a robot density of 470, China has also pushed Germany out of the top 3. With 419 units, Germany is now in fourth place in the global ranking. The first two places are occupied by South Korea (1012 units) and Singapore (770 units).
The VDMA believes the time has come to start a race to catch up to avoid falling further behind other countries. "We have no time to lose," says Dietmar Ley, Chairman of VDMA Robotics + Automation. Europe must now step up its game in robotics and automation. This is the only way to ensure that economic growth can be increased through productivity and innovation.
European robotics plan
The VDMA has developed concrete ideas in its Robotics Action Plan for Europe (PDF). First and foremost, this includes a robotics offensive that can counter the aggressive industrial policy agendas of other countries, such as China's 5-year plan. The aim is to regain competitiveness.
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In addition, more venture capital must be made available for European start-ups. To this end, rules for institutional investors need to be reformed. However, money is only one thing; it is important to develop a roadmap on how Europe can keep pace with developments in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). To this end, national plans and a pan-European plan should be developed.
In addition, Europe is doing excellent research work and producing innovations, but is unable to turn these into market-ready products quickly enough, if at all. China is in a much better position here.
(olb)
