German Machinery and Equipment Association with 3,600+ members; Robotics+Automation division supports the German robot and automation industry.
The VDMA (Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbauer e.V.) is the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association, founded in 1892 in Cologne and currently headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. It represents approximately 3,600 German and European mechanical and plant engineering companies, making it one of the largest industrial sector associations in Europe by membership count. The member companies of VDMA collectively employ around 1.2 million people in Germany and more than 3 million across the European Union, constituting the largest employer among capital goods industries in both geographies.
VDMA operates through 37 specialized trade associations covering distinct technology sectors, six regional subsidiaries across Germany, and seven representative offices in foreign countries supporting international market access for member companies. Among its sector groups, VDMA Robotics + Automation is dedicated to manufacturers of assembly and handling technology, machine vision, robotics, and integrated automation solutions, with more than 400 member companies as of 2024. The Robotics + Automation division encompasses three subsectors — robotics, machine vision, and automated solutions (formerly integrated assembly solutions) — and elected Dr. Dietmar Ley, CEO of Basler AG, as its new chairman at the November 2024 members' assembly, succeeding Frank Konrad of Hahn Automation Group.
VDMA serves as the primary statistical and policy voice for the German mechanical engineering sector at national and European levels, publishing regular market forecasts and representing member interests before the German government and European institutions. For the Robotics + Automation division, the German industry generated revenues of approximately 15.2 billion euros in 2024, with VDMA forecasting a further decline of 9 percent to 13.8 billion euros in 2025, driven by structural dependence on the automotive sector and rising competition from Asian manufacturers. VDMA organizes and participates in major industry trade fairs including Hannover Messe and automatica, and operates working groups that develop technical standards and position papers for the mechanical engineering sector.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Contact VDMA
WEBSITE
https://www.vdma.orgPHONE
+49 69 6603-0HEADQUARTERS
Germany
Company Facts
Founded
1892
Primary Role
Industry Association
Company Size
employees 100-500
Primary Region
Europe
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
-
Automate 2027, May 10–13 at the Las Vegas Convention Center: A3's robotics and automation show moves to Las Vegas after a record 50,000+ registrants in 2026.
ByRobotToday Reporter Oct 05, 2026NVIDIA GTC 2027 runs Mar 15–18 in San Jose, with physical AI and robotics as a core theme. Poster call open until Nov 10, 2026; registration opens this fall.
ByRobotToday Reporter Oct 05, 2026HANNOVER MESSE 2027, April 5–8 in Hannover: four-day industrial fair with Spain as partner country; industrial AI, robotics and automation in focus.
ByRobotToday Reporter Oct 05, 2026ICRA 2027, the IEEE flagship robotics conference, runs May 24–28, 2027 at COEX in Seoul: theme, chairs, deadlines and expected scale.
ByRobotToday Reporter Oct 05, 2026ICARA 2027 runs Feb 25–27, 2027 at De Vinci Higher Education, Paris La Défense. Papers due Oct 1, 2026; author fees from USD 600.
ByRobotToday Reporter Oct 05, 2026CES 2027 runs Jan 6–9 in Las Vegas for its 60th anniversary. Robotics interest grew 26% in 2026; humanoids and physical AI are key themes. Registration open.
ByRobotToday Reporter Oct 05, 2026Meta description LogiMAT 2027 runs March 16–18 at Messe Stuttgart under the theme "MIND MEETS MACHINE", with AI, AMRs and humanoid robots in focus for intralogistics.
ByRobotToday Reporter Oct 05, 2026A3 Business Forum 2027, Jan 18–20 at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek: members-only automation executive forum with ITR Economics forecast and A3 data.
ByRobotToday Reporter Oct 05, 20262027 FIRST Championship: FRC, FTC and FIRST LEGO League teams meet at Houston's George R. Brown Convention Center, Apr 28-May 1, 2027. 2026 drew 50,000.
ByRobotToday Reporter Oct 05, 2026This week, South Korea's physical AI sector saw significant advancements, including a collaboration between Semifive and Mobilint on outdoor robotics AI chips. Aidin Robotics joined a Doosan-led cobot initiative, while Hanwha Ocean and Korea Expressway Corp. signed agreements for shipbuilding robots and highway automation. These developments are crucial as they reflect South Korea's commitment to enhancing automation in various industries. The $7.2 million multi-agent autonomous-manufacturing project led by SKPack and the successful KOSDAQ IPO of Brills, which raised approximately $17 million, further underscore the growing investment in physical AI technologies. Looking ahead, stakeholders should monitor the progress of these projects, particularly the ongoing work on AI chips and the integration of robotics in manufacturing and infrastructure. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AIInsider Oct 03, 2026 AI Funding & Investment Humanoids Physical AI AI Aidin Robotics BrillsIn Episode 264 of The Robot Report Podcast, Miguel Garcés Moreno, the product marketing manager for OMRON Industrial Automation Europe, discusses the company's next-generation LD mobile robots. He emphasizes the importance of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in transforming modern factory floors with flexible and fully automated intralogistics systems. Garces Moreno's expertise in industrial automation, AI vision, and motion control highlights the significance of integrating advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency. The collaboration with WiBotic for wireless charging solutions further underscores OMRON's commitment to increasing the uptime and safety of robotic fleets, which is crucial for manufacturers aiming to optimize their production processes. Listeners should keep an eye on OMRON's developments in AMRs and their partnerships, particularly with WiBotic, as these innovations could redefine intralogistics and factory automation. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
RoboticsBusinessReview.com Oct 02, 2026 Artificial Intelligence Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) Industrial Robots Markets / Industries News OpinionCSi Palletising has launched the s-Pal robotic palletiser, an entry-level solution priced at €95,000. This system features a FANUC industrial robot and is designed for medium-sized businesses in the FMCG and CPG sectors. Pre-orders began on October 1st, with initial deliveries expected in early 2027. The s-Pal offers three variations with options for left-hand, right-hand, or dual infeed, making it a flexible choice for users. Its lean design focuses on essential features for efficient palletising while maintaining high quality and reliability, backed by a standard 3-year warranty. The system is user-friendly, allowing a single operator to manage it effectively. Looking ahead, CSi plans to offer the s-Pal for lease starting mid-2027. As a predefined solution, it promises quick processing of quotations and orders, with guided installation instructions for self-installation. Customers can also opt for professional installation by CSi’s team, ensuring support throughout the process. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
WarehouseNews.co.uk Oct 01, 2026 Industry NewsHitachi and Fanuc have established a strategic partnership aimed at developing and commercializing physical AI systems tailored for manufacturing. Initial testing will occur at Hitachi's factories in Japan's Ibaraki region, with broader deployment anticipated to commence in fiscal 2027. The collaboration seeks to automate tasks that currently rely on skilled labor, enhancing productivity and addressing labor shortages. This partnership is significant as it combines Hitachi's expertise in physical AI and operational technology with Fanuc's advanced industrial robots and AI capabilities. The goal is to create systems that can adapt to varying production conditions and tasks requiring human judgment. The initial applications will focus on parts picking and production changeovers, with plans to expand across multiple industries, including semiconductors and automotive. Looking ahead, Hitachi and Fanuc will leverage their global customer bases to implement these technologies across diverse sectors starting in fiscal 2027. The companies aim to continuously improve their systems by learning from real production data, which could lead to more efficient and adaptable manufacturing processes. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AIInsider Oct 01, 2026 Business & Markets Physical AI Fanuc Hitachi Industrial Robots JapanAn increasing number of industrial companies are engaging in bee conservation, driven by ecological responsibility and sustainability strategies. These companies do not need to be high-tech firms to contribute; the technological range includes industrial robotic systems and affordable open-source solutions for workplace training. The involvement of various industries in bee protection highlights a growing awareness of environmental issues and the importance of biodiversity. By integrating smart systems, companies can enhance their sustainability efforts while also potentially benefiting from improved workplace environments. Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how these initiatives evolve and whether more companies will adopt similar strategies. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
ROBOTICSandPRODUCTION Oct 01, 2026 Allgemein Anwendungen & LösungenAn increasing number of industrial companies are engaging in bee conservation, driven by ecological responsibility and sustainability strategies. These efforts are not limited to high-tech firms; a range of technological solutions is available, from industrial robotic systems to affordable open-source options for workplace training. The significance of this trend lies in the growing recognition of the role bees play in ecosystems and agriculture. By integrating bee conservation into their operations, companies can enhance their sustainability profiles while contributing positively to environmental health. Looking ahead, it will be important to monitor how these initiatives evolve and whether more companies adopt similar practices. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
ROBOTICSandPRODUCTION Oct 01, 2026 Allgemein Anwendungen & LösungenDürr has unveiled four new industrial robots tailored for automotive paint shops, with payload capacities ranging from 20 kg to 150 kg. The EcoRS Generation 2 series is designed for various applications, including sealing, cleaning, and material handling, and features a reach of up to 3,100 mm. This standardized platform aims to streamline paint-shop automation planning and maintenance. The introduction of the EcoRS Generation 2 robots is significant as it establishes a standardized solution for sealing applications, enhancing process quality and availability while reducing complexity throughout the equipment's lifecycle. Martin Wurst, product manager at Dürr, emphasized the benefits of this new platform for customers, particularly in achieving consistent seams across vehicle bodies. Looking ahead, Dürr's focus on integrating robot mechanics, control systems, and application technology is expected to improve path accuracy and operational flexibility. The redesigned EcoRS platform, with its internal component relocation, not only minimizes interference but also simplifies cleaning and reduces space requirements. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
RoboticsAndAutomationNews.com Oct 01, 2026Inbolt has successfully raised $12.5 million to advance its AI-driven 3D vision software tailored for industrial robots. This funding will support the company's expansion into the U.S. and Asia-Pacific markets, as well as its entry into data centers and electronics manufacturing. The significance of this funding round, led by Shift4Good with contributions from Bridges Climate Transition Partners, BNP Paribas Développement, and Ora Global, brings Inbolt's total funding to $34 million. The company aims to enhance its operations in the U.S. following the establishment of a Detroit office in 2026, targeting sectors such as automotive and electronics manufacturing. Inbolt's software enables robots to adapt in real-time to changes in their environment, addressing issues like part misalignment and tooling wear. As the demand for more intelligent robotic solutions grows, Inbolt's hardware-agnostic approach positions it well for future developments in industrial automation. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AIInsider Sep 30, 2026 AI AI Funding & Investment Physical AI 3D vision BNP Paribas Développement Bridges Climate Transition PartnersInbolt has announced a successful funding round of $12.5 million, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of industrial robots. This funding will support the company's expansion into the US and APAC markets, as well as its entry into data centers and electronics manufacturing. The significance of this funding lies in Inbolt's innovative technology that enables industrial robots to see, think, and adapt in real time. This advancement allows robots to master various processes, parts, or stations, thereby increasing efficiency and versatility in manufacturing environments. Looking ahead, Inbolt's total funding has now reached $34 million, with participation from notable investors including Shift4Good, Bridges Climate Transition Partners, BNP Paribas Développement, and Ora Global. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
RoboticsTomorrow.com Sep 30, 2026Inbolt has successfully raised $12.5 million in funding to enhance industrial robots with real-time vision and intelligence capabilities. The funding round was led by Shift4Good, with participation from Bridges Climate Transition Partners, BNP Paribas Développement, and Ora Global, bringing Inbolt's total funding to $34 million. This funding is crucial as it will support Inbolt's expansion into the US, particularly following the opening of its Detroit office in 2026, and its entry into new sectors such as data centers and electronics manufacturing. Inbolt's technology addresses the limitations of traditional industrial robots, which often struggle with part misalignment and tooling wear, leading to costly downtime. Looking ahead, Inbolt's innovative combination of 3D vision and AI software positions it to significantly improve automation across various industries, including automotive and electronics. The company is already deployed in over 100 factories worldwide, and its recognition as a rapidly growing startup highlights its potential impact on the future of industrial automation. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
RoboticsAndAutomationNews.com Sep 30, 2026RobotToday's weekly industry briefing for March 21–28, 2026 covers Physical Intelligence's $1B raise, Amazon's Fauna Robotics acquisition, Agile Robots' DeepMind partnership, the launch of Europe's first robotaxi service, DJI's Avata 360 drone, Skydio's $52M Army order, and the latest in humanoid, AMR, and drone technology.
ByRobotToday Reporter Mar 28, 2026