How automatica 2025 reflects the shifting landscape of smart automation and robotics

As the much-anticipated automatica event prepares to open its doors from June 24 to 27, 2025, in Munich, Germany, it would be interesting to ask what the state of the sector is.

automatica is one of the leading international trade fairs for intelligent automation and robotics. A biennial event founded in 2004, it serves as a barometer for the robotics and automation sector, showcasing innovations and fostering dialogue among industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers.

Historical context and growth

automatica has consistently attracted significant attention from the global automation and robotics community.

Looking back, the 2023 show saw a strong resurgence, drawing 41,169 visitors from 92 countries and featuring 648 exhibitors, with 35 percent of exhibitors being international.

Earlier editions also demonstrated robust participation; for instance, the 2008 event hosted over 31,000 visitors from 101 countries and 868 exhibitors.

While a specific forecast for numbers at automatica 2025 has not been stated, the ongoing positive momentum in the industry and the event’s stature as a leading exhibition suggest a highly anticipated and impactful gathering.

Resilience of the robotics sector amidst economic shifts

The continued growth and prominence of automatica reflect a resilient robotics sector, even in the face of global economic slowdowns.

Despite macroeconomic challenges, industrial robot installations increased by 5 percent globally in 2022, reaching a record 553,000 units, according to the International Federation of Robotics.

Experts anticipate this growth to continue at approximately 7 percent annually from 2023 to 2026.

This expansion is largely driven by persistent labor shortages across various industries, necessitating a greater push towards automation and efficiency.

The robotic picking market, for example, is projected for significant long-term growth, with sales expected to rise by 42 percent year-on-year until 2030.

Similarly, the mobile robot market continues to see robust development, underscoring the sustained demand for automated solutions.

The impact of tariffs and supply chain evolution

Recent trade policies, including US tariffs on imports, have introduced both challenges and opportunities for the robotics industry.

These tariffs have notably increased the cost of essential components and disrupted established supply chains.

This has prompted a strategic shift among manufacturers towards localization and diversification of their sourcing, reducing over-reliance on single regions.

While tariffs initially caused some hesitation in automation adoption, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) due to increased costs, they have also spurred innovation and accelerated regional investment in robotics manufacturing.

Companies are now focusing on building more resilient and transparent supply chains to navigate the evolving global trade environment.

automatica 2025 is poised to be a pivotal event, offering insights into how the industry is addressing these dynamics, fostering innovation, and driving forward the vision of an increasingly autonomous and efficient future.