Patrick Schwarzkopf es director general de VDMA Robotics + Automation Association, dos asociaciones que forman parte de VDMA y que agrupan a más de 370 compañías de robótica, soluciones integradas de montaje y visión artificial. Graduado en Economía por la FernUniversität in Hagen (Alemania), acumula más de 20 años de experiencia en el mundo asociativo.
Europe is at a decisive moment. The big challenges such as demographic change, securing the continent’s competitiveness, the need for sustainability and increased resilience can only be tackled with the massive application of robotics, artificial intelligence and automation. These technologies are not just tools for greater efficiency – they are strategic enablers of Europe’s prosperity and social well-being.
A strong partnership in Europe
In recent years, VDMA Robotics + Automation has witnessed with great enthusiasm the dynamic development of Spain’s robotics and automation ecosystem. Spain today is home to a vibrant startup scene and an innovative industrial base that is playing an ever-stronger role in Europe’s robotics landscape.
At the center of this progress stands AER Automation – Asociación Española de Robótica y Automatización. AER has grown into a leading force, tirelessly advancing the robotics and automation cause. We are therefore proud to have a close and fruitful partnership with AER, which culminated in April 2025 with the joint signing of the Barcelona Declaration on Robotics and Automation—an important initiative of AER to push robotics and automation.
Our cooperation also thrives at automatica in Munich, the leading international trade fair for smart automation and robotics. Spanish innovators and AER are regular contributors to its success, helping to ensure that the automatica is the place where innovations are showcased, new products are launched and thought leadership is present throughout.
A new breed of AI is rapidly emerging in the humanoid sphere, that paves the way for a future of automation which is skill-based and autonomous rather than deterministic
The urgent need to act together
Although Europe is in a great position when it comes to robotics and automation innovation and application, the challenges ahead of us are immense: competitive pressures are rising. China has not only overtaken Germany in robot density and is now twice as robotized as the EU average, but it has also caught up technologically as a robotics and automation provider.
Europe’s competitive edge is eroding. A new breed of AI is rapidly emerging in the humanoid sphere, that paves the way for a future of automation which is skillbased and autonomous rather than “deterministic”. Many of the trailblazers of this new AI and automation paradigm are based in the US and China. With a view to the challenges ahead of Europe and the important role of robotics as an enabling technology, VDMA has recently published a strategy paper which outlines 8 focus areas that we think need to be urgently addressed by policymakers across Europe.
- Make robotics and automation a top policy priority: every European country should establish a robust national robotics and automation program. In addition, strong support by the EU is indispensable.
- Create and attract the world’s best talent: reignite enthusiasm for STEM disciplines from an early age— educational robots and maker labs are excellent tools to inspire the next generation.
- Create incentives for automation: boost investment and support pioneering companies, particularly in underutilized fields such as agriculture, construction, and healthcare.
- Put capital to work for innovation: improve venture capital availability by modernizing Europe’s regulatory framework for institutional investors. France’s Tibiinitiative has shown how capital can be mobilized in a smart way, and it should be a role model across Europe.
- Stay at the forefront of technological development: benchmark European progress in robotics and AI against developments in Asia and North America and establish concrete technology roadmaps at national and European levels.
- Focus on economies of scale: excellence is not enough— Europe must ensure that innovations can be industrialized and scaled.
- Go for lean regulation: adopt flexible and innovation-friendly regulatory approaches, including sandboxes for testing new solutions.
- Create awareness for the benefits of automation: foster a positive culture that embraces robotics as an opportunity for society, the economy, and workers alike.
France’s Tibi-initiative has shown how capital can be mobilized in a smart way, and it should be a role model across Europe
Looking ahead together
The Barcelona Declaration has given us a shared compass. Now it is time to act with determination and unity. Europe must be ambitious, bold, and cooperative if it is to remain a global leader in robotics and automation. VDMA Robotics + Automation is proud to work closely with AER and the Spanish robotics ecosystem. Together, we will continue to strengthen Europe’s voice, accelerate the deployment of robotics and AI, and work for a sustainable and competitive future for all.