Central topic: Automation: Patrick Schwarzkopf (VDMA) discusses collaborative processes, artificial intelligence, and automation for SMEs using no-code solutions. As manufacturing companies strive to make their processes more efficient and flexible, automation solutions play a key role, especially in areas where people and machines are increasingly collaborating. AMB 2026 addresses this key topic with a practical approach and demonstrates how collaborative processes are evolving across the entire metal cutting process chain. In this interview, Patrick Schwarzkopf, Director General of the VDMA Robotics and Automation Association, analyzes the key factors driving this evolution and provides an overview of the developments companies should keep an eye on. Automation as one of the three central themes: Collaborative processes are gaining increasing importance AMB : The robotics and automation industry is forecasting a 5% decline in revenue by 2026; nevertheless, pressure on manufacturing companies to automate their processes continues to grow. Why is now the right time to focus on collaborative processes, and what factors are driving companies to take this step? Patrick Schwarzkopf : It's true, we're still observing a marked caution in investments, due to several reasons: from geopolitical tensions to the well-known challenges related to the competitiveness of production sites. However, the trend toward automation remains unchanged. Demographic change will become even more evident in the coming years; this will make it necessary to automate an increasing number of activities to support the remaining qualified personnel. Only in this way can we remain competitive. The interaction between humans and machines will be crucial. The extremely rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI and so-called physical AI, opens up new possibilities, for example through agent AI (Agentic AI) and through the much simpler use and programming of automation solutions. AMB : For a long time, automation was primarily designed for large-scale production. Today, however, robotic solutions are a viable option even for small series. How far has this evolution come, and what does a small business actually need to introduce automation into its production process? Patrick Schwarzkopf : Automation for SMEs is making enormous strides. Technological developments in recent years have been extraordinary and have significantly reduced the barriers to entry for small and medium-sized enterprises. Typical scenarios are "low volume, high mix," characterized by low production volumes and a high degree of product diversity. In these contexts, it is crucial that programming can be performed quickly, easily, and without significant staff effort. Numerous no-code solutions exist today for this purpose, requiring no programming knowledge. Automation workflows can be configured via graphical interfaces with drag-and-drop functionality, while robot trajectories can be taught through manual guidance (hand-guiding) and memorized at the push of a button. Major manufacturers have long been offering solutions specifically designed to meet the needs of SMEs. Pragmatic configurations, such as a robot working overnight, are often sufficient, thus enabling a significant increase in productivity. The obstacle is often less technological than cultural: many companies continue to believe that automation is inevitably too complex or too expensive. This belief is now obsolete, because solutions already exist and are easily observed at specialized trade shows like AMB. A useful reference point, for example, is Go4Robotics, the online platform of the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). AMB : As programming and operation become easier, direct collaboration between humans and robots is also becoming increasingly practical. Today, the two increasingly work side by side, without the need for protective barriers: it was precisely the development of AI-supported sensor systems that made this approach truly feasible. What concrete changes does all this mean for the shop floor, and how should companies rethink processes and the role of people? Patrick Schwarzkopf : Collaborative robots (cobots) are now well established. In many applications, however, the term "coexistence" is more accurately used: humans and robots operate without barriers, enabling direct and safe interaction. We are now seeing a further level of even closer collaboration with humanoid robotics. AI is making extraordinary progress in this area: robots are increasingly capable of interpreting their surroundings and acting autonomously and appropriately. Although significant pioneering work is still needed, humanoid robots are gradually emerging from research laboratories and are already finding their first experimental applications in industrial settings. It will still be some time before this technology reaches full maturity for widespread use. At the same time, however, humanoid robotics is accelerating the evolution of close human-machine interaction, for example through the ability to communicate verbally with robots. AMB : Many of these developments are best appreciated by observing them live. In September, AMB will bring together the entire metalworking ecosystem in Stuttgart: manufacturers, users, and researchers under one roof. What contribution can this unique combination make to the wider adoption of collaborative automation? And why is a visit to the trade fair essential for all metalworking companies considering the introduction of automation solutions? Patrick Schwarzkopf : A look at the data clearly highlights its significance: according to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), machine tending—the automatic loading and unloading of workpieces on machine tools—is one of the main applications of robotics. Over the past decade, new annual installations of robots for handling tasks on machine tools have increased from 14,500 in 2015 to 19,000 in 2024. Preliminary data from the IFR indicate that the trend will continue with significant, double-digit growth in 2025. The use of collaborative robots (cobots) has also increased significantly in recent years: in 2024, approximately 65,000 cobots were installed worldwide, representing 12% of all industrial robots. The most significant increases are being seen in mobile robotics, which enables the flexibly connecting different production machines, for example through mobile manipulators, i.e., mobile platforms equipped with a robotic arm. It's hard to find such a comprehensive, focused, and industry-specific overview as that offered by a specialized trade fair. At AMB, you can see and experience firsthand the automation solutions for metalworking by chip removal. AMB : Thank you for the interview, Mr. Schwarzkopf. Focus on automation at AMB 2026 in the Oskar-Lapp-Halle (Hall 6) Automation will be a key focus at AMB 2026 in nearly every exhibition hall: from machine tool manufacturers with automation systems to solutions for tools and clamping technology, such as automatic setup. A special highlight will be the Oskar-Lapp-Halle (Hall 6), which will house the "Automation and Handling Technologies" area. Numerous exhibiting companies—including FANUC, KUKA, Cellro, RoboJob, Wassermann Technologie, and many others—will present their latest solutions for production and process management. It's worth checking out the exhibitor list, as here, trade visitors can experience firsthand how robotics, collaborative automation, Industry 4.0 approaches, and the IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) are evolving metal-cutting processes, introducing new solutions and driving innovation in the industry. About AMB Since 1982, AMB has presented the highlights of the international metalworking industry. "Where Metal Comes Alive" will once again be a fixture on the industry's agenda in 2026, this year from September 15 to 19. It is the international marketplace and meeting place for metalworking, showcasing the latest products, technologies, innovations, services, and concepts in all their facets. AMB is supported by the VDMA Präzisionswerkzeuge (Precision Tools), VDMA Software and Digitalization (Software and Digitalization), and the VDW Verein Deutscher Werkzeugmaschinenfabriken e.V. (German Machine Tool Builders' Association).
2025 proved to be a generally weak year for the Italian machine tool, robot, and automation manufacturing industry, with production essentially stagnating compared to the previous year. This disappointing result was driven by the sharp decline in exports. Domestic market activity fared better, driven by the recovery in demand, but despite double-digit increases, figures were still far from 2021-2022 levels. Despite this, the Italian industry in the sector confirmed its position, once again, as a major player on the international scene, ranking fifth in the world for production and consumption and fourth in exports. Forecasts for 2026 predict a modest recovery driven by improved collection performance on the domestic market, thanks in part to the availability of the Hyper-Depreciation program. Activity abroad remains weak. This, in short, is the framework outlined by Riccardo Rosa, President of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, during the Shareholders' Meeting. The meeting was attended by Barbara Cimmino, Vice President of CONFINDUSTRIA for Exports and Investment Attraction, and Paolo Magri, President of the ISPI Scientific Committee. Both were moderated and interviewed by Rita Querzè, a journalist for Il Corriere della Sera. This was followed by a discussion between two young entrepreneurs, Luca Dadone and Elisa Stucchi, who shared their vision for innovation, using AI and augmented reality applied to the manufacturing world. Over 150 guests attended, including entrepreneurs and managers from the sector, institutional representatives, and journalists. THE 2025 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS According to the final data processed by the UCIMU Study & Business Culture Center, in 2025, Italian production of machine tools, robots, and automation systems reached 6,391 million euros, up 1% compared to 2024. Exports saw a significant decline, dropping 12% to €3,760 million. The export-to-production ratio fell to 58.8%, compared to 67.5% in 2024. In 2025, the main outlet markets for Italian offerings were: United States (572 million, -9%), Germany (274 million, -24.9%), France (204 million, +0.2%), Poland (188 million, +11.2%), Turkey (168 million, -11.5%), India (164 million, -11.6%), Mexico (158 million, -10%), Spain (147 million, -6.5%), China (110 million, -54.1%), Brazil (84 million, +15.9%). After two years of decline, Italian manufacturers' domestic deliveries returned to growth, reaching €2,631 million, up 28.1% from the previous year. This performance was driven by the recovery in domestic consumption, which rose 22.3% to €4,534 million. Imports stood at 1,903 million euros, up 15.1% compared to 2024. The share of domestic consumption covered by foreign supplies fell by three percentage points to 42%. Production capacity utilization declined, with the annual average falling from 77.3% in 2024 to 76.5%. The same trend was observed for the order book, which stood at 6.3 months of guaranteed production, compared to 6.5 months in 2024. The sector's turnover stopped at 9,330 million euros. THE 2026 FORECASTS According to forecasts developed by the UCIMU Study & Business Culture Center, 2026 will see a slight recovery in the Italian machine tool, robot, and automation manufacturing industry. All indicators will return to positive territory, but increases will still be limited. Production will reach €6.64 billion (+3.9%). Exports will remain at the previous year's level, reaching €3.785 billion (+0.7%). The positive trend in domestic deliveries by manufacturers will continue, expected to grow by 8.5% to €2,855 million, driven by Italian demand, which is expected to reach €4,870 million (+7.4%). Imports will also show a positive trend, reaching 2,015 million (+5.9%). THE ITALIAN MACHINE TOOL INDUSTRY BETWEEN GEOPOLITICAL INSTABILITY AND INCENTIVES Riccardo Rosa, president of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, stated: "2025 was an overall disappointing year for Italian machine tool manufacturers, who had to contend primarily with a sharp decline in export sales. On the other hand, despite the recovery, domestic market activity was also unsatisfactory, partly due to the chaos surrounding Transition 5.0." "On the international front, geopolitical instability has made the activity of the sector represented by UCIMU particularly complicated, as foreign markets are the main outlet for its production." "That said, the events of recent years have subjected our businesses to a continuous stress test, training them to operate in unprecedented business conditions. For this reason too, " continued Riccardo Rosa, " we note that not everything that happens, directly connected to our world, impacts our business in the same way." DUTIES "The tariffs introduced by the Trump administration have had a manageable impact for us. The data shows it: in 2025 ," stated Riccardo Rosa, " sales in the United States are expected to drop by 9%. But the US remains, by far, the primary market for Made in Italy products in this sector. This is possible for several reasons: first, the United States does not have sufficient local production to cover domestic consumption and requires advanced, highly customized technology; furthermore, at this particular moment in history, the defense sector, a strategic sector for the country and therefore exempt from paying duties, is experiencing fairly buoyant demand. These three factors have allowed, and continue to allow, Italian manufacturers to continue operating in the American market, which has always appreciated the characteristics of our offering." "This doesn't mean ," the president added, " that the critical issues have been eliminated. For the types of machinery also produced by American manufacturers, the tariff is clearly a heavy burden that has limited sales of Made in Italy products in this sector. But that's not all. Trump's trade policy has had some significant indirect effects; for example, the increased cost of some raw materials applied by other countries in response to the tariffs, an increase that also impacts our business." EUROPE AND THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY "Managing the impact of wars and the weakness of a key market like Europe has proven more complicated. In the case of wars, the most obvious example for us manufacturers is the disappearance of Russia from our radar. In 2013, before the invasion of Crimea and the first sanctions, it was our fourth-largest export market, with €177 million in exports. In 2022, it was our eighth-largest destination market (with €99 million). Since 2023, it has been absent and, more importantly, it is a market we have given away to Chinese manufacturers. Who knows if, once this wound at the heart of Europe is healed, we will be able to recover at least some of the lost ground." "And speaking of Europe ," stated Riccardo Rosa, " we are dangerously approaching the risk of deindustrialization. The absolutely questionable decisions made by EU authorities regarding the electric automotive transition are increasingly showing their concrete effects. At a time when the younger generations' concept of transportation is profoundly changing, with the car no longer considered a status symbol but a means of travel, European government bodies, with their dirigiste attitude, have effectively allowed Asian offerings to invade spaces previously reserved for our manufacturing sector. Before the effects become irreversible, we ask those who represent and govern us in Europe to rethink their approach, which must be based on the principle of technological neutrality, thus allowing the automotive supply chain, and its entire extensive supply chain, to properly manage the ongoing transition not only with respect for the environment but also, where possible, safeguarding the jobs of those employed in the industry." "Aside from the car to which it is so closely tied, Germany, the sick man of Europe, may be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. In the first quarter of 2026, the machine tool orders index, compiled by the German association, rose 15.1%, breaking a negative trend that had lasted three consecutive years. The recovery plan promoted by Chancellor Mertz and the defense support plan are restoring confidence in the country. Let's hope this is indeed the case, because if the German locomotive restarts, we, the first carriage of this train, are ready to hook up to it and continue working in the Made in Germany production chains, which travel along very long routes, distributing our production everywhere in the world." THE HORMUZ CRISIS "While we await the terms of the agreement and are aware that it will take time for freight transit to resume its normal pace, the impact on our business is currently manageable, and we are confident that the easing of tensions in the Middle East will bring significant benefits to our companies. In terms of direct business, the region accounts for approximately 30% of exports to Asia, so a return to "normalcy" will boost our business in the region, where metal forming technologies are in particular in demand in response to major infrastructure development plans. Indirectly, the resumption of freight transit will allow for a gradual reduction in procurement costs, which have risen sharply in recent months." THE ITALIAN MARKET AND INCENTIVES "In a crucial moment like the one we are experiencing, with decidedly weak foreign demand, the domestic market becomes even more important for our companies. The availability of the Hyper-Depreciation measure provided for by the new Transition Plan 5.0, now fully operational, is an excellent tool to support Italian demand for new machine tools." We must say that 2026 had started off on a really challenging note: domestic order intake had dropped significantly, 29% compared to the January-March 2025 period. However, the feeling was that demand had stalled. In this first month of Hyper-Depreciation, with the GSE Platform now operational, we've already seen a shift in attitude among our Italian customers. This confirms what we've been saying for some time: Italian demand is there, but customers were waiting for clarity before they could place their orders. The incentive is now working. On the sidelines of the Mechanics Roundtable convened by the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy at the end of June, it emerged that 90% of the total resource reservation requests entered into the platform were for investments in machine tools. Good news! MIMIT deserves recognition for having developed, albeit belatedly, an easy-to-use, three-year measure. Finally, Italian companies have an industrial policy measure that allows for medium-term planning for both producers and investors. The hope is that its use will allow Italian demand to return to the high levels of 2021-2022, thus also ensuring the proper updating of our industry, which requires continuous innovation to remain competitive in the international market, where digital technology and AI are redrawing the rules of the game.
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