Global Robotics Groups Unite to Push for a Common Automation Agenda

What happened:

The Barcelona Declaration on Robotics and Automation 2026 has been signed by four leading global robotics and automation organizations, which will provide a long-term framework for the development of automation-friendly policies and collaboration with governments of different countries around the world. 

The agreement was made between four organizations: AER Automation of Spain, the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) from the USA, VDMA Robotics + Automation from Germany, and IFR. The four organizations unite more than 3000 companies operating in the field of robotics and automation. 

According to the declaration, all organizations have shared the common vision which provides for fast robotics deployment while improving the countries’ competitive abilities in the industry. 

Why it matters: 

The significance of the declaration can be seen in the fact that automation is increasingly regarded as a strategic instrument of the economy, rather than industrial technology only. Countries are making efforts to develop advanced manufacturing, AI, robotics, and digital infrastructure in order to increase industrial resilience. 

The signatories of the declaration believe that governmental regulation will affect the speed of automation engagement for businesses and call for various reforms, such as robotics education, subsidies for investments, and better regulations.

Industry context:

The robotics industry is undergoing a period of expansion and evolution. Policymakers are having to deal with issues related to workforce development, regulations, competitiveness, and technology adoption. The Barcelona Declaration illustrates that there is a growing awareness that there is a pressing need for coordinated regulations given that fragmented regulations lead to a slowdown of innovations and limit the advantages of automation.

The Declaration goes beyond manufacturing, highlighting areas like healthcare robots, assistive devices, and education among new uses of automation and its potential roles in society.

The aim of cooperation among the four organizations is to formulate a common position for the global robotics sector and contribute to shaping policies that will ensure long-lasting innovations, productivity, and economic development.

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