Oct. 4, 2022 - Machine vision in Germany is expected to achieve a turnover of 3.3 billion euros in 2022, which corresponds to an increase of 8% compared to the previous year. The “seeing machines“ are thus continuing their economic recovery. The strongest demand comes from abroad.
This was reported by VDMA Machine Vision at the opening of the VISION 2022 trade fair in Stuttgart. "Machine vision is a key component for companies in the international automation race," said Mark Williamson, chairman of the board of VDMA Machine Vision. "This is impressively reflected in the sales figures: demand for machine vision components and systems developed more strongly than expected in 2021 and increased by 16% in Germany to an industry turnover of 3.1 billion euros.
The further growth prospects are positive for the coming years despite the overall economic uncertainty."
VDMA Market Survey 2022 Machine Vision in Europe
In 2021, German machine vision suppliers generated 97% of their sales in the two segments "components" (50%) and "systems" (47%). The export ratio of these business sectors is high. The manufactures of machine vision components generated 66% of their turnover abroad: Exports to Asian countries contributed 30% to turnover in 2021 - the strongest single market was China with a market share of 56% of exports to Asia. Exports to China increased by 20% in 2021. The largest growth market in the region was India with a plus of 89%.
Exports to North America grew by 15% in 2021. Exports from Germany to other European countries accounted for 22% of sales. Sales to Europe grew by 15%. The manufactures of machine vision systems achieved 74% of their turnover on foreign markets. Asian countries accounted for 33% of turnover; exports increased by 22% in 2021.
Business in China accounted for 38% of exports to Asia and grew by 16%. The largest growth market in this segment was also India with an increase of 20%. Exports to other European countries contributed 24% to turnover. The recovery of the European market is reflected by a 22% increase in turnover. Exports to America accounted for 16% of turnover.
Most of these exports were destined for North America (95%). Turnover there increased by 23% in 2021. Exports to South and Central America recovered from their slump in 2020, a 63% decline, and increased by 62%.
Market shares: Industries and applications
The manufacturing industry is the largest customer sector for machine vision from Germany and has a market share of around 60%. Looking at applications of machine vision components and systems, object recognition (21%) and quality control (20%) have the largest market shares.
The world's leading trade fair VISION from 04 to 06 October 2022
The world's leading trade fair for machine vision will be taking place at Messe Stuttgart from 4 to 6 October 2022. Every two years, VISION covers the entire spectrum of machine vision technology and discusses trends. The trade fair is particularly characterised by first-class exhibitors, a high level of internationality and a diverse supporting programme. VDMA Machine Vision is on site as a conceptual partner (Hall 8, Stand E55) and is co-organising the "Industrial VISION Days" with VISION. The 3-day presentation forum is also available on the internet live and on-demand.
You can find more information about VISION here.
About the VDMA market survey "Machine Vision in Europe"
"Machine Vision in Europe" is an annual report published since 1995 by the VDMA Robotics + Automation Association together with its sector group VDMA Machine Vision. N=42 companies based in Germany with a combined turnover of €1.3 billion took part in the current survey in 2022.
About VDMA
The VDMA represents about 3,500 German and Europeancompanies of the mechanical engineering industry. The industry stands for innovation, export orientation and medium-sized businesses. The companies employ around four million people in Europe, more than one million of them in Germany. Mechanical and plant engineering represents a European turnover volume of around 800 billion euros. With a net value added of around 270 billion euros, it contributes the highest share of the entire manufacturing sector to the European gross domestic product.
As part of the VDMA Robotics + Automation trade association, VDMA Machine Vision has around 130 members: suppliers of machine vision systems and components as well as integrators. The aim of this industry-driven platform is to support the machine vision industry through a wide range of activities and services. The main areas of work are statistical analyses and the annual Machine Vision market survey, standardisation activities, marketing, public relations, trade fair policy and networking events.