Global Robotics Associations Call for a Joint Automation Strategy
Four international robotics and automation associations have signed the Barcelona Declaration on Robotics and Automation 2026
Four international robotics and automation associations (A3 (Association for Advancing Automation), the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), VDMA Robotics + Automation, and the Spanish association Aer Automation) have signed the Barcelona Declaration on Robotics and Automation 2026. The declaration defines a common policy framework to establish robotics as a strategic priority for economic, industrial, and societal development.
The partners are committed to long-term collaboration with governments, industry, and public institutions. The goal is to advance policy measures that promote automation, competitiveness, and skills development. The declaration addresses ten areas of action, including national robotics strategies, tax incentives for investment, the use of robotics in public administration, integration into education systems, assistive and care robotics, access for SMEs, technology-neutral regulation, and support for international standards.
Together, the associations represent over 3,000 companies and organizations. They plan to publish regular progress reports and open the initiative to other industry associations.
