Industrial AI and defense electronics: ZVEI sees growth opportunities and need for action
According to a ZVEI member survey, almost half of companies use AI applications productively
More than half of those surveyed plan to invest 10 to 25 percent of their total investment in industrial AI. Around 60 percent expect payback periods of one to two years. The reluctance to share data remains an obstacle, particularly among smaller companies. The association is calling for legally compliant models for data exchange and a practicable form of the EU AI Act.
Assuming the geopolitical situation remains stable, the ZVEI expects real production growth of two percent in 2026. At the same time, the association is establishing the "Security and Defense" platform as a point of contact for companies looking to enter the security and defense industry. The background to this is the increasing proportion of electronics in defense systems and the growing importance of key civilian technologies such as sensors, power electronics and software.
