Anthony Donald leads Project Velocity in Gladstone
Jul 13, 2026 at 8:05 AM
Global air freight demand rises due to AI
Jul 13, 2026 at 8:16 AM
The International Federation of Robotics (IFR), VDMA Robotics + Automation, and the Spanish AER Automation signed a joint declaration on July 13, 2026, in Barcelona to promote robotics and automation. This initiative aims to support public measures that enhance the competitiveness of the industry and the development of talent in this field, as stated by the IFR.
With the signing of the Barcelona Declaration on Robotics and Automation 2026, the four organizations aim to establish a long-term framework for international cooperation. The initiative, which originally began as a shared vision, has evolved into a concrete commitment to promote strategies that support robotics and automation in collaboration with governments, industry, and public institutions.
The signing organizations – AER Automation, A3 (USA), IFR, and VDMA Robotics + Automation – collectively represent more than 3,000 companies and organizations worldwide engaged in robotics and automation, according to IFR. The declaration outlines ten key priorities that, according to the authors, policymakers should consider, regardless of the specific industry structure or the level of automation maturity in their country. Key points include the adoption of a national robotics strategy, improving investment conditions through tax policies, and promoting the use of robots by governments themselves.
Another aspect of the declaration is the necessity to integrate robotics into educational institutions and to transparently communicate the actual impacts of robotics and automation on the labor market. Additionally, it is recommended to invest in assistive and care robotics and to facilitate access to robotics for all.
The organizations also call for intelligent regulation that takes technological developments into account to avoid unnecessary costs. Another important point is the return to international standards to promote collaboration across regional borders. Finally, it is emphasized that the gap between innovation and scaling must be closed.
