Global robotics industry joins forces to advocate for common automation strategies
Barcelona, Jul 13, 2026 — A3, The International Federation of Robotics (IFR), VDMA Robotics + Automation and Spanish AER Automation, formalize a long-term commitment to promote public policies that accelerate automation, industrial competitiveness and talent development.
From left to right: Patrick Schwarzkopf (VDMA), Susanne Bieller (IFR), Carlos Méndez (AER Automation) and Jeff Burnstein (A3) / © AER Automation optimized with AI
Four robotics and automation organizations have officially signed the Barcelona Declaration on Robotics and Automation 2026, an agreement that consolidates a global initiative to advance a common policy agenda with governments and position robotics as a strategic priority for economic, industrial and social development.
The signing marks a significant step forward from the Declaration presented last year. What began as a shared vision has now become a permanent framework for international collaboration, through which the signatory organizations commit to working jointly with governments, industry and public institutions to advance policies that foster the development and adoption of robotics and automation.
The Declaration has been signed by the Spanish Association of Robotics and Automation (AER Automation), A3 – Association for Advancing Automation (United States), the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) and VDMA Robotics + Automation (headquartered in Germany), four leading organizations representing the global robotics and automation industry. Together, they represent more than 3,000 companies and organizations directly involved in robotics and automation worldwide.
"This Declaration represents an international commitment to work hand in hand with governments in building a policy framework that enables robotics to reach its full potential as a driver of competitiveness, sustainability and social well-being," said Carlos Méndez, President of AER Automation.
An international roadmap for public policy
The Barcelona Declaration on Robotics and Automation 2026 sets out 10 priorities for policymakers, regardless of their country's industrial structure or level of automation maturity.
- Adopt a National Robotics Strateg
- Improve general investment conditions through tax polic
- Governments should use Robots, not only regulate them
- Bring Robotics into schools
- Communicate the real impact of Robotics and Automation on jobs
- Invest in assistive and care Robotics
- Make Robotics accessible to everyone
- Regulate smartly and keep up with technology, avoiding unnecessary costs
- Back international standards, not regional ones
- Close the gap between innovation and scale
A long-term commitment
The significance of the Barcelona Declaration goes beyond its content. Its real value lies in the commitment undertaken by its signatories.
The organizations have agreed to maintain a permanent dialogue with governments and public institutions, provide technical expertise and industry data to policymakers, publish regular progress reports on the implementation of the Declaration's priorities, and progressively open the initiative to additional robotics and automation associations worldwide.
Through this ongoing collaboration, the Barcelona Declaration aims to establish itself as an international reference framework for shaping public policies on robotics and automation in the years ahead.
