Four trade associations from the robotics and automation sector have signed the Barcelona Declaration on Robotics and Automation 2026. Through this declaration, they have agreed to work together on a joint policy agenda with governments and public institutions. In this way, they aim to support the development and application of robotics and automation.
The declaration has been signed by the Spanish trade association Association of Robotics and Automation (AER Automation), A3 – Association for Advancing Automation from the United States, the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) and VDMA Robotics + Automation. Together, these organisations represent more than 3,000 companies and organisations active in the field of robotics and automation.
The declaration focuses on the role of robotics in economic development, industrial applications and societal issues. The signatories state that coordination between public authorities and the sector is necessary to further develop the adoption of robotics, whilst taking into account regulation, education and accessibility.
Sharing knowledge, data and expertise
The signing follows the presentation of an earlier version of the 2025 declaration. The organisations intend to continue the initiative as a permanent partnership through which they will share knowledge, data and expertise with policymakers and other stakeholders.
“This statement underlines an international commitment to working with governments to develop a policy framework in which robotics can contribute to competitiveness, sustainability and social well-being,” says Carlos Méndez, chairman of AER Automation.
Ten policy priorities
The Barcelona Declaration sets out ten key areas for governments to focus on. Among other things, the organisations are calling for:
- Developing a national robotics strategy.
- Better investment conditions, including through tax policy.
- Active use of robotics by public authorities, alongside regulation.
- Focus on robotics in education.
- Better communication on the impact of robotisation on employment.
- Investments in assistive and care robots.
- Wider access to robotics technology.
- Regulations that keep pace with technological developments and prevent unnecessary costs.
- The use of international standards rather than regional variations.
- Measures to accelerate the transition from innovation to large-scale implementation.
Collaboration with policymakers
By signing the Barcelona Declaration on Robotics and Automation 2026, the parties are committing to a long-term collaboration with governments and public organisations. They aim to make technical information and sector data available for policy development and to report regularly on progress regarding the priorities set out in the declaration.
In the long term, the organisations aim to expand the initiative to include other organisations from the robotics and automation sector.
