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Automated production processes, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and humanoid robots are increasingly shaping the German industry. A recent survey by the digital association Bitkom shows that 81 percent of the surveyed industrial companies view Industry 4.0 as an opportunity. Only 16 percent see it as a risk. The study, conducted as part of the Hannover Messe, includes 555 companies in the manufacturing sector with at least 100 employees.
Industry 4.0 as a Competitive Factor
The importance of Industry 4.0 for competitiveness is undisputed. 94 percent of companies consider these technologies to be very important or indispensable for international competition. Dr. Tanja Rückert, Vice President of Bitkom, emphasizes: “Industry 4.0 is not a technological trend, but the foundation for industrial competitiveness.” The survey shows that 89 percent of companies attribute great importance to Industry 4.0 for their competitiveness, while 78 percent confirm this for Artificial Intelligence.
In practice, Industry 4.0 is already widespread. 97 percent of companies use at least one application from this area. Artificial Intelligence is in use at 40 percent of companies, while 38 percent plan to introduce this technology. Digital twins, which are virtual representations of physical objects, are used by 45 percent of companies. IoT platforms are also widespread, with 45 percent of companies utilizing them.
Humanoid Robots and Their Role in Industry
Humanoid robots, which can take on tasks traditionally performed by humans, are gaining significance. 64 percent of companies believe that these technologies can increase productivity. However, there is also skepticism: 31 percent of companies consider humanoid robots to be a temporary hype. Currently, 6 percent of companies use humanoid robots, while 10 percent plan to do so.
The survey shows that almost the entire German industry (97 percent) considers the use of humanoid robots in production to be possible in the long term. 20 percent of the surveyed companies expect these technologies to be widely adopted in the next ten years.
Artificial Intelligence as a Key Technology
Artificial Intelligence is seen as a crucial competitive factor. 79 percent of companies believe that AI will be essential for the competitiveness of the German industry in the future. Nevertheless, there are concerns that Germany might lag behind in developments in this area. 55 percent of respondents express worry that the German industry may not implement the AI revolution in time.
However, the current economic situation has negative effects on digitalization. 58 percent of companies indicate that the economy is hindering digitalization. Additionally, many companies feel increased competitive pressure from exports from China.
Need for Improvement in Industry 4.0
In international comparison, Germany ranks only third in the area of Industry 4.0. 10 percent of companies believe that Germany is a leader in this field, while 34 percent name China and 21 percent name the USA as frontrunners. Companies assess their own position more positively: 9 percent see themselves at the top, and 38 percent consider themselves pioneers.
Dr. Rückert calls for Germany to invest in the development and use of humanoid robots. She emphasizes the need to systematically integrate AI into production processes and improve the framework conditions for industrial AI. This includes, among other things, expanding computing capacities, creating better data infrastructures, and targeted training for skilled workers.
The results of the survey highlight that the German industry faces the challenge of asserting itself in international competition while simultaneously advancing digital transformation.
