VISION 2026: machine vision industry shows upward trend, says Germany's VDMA

Europe’s machine vision industry is expected to grow by 3% in 2026. Positive demand forecasts for 2027 and fresh momentum from the VISION trade fair in Stuttgart are boosting confidence across the sector. 

“After three years of declining turnover, the European machine vision industry is returning to a growth trajectory in 2026,” says Daniel Seiler, Chairman of VDMA Machine Vision, at the press conference marking the opening of this year's show. 

“It is encouraging that demand in Europe is also beginning to recover. Together with robotics and artificial intelligence, machine vision forms the foundation for efficient, flexible and competitive production processes. At the same time, new fields of application are emerging beyond traditional factory automation,” said Seiler. 

Uncertainty in Germany

Recent VDMA surveys show that geopolitical uncertainties and difficult economic conditions continue to weigh on business sentiment and investment willingness. Growth opportunities for machine vision systems made in Europe are currently coming primarily from North America and Asia.  

In Germany, however, demand remains subdued, affecting the development of the European machine vision industry overall. Nevertheless, VDMA Machine Vision remains "cautiously optimistic for 2026 and expects revenue growth of around three percent," said Seiler.

Component manufacturers experienced a turnaround in 2025, the report continued, increasing revenues by four percent compared with 2024. Current surveys indicate that demand for cameras, sensors, optics and other components will continue to grow in 2026. The situation is different in the machine vision systems segment, where revenues declined by six percent in 2025. Persistently weak demand, particularly in Germany, has so far prevented a broader recovery, said Seiler. 

AI remains growth driver

Artificial intelligence continues to be the defining technology trend in industrial machine vision. In the VDMA survey “Machine Vision in Europe”, nearly two-thirds of respondents identified AI technologies as key drivers of their current and future business activities. AI is not only increasing its importance in existing applications but it is also enabling new use cases. 

Despite ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties, VDMA Machine Vision views the long-term prospects of the European machine vision industry positively. "The industry sees itself back on a growth path and looks forward with great anticipation to VISION 2026, where strong interest from both domestic and international participants is expected," Said Seiler.

This year’s VISION event has today opened with a new exhibitor record: around 500 exhibiting companies from Germany and abroad will present their latest developments and innovations to an international audience.