Denmark’s robotics industry grows 21% as global demand for automation continues

Denmark’s robotics, automation and drone industry grew 21% last year generating a turnover of EUR 4 billion (DKK 29.6 billion), according to new figures from the national cluster, Odense Robotics. Uncertainty in the market prompted some companies to exercise caution, which is expected to result in a dip in new hires this year. Overall, the industry continues its strong growth trajectory as global demand for automation prevails, says new CEO.

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• There are now more than 500 robotics, automation and drone companies in Denmark employing a total of 17,500 people.
• The industry showed strong growth last year generating EUR 4 billion (DKK 29.6 billion) in turnover and EUR 2.1 billion (DKK 15.6 billion) in exports – a 21% increase for both on the year before. 
• One in three companies lowered growth expectations last year in response to global uncertainty. This year, however, most companies expect to either maintain or increase their growth plans.  
• In 2023, companies expect to exercise caution in terms of recruitment – expanding their total workforce by only 7% compared to 14% last year.
• Positive outlook from 2023 and through to 2025, when turnover forecasts reach EUR 6.3 billion (DKK 46.8 billion), including EUR 3.3 billion (DKK 24.7 billion) in exports.

The figures are published today in Odense Robotics Insight Report 2023, the annual analysis of Denmark’s robotics, automation and drone industry from the national cluster.

“High global demand for automation continues to drive strong growth in Denmark’s robotics, automation and drone industry. The report shows a strong 21% growth last year, generating EUR 4 billion in turnover. While global uncertainty has prompted caution amongst some robotics companies, there is no doubt that the industry is continuing its strong growth trajectory and represents one of Denmark’s key growth and export industries,” says Søren Elmer Kristensen, who was announced today as the new CEO for Odense Robotics.

 

“In times of change, the world is turning to Danish robotics, automation and drone solutions to harvest benefits in output quality, efficiency and uptime as well as employee wellbeing and green transition. By developing new technologies and solutions, Denmark’s robotics, automation and drone industry plays a key role in driving productivity and green transition in Denmark and globally.”

Denmark’s robotics, automation and drone industry has a strong outlook for growth, with companies foreseeing around 20% annual growth in coming years. In 2027, the workforce is expected to exceed 30,000 people.