Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises
2025
The increased integration of increasingly capable robot systems, especially AI-based robot systems, marks a turning point in industrial manufacturing. A study for the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Services highlights the dynamic development of (AI-supported) robotics in the industrial sector in Berlin. The study takes a look at the entire robotics ecosystem, including suppliers and users, relevant players and developments in the scientific community, and important framework conditions. Based on this, the study identifies the location's existing strengths as well as obstacles and potential.
User companies: In the Berlin metropolitan region, 85 industrial companies have been identified that use (AI-supported) robots in manufacturing. These companies employ around 46,000 people – almost half of all those employed in Berlin's industry. The robots are mainly used in material processing (36 percent) and machine feeding (32 percent). AI-based robots currently play a role in only 8 percent of companies using robotics, but there are best practice examples that show how this figure could be increased.
Supplier and development companies: In the Berlin metropolitan region, 149 companies have been identified that offer products and services in the field of (AI-based) robotics, provide around 6,000 jobs and generate annual sales of over 700 million euros. Approximately half of these companies employ fewer than eleven people. Many highly innovative start-ups and medium-sized companies are active in this field. Companies in the software sector are particularly strong, accounting for 56 per cent of the companies surveyed.
Research and development: Berlin's science system is strongly positioned in the field of AI and robotics with a large number of universities and other research institutions. Publications and patents show that Berlin is broadly positioned in this field and is of significant importance both nationally and internationally.
The study is based on comprehensive AI-supported literature and data analysis as well as interviews with experts from the robotics industry. It provides a clear overview of the players, framework conditions and success factors for the development and use of (AI-supported) robotics in Berlin.
The results show that Berlin has established itself as a leading location for (AI-based) robotics, but also faces challenges. The study identifies five priority areas for action, including strengthening the innovation ecosystem, creating financial incentives and shaping regulations. For each area of action, the study offers concrete recommendations on how Berlin's potential in the field of (AI-based) robotics can be better exploited.
To the study in german (PDF, berlin.de)
To the press release in german (berlin.de)
Project team: Michael Astor, Jakobus Kai Jaspersen, Dr Georg Klose, Paul Möhlmann, Jan Reichert, Helena Seide, Johanna Thierstein, Victor Wichmann
Latest update: 17 July 2025
Project Manager
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