How industrial automation and autonomous industry is shaping the Netherlands
At a time when technology is advancing at a rapid pace, the Dutch manufacturing industry faces a major challenge: how do we remain competitive against countries where fully autonomous factories are already a reality? During a recent innovation session in Drachten, organised by Holland High Tech, experts from companies, research institutes and government organisations gathered to address this question. The focus was on industrial automation and the future of the manufacturing sector in the Netherlands. The event provided not only fresh insights but also practical ideas for innovation plans aimed at strengthening the sector.
Industrial automation as the new standard
In countries such as China, factories are already operating without any human presence. These so-called dark factories run entirely on robotics and software. One example is Xiaomi’s AI-driven factory, where a new smartphone rolls off the production line every second. The Netherlands is also making progress in industrial automation, although we are not yet operating at that scale. The session in Drachten—organised in collaboration with Holland High Tech, NOM, Horizon and Innovation Cluster Drachten—demonstrated a clear ambition to accelerate.
The day offered more than discussion alone. Participants witnessed a demonstration of Neura Robotics’ humanoid robot 4NE1, designed for industrial tasks. Breakout sessions provided input for future action plans. The mission is clear: to make the Dutch manufacturing industry smarter and more autonomous.
Northern Netherlands shows its strength
The afternoon opened with a welcome by Ronald van Es of Holland High Tech. Joost Krebbekx of Innovation Cluster Drachten outlined the strong position of industrial automation in the Northern Netherlands. He highlighted examples such as Bluetooth inventor Jaap Haartsen and companies like Scania in Meppel, which manufactures plastic components for trucks. Philips Drachten—one of the company’s major development centres—was also mentioned as a frontrunner in innovation.
André Harmens of NOM spoke about the region’s opportunities. He pointed to the new AI Factory in the former Niemeyer tobacco plant in Groningen, which is expected to become a hub for AI innovation. The Northern Netherlands is ambitious and aims to rank among the top four high-tech regions in the country.
Industrial automation on the horizon
Leo Warmerdam, Managing Director at Holland High Tech, stressed the urgency of taking action now. His organisation aligns initiatives with the National Technology Strategy through a dedicated Smart Industry domain. With programmes and a budget of €131 million, Holland High Tech stimulates innovation across the sector. New funding rounds—such as the NWO HTSM call on quantum and advanced materials—will start in 2026.
Warmerdam also announced new calls for SMEs, opening on 5 January. A meeting on 26 January will present ten new action agendas, built around priority technologies. All initiatives are aimed at facilitating the growth of industrial automation in the Netherlands.
Challenges for the manufacturing industry
Jeroen Broekhuijsen, CTO Smart Industry at TNO, highlighted a major issue: labour shortages. Digitalisation and industrial automation can offer solutions, although significant steps still need to be taken. Companies like Auping already demonstrate what is possible with a robotised mattress production line. In the Northern Netherlands, RODIN Machining is merging five factories into one autonomous site.
Erik Koehorst of Philips Drachten shared their decades-long experience with automation. The company began large-scale production many years ago and now operates an autonomous paint line, where employees only handle supply and inspection tasks. According to Koehorst, collaboration is key—such as through Infinitech, an initiative involving Northern Dutch tech companies and NOM.
Ideas for the future of industrial automation
The programme included three breakout sessions focused on smart industry. The first addressed innovations for autonomous factories, covering topics such as quality control and digital twins. The second session examined how to apply existing technologies in practice. Social innovation emerged as just as crucial as technological progress.
The third session focused specifically on the Northern Netherlands. The region has strong assets, including universities and high-tech companies, but faces staff shortages. Participants noted that greater collaboration with other regions is a missed opportunity. The insights from these sessions will feed into Smart Industry innovation agendas and the regional roadmap for the Northern Netherlands.
More information about industrial automation in the Netherlands can be found on IndustrieVandaag.