Robotic arms in a lab with mountains visible outside the window.

Future of Automation

Discover how Switzerland's advanced automation industry can serve as a test market and drive your R&D forward.

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Switzerland leads the global commercial drone market per capita

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Switzerland ranks as the most innovative country for 14 consecutive years

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Switzerland leads in patent applications per capita

Switzerland ranks among the world’s top 3 most innovative economies and is a global leader in precision automation. With deep roots in watchmaking and engineering, it has cultivated a precision cluster in automation, aerospace, drones, and sensor technology—offering valuable opportunities for your business.

Why Switzerland

Automated machinery with cables and metal frames in a factory setting.

Ecosystem

Develop partnerships to scale your business

Switzerland has an exceptional supplier network in the precision engineering industry, including both hardware and for high-tech production processes. Looking for a particular part for your product? You can be sure to find a niche supplier in Switzerland.

Research and innovation centers like NEST by Empa allow the testing and developing of technologies and materials and support innovative companies like yours in the implementation of ideas. Innovation parks like Innovaare, that places an emphasis on Photonics with technologies like smart sensor and electronics, high-tech design and quality control tools, and institutes like the Paul Scherrer Institute support companies with collaboration opportunities, technology and knowledge transfer and networking.

Drone flying over a scenic town with mountains in the background.

Regulatory

Enjoy a safe and innovative legal framework

Switzerland has a robust legal system, advanced cybersecurity measures, a strong focus on privacy protection and intellectual property laws, and progressive regulations. These regulations, along with various government programs and incentives, promote innovation and research, ensure safety and security, and allow your company to test and deploy advanced technologies.

Did you know that Switzerland is a leader in shaping drone regulations? Switzerland plays an active role in defining global regulations that will ultimately allow drones to successfully integrate in the airspace.

Person in VR headset wearing motion capture suit; woman at computer in lab setting.

Innovation

Collaborate pragmatically with leading research institutes

Switzerland is home to various testing sites and research centers tailored to the needs of the automation industry, enabling companies like yours to research, develop and test automation technologies. They include a wide array of urban test settings, as well as both military and civilian airfields, airports, heliports, and specialized real-world testing grounds for drone operators. The Swiss Battery Technology Center offers applied R&D, prototyping, testing facilities for energy production and storage. The Swiss Smart Manufacturing Center assists companies in finding the technology that fits their needs and offers testing and demonstration infrastructure so innovation projects can successfully enter the market.

Man operating complex machinery in a lab setting.

Talent

Attract and retain the best people

Switzerland has a tradition in precision engineering, a skill stemming from the watch-making industry that developed in Switzerland in the 16th century. The "Swiss Made" label is a globally respected marker that is synonymous with elevated precision, reliability and attention to detail throughout the design and manufacturing process. It serves as a testament to a longstanding tradition of excellence and artisanship that has persevered across generations and continues to shape standards of quality and dedication to this day. If your company works in high-tech production, you can benefit from Switzerland’s vocational training programs, which generate technicians, quality control and other trade professionals with great work ethics and high standards.