On November 6, 2025, the VDMA Working Group Laser and Laser Systems for Material Processing held its autumn meeting at the VDMA headquarters in Frankfurt. Members received a concise overview of current developments, strategic topics, and international market trends in laser technology.

VDMA Laser opened the meeting with updates on ongoing projects and activities. This was followed by analyses of market trends and industry perspectives based on data from Optech Consulting, VDMA, and VDW. Discussions covered production and trade figures, forecasts for laser sources and laser systems, as well as the state of the machine tool industry. Contributions to three central questions were collected on cards, addressing drivers of market developments, differences between segments, and support needs from VDMA.

A major topic was the new VDMA position on China, calling for industrial policy measures against market distortions. Members discussed supply-chain dependencies, the “new normal” of cost restrictions, and opportunities for dynamic automation in Europe. Additional topics included U.S. tariffs, export control developments, and the status of the Task Force Unsafe Laser Machines.

Forward‑looking insights were provided through presentations on quantum technologies and photonics, complemented by updates on EU research projects from the VDI Technology Center. A review of Laser World of Photonics 2025 concluded the technical section of the meeting.

The meeting wrapped up with updates on regulatory and technological developments, including PFAS regulation, the EU Data Act, new cybersecurity requirements, and opportunities arising from AI and digitalization in mechanical engineering. The 2026 spring meeting with board elections will take place on June 25, 2026, at 4JET in Alsdorf.