78% of Spanish companies already integrate robotics into their production processes to gain efficiency

 

The industry in España Companies are accelerating their digital transformation: 78% of businesses already use robotics in their operations. Driven by the need for operational efficiency and artificial intelligence, companies are currently prioritizing cobots and mobile robots, projecting complete automation of their production processes by 2031.

 

Industrial automation in España It continues its path of accelerated growth. This evolution is not solely due to technological advancements, but also to the pressing need to optimize operational efficiency in an increasingly demanding global market. In this scenario, the artificial intelligence (AI) It is playing a critical role in expanding the capabilities of robots in manufacturing plants.

 

A recent study prepared by reichelt elektronik, a leading online distributor of electronics and technology in EuropaThe study analyzes the current state of Spanish industrial production. The data confirms that 78% of organizations have already integrated robotic solutions, consolidating a paradigm shift towards more autonomous and intelligent factories.

 

Prevalence of mobile robots and the rise of cobots

 

In the breakdown of the technologies adopted, the mobile robots (Autonomous platforms and manipulators) lead the market with a 39% share. They are closely followed by stationary industrial robots, used by 36% of companies for heavy-duty tasks, and the cobots (collaborative robots), which are already present in 35% of the facilities due to their lightness and ability to work alongside human operators.

 

Short-term investment projections reinforce this trend toward flexibility. In the next two years, 36% of companies plan to acquire new mobile robots, and 33% will opt for cobotsConversely, humanoid robots maintain a marginal presence of 5%, although 14% of companies already consider them in their future investment plans.

 

Robotics Indicator in España	Percentage / Data
Companies that already use robotics	78 %
Use of current mobile robots	39 %
Forecast of full automation (5 years)	64 %
Companies that have increased their budget	67 %
Future prioritization of cobots vs stationary	67 %

 

The end of the hegemony of stationary robots

 

Studying reichelt elektronik This raises a strategic question: the potential displacement of traditional systems by collaborative ones. 67% of Spanish companies state they will prioritize collaborative systems. cobots compared to stationary robots in the future. This preference is based on the fact that 75% of professionals believe that lightweight robotic arms offer unique capabilities inaccessible to conventional models.

 

Malte JanßenProduct Manager for Robotics and Electromechanical Components at reichelt elektronikHe highlights that "smaller, more flexible robotic arms are generating significant interest and have established themselves as a key solution, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises." Malte Janßen, 53% of companies in España It did not use robotics before the arrival of cobots, which demonstrates its role as a gateway to automation.

 

Driving technologies and areas of application

 

The adoption of these machines is concentrated in repetitive (50%) and physically demanding (39%) tasks. Among the most common operational applications are:

 

• Collection and placement of pieces (34%).
• Machinery assembly and loading (32%).
• Specialized tasks of cutting, welding, palletizing and transport.

 

The optimization of these processes has been made possible by the improvement of environmental recognition sensors (such as lidar, cameras, and ultrasound), mentioned by 38% of respondents, and the deployment of the Artificial Intelligence (34%), which allows for the execution of highly complex workflows.

 

Towards full automation and overcoming the talent shortage

 

Currently, 43% of Spanish companies delegate between 21% and 50% of their tasks to robots. However, technological optimism is high: 64% of executives believe that manufacturing will be fully automated within five years. Furthermore, 60% maintain that robotics is the fundamental tool for mitigating the current challenges. talent shortage in the industrial sector.

 

To achieve these goals, companies have strengthened their financial position. The budget allocated to this area has increased in 67% of organizations. To further incentivize this transition, industry leaders point to reduced hardware prices (43%) and easier access to financing (25%) as key factors.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about industrial robotics in Spain

 

What type of robots are most common in Spanish industry today?

Mobile robots lead with 39% adoption, followed by stationary robots (36%) and cobots or lightweight robotic arms (35%).

 

Why do companies prefer cobots over traditional robots?

75% of companies value its unique capabilities and flexibility, and 57% highlight its competitive cost, allowing many SMEs to automate for the first time.

 

What is the outlook for automation over the next five years?

64% of Spanish companies expect their manufacturing processes to be fully automated during this period, supported by a budget increase already implemented by 67% of firms.