Long confined to research laboratories or spectacular promotional videos, humanoid robots now seem ready to take a decisive step: their integration into professional environments.

AI leaves Screens to enter the Physical World

Since the arrival of ChatGPT in 2022, artificial intelligence has mainly been associated with software, virtual assistants and content generation. But at VivaTech 2026, attention shifted toward a new category of technologies: “Embodied AI,” or embodied artificial intelligence.

The idea is simple: to combine the reasoning capabilities of AI models with robotic bodies capable of acting in the real world.

This convergence between artificial intelligence and robotics is probably one of the most important technological developments of the decade. Robots are no longer programmed solely to repeat predefined movements. They are now learning to understand their environment, adapt to unexpected situations and collaborate with humans.

For many observers present in Paris, this evolution recalls the beginnings of personal computing in the 1980s or the arrival of the smartphone in the late 2000s.

KANGAROO, a European Showcase for Advanced Robotics

Among the most notable demonstrations was KANGAROO, the robot developed by PAL Robotics in partnership with several European research centers.

Equipped with advanced mobility and reinforcement learning-based capabilities, KANGAROO represents Europe’s determination to remain competitive in the global humanoid robotics race.

Unlike some highly publicized demonstrations from Asia or the United States, the European approach appears more pragmatic. The goal is not only to build a spectacular robot, but to develop a platform capable of being used in industrial, logistics or scientific environments.

This presence also served as a reminder that Europe still has recognized expertise in industrial robotics, automation and artificial intelligence research.

At VivaTech 2026, one thing became clear:
AI no longer wants only to understand the world.
It now wants to act in the physical world.

China accelerates and sets the Pace

If there is one major lesson to take from this edition, it is undoubtedly the rise of Chinese players.

While China already largely dominated global industrial robot production, it is now investing massively in humanoid robots.

Several Chinese companies used VivaTech to demonstrate their progress in Embodied AI. Their objective is ambitious: to produce versatile robots capable of carrying out a wide variety of tasks in factories, warehouses and logistics centers.

This strategy is part of a long-term national industrial policy. Beijing now considers robotics to be a strategic sector, on the same level as semiconductors or artificial intelligence.

For European industrial players present at the event, the conclusion is clear: competition is no longer based solely on robot quality, but also on the ability to produce at scale and rapidly reduce costs.

Robots leave the laboratories

One of the major differences between VivaTech 2026 and previous editions lies in the maturity of the demonstrations presented.

Just a few years ago, visitors mainly discovered experimental prototypes or futuristic concepts.

This year, the use cases were much more concrete.

The robots presented were designed to:

• Assist operators in warehouses;
• Handle heavy loads;
• Perform repetitive tasks;
• Take part in industrial maintenance;
• Improve logistics operations;
• Support certain hospital activities.

This evolution reflects a paradigm shift. Companies are no longer simply trying to impress investors. They are now seeking to demonstrate the economic value of their solutions.

Return on investment is becoming just as important an argument as technological performance.

The challenge of labor shortages

Another topic widely discussed in the aisles of the event was the global shortage of skilled workers.

Many industrial sectors are struggling to recruit enough operators, technicians or material handlers. This situation is particularly visible in Europe, where demographic ageing is increasing pressure on the labor market.

For several manufacturers, humanoid robots could provide a partial response to this challenge.

The objective is not necessarily to replace human workers, but to automate certain difficult, repetitive or dangerous tasks.

This approach explains why the first markets targeted by humanoid robot manufacturers are mainly logistics, industry and critical infrastructure.

France wants to take its place

Faced with massive investments from the United States and China, France is also trying to strengthen its position.

Companies such as Mirokaï, Wandercraft and several research laboratories supported by the CNRS used VivaTech as a showcase for their expertise.

The message is clear: France wants to actively participate in building the next generation of intelligent robots.

This ambition is part of a broader dynamic of reindustrialization and European technological sovereignty.

Because behind the spectacular demonstrations lies a major economic challenge. According to several analysis firms, the global humanoid robotics market could represent several hundred billion dollars over the coming decades.

The United States dominates AI. China is accelerating industrialization. Europe is relying on its scientific
and industrial expertise.

A Revolution comparable to the arrival of the PC?

For some experts present at VivaTech, humanoid robotics could follow a trajectory similar to that of personal computers.

The first models remain expensive and relatively limited. But rapid advances in artificial intelligence, batteries, sensors and mechanical systems suggest that costs will gradually decline.

As prices fall, use cases should multiply.

Companies experimenting with these technologies today could therefore gain a significant competitive advantage in the years ahead.

Toward a new Robotic economy

VivaTech 2026 will probably be remembered as a turning point for robotics.

The event showed that humanoid robots are no longer mere technological curiosities. They are gradually becoming industrial tools capable of addressing very concrete challenges: labor shortages, productivity, safety and competitiveness.

The global race is now underway.

The United States has powerful players backed by AI giants. China is accelerating thanks to its industrial capacity. Europe is trying to preserve its position through its scientific and industrial expertise.

One thing is certain: the robots seen in the aisles of VivaTech probably represent only a glimpse of what awaits companies over the next decade.

The question is no longer whether humanoid robots will become part of our professional daily lives.

The real question is now which countries and which companies will succeed in taking the lead in this new industrial revolution.

Cet article VivaTech 2026: The Year Humanoid Robots became an industrial reality est apparu en premier sur Robot Magazine.

From industrial automation in car factories to humanoid robots in healthcare and service sectors, Spain’s robotics ecosystem is diverse and dynamic. This article provides an overview of the Spanish robotics market, its key players, research institutions, and the trends shaping its future.

A Growing Market Backed by Industry 4.0

Spain is currently the fourth-largest robotics market in Europe, behind Germany, Italy, and France. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), Spanish industries installed around 3,800 new industrial robots in 2023, representing steady growth supported by EU and national incentives.

The robot density in Spain has now reached 200 robots per 10,000 employees in manufacturing, above the global average but still behind leaders such as Germany (400+) and South Korea (1,000+). This demonstrates both Spain’s progress and its significant potential for further growth.

The Industria Conectada 4.0 initiative, part of Spain’s Digital Spain 2025 plan, provides public support to accelerate the digital transformation of manufacturing. This includes subsidies for automation, AI integration, and robotics adoption among SMEs.

Key Sectors Driving Robotics in Spain

Automotive Industry
As Europe’s second-largest car manufacturer after Germany, Spain has one of the continent’s most automated automotive sectors. Robots are used extensively for welding, painting, assembly, and quality control. Plants operated by SEAT (Volkswagen Group), Renault, Ford, and Stellantis rely heavily on industrial robots to maintain productivity and global competitiveness.

Food and Beverage
Spain’s strong agrifood industry has accelerated robotics adoption in packaging, sorting, logistics, and quality inspection. Automation ensures efficiency and consistency, particularly in wine, olive oil, and fruit processing plants.

Logistics and E-commerce
The surge in online retail has created high demand for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and warehouse automation systems. Spain has become a testing ground for new logistics robotics, with companies like Robotnik and ASTI (now ABB) leading the way.

Healthcare and Service Robotics
Spain is internationally recognized for its service and humanoid robots. With an aging population, the country has invested in robots for elderly care, rehabilitation, and telepresence. PAL Robotics in Barcelona is one of the world’s pioneers in this field.

Leading Robotics Companies in Spain

PAL Robotics (Barcelona)
Founded in 2004, PAL Robotics is a global leader in humanoid and service robots. Its creations include:

• REEM-C: one of the first full-size humanoid robots in Europe.
• TIAGo: a versatile mobile manipulator used in research and healthcare.
• ARI: a humanoid designed for social interaction and customer service.

PAL Robotics collaborates on European Horizon projects and works with research institutions worldwide.

Robotnik Automation (Valencia)
Specializing in mobile robotics, Robotnik produces AMRs, robotic platforms, and collaborative solutions. Its robots are widely used in logistics, research, and industry, and the company exports to more than 50 countries.

ASTI Mobile Robotics (Burgos, acquired by ABB in 2021)
ASTI was one of Europe’s largest producers of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) before its acquisition by ABB. The company continues to develop advanced logistics robots for warehouses and manufacturing.

Alisys Robotics (Madrid)
Focused on telepresence and social robotics, Alisys develops robots used in customer service, events, and education.

Miwendo Solutions (Barcelona)
A startup specialized in medical robotics, particularly robotic systems for endoscopy and colon cancer detection.

Research and Academic Ecosystem

Spain’s robotics research is internationally recognized, supported by universities and research centers that collaborate closely with industry.

• Institute of Robotics and Industrial Informatics (IRI, Barcelona): Jointly run by the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) and CSIC, focusing on robot perception, AI, and vision systems.
• Tecnalia (Basque Country): One of Europe’s leading applied research centers, with strong expertise in cobotics and industrial automation.
• RoboticsLab (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid): Works on humanoid robots, assistive robotics, and AI.
• CSIC (Spanish National Research Council): Active in bio-inspired robotics, soft robotics, and AI integration.

Spain is also very active in European Horizon projects in robotics and AI, ensuring strong integration with the broader EU innovation network.

Spain’s Place in the Global Robotics Market

Spain holds a strategic position in Europe, not as large in scale as Germany or Italy, but highly competitive in service and humanoid robotics. With 200 robots per 10,000 workers, it is above the world average but has significant room to grow.

The Spanish robotics market is expected to expand rapidly as SMEs increase automation and as logistics and healthcare drive demand for new robotic solutions.

Trends Shaping the Spanish Robotics Market

1. Cobotics Expansion
   Collaborative robots (cobots) are rapidly spreading in SMEs, offering flexibility and ease of integration.
2. AI Integration
   Spain is strong in AI research, and its integration into robotics (computer vision, decision-making, autonomy) is accelerating.
3. Healthcare and Elderly Care
   With one of Europe’s fastest-aging populations, Spain is investing in robots for assistance, rehabilitation, and telepresence.
4. Logistics Automation
   Driven by e-commerce, AMRs and AGVs are becoming standard in Spanish warehouses.
5. EU and Government Support
   Through Digital Spain 2025 and EU recovery funds, robotics and digitalization receive strong institutional backing.

The robotics market in Spain reflects a balanced ecosystem of industrial strength and service innovation. From industrial robotics in automotive plants to humanoid robots for healthcare and social interaction. Spain is making significant contributions to Europe’s robotics landscape.

Companies like PAL Robotics, Robotnik, and ASTI, combined with leading research centers. Such as Tecnalia and IRI, ensure that Spain remains at the forefront of European robotics innovation.

With increasing demand for cobots, service robots, and logistics automation. Spain is expected to strengthen its global presence in the robotics sector over the coming decade.

FAQ – Robotics in Spain

Cet article The Robotics Market in Spain: Growth, Innovation, and Global Ambitions est apparu en premier sur Robot Magazine.

Discover Europe’s leading robotics factories, from humanoid pioneers in Spain and Germany to industrial giants in France, the UK, and Scandinavia.

Robotics is no longer confined to research labs. Across Europe, factories are now producing some of the world’s most advanced robots, from humanoid prototypes to industrial automation systems. As the demand for service robots, collaborative robots, and humanoid assistants grows, Europe is positioning itself as a global competitor to the United States and Asia. This article explores the key robotics factories in Europe, focusing on humanoid manufacturers while also highlighting the continent’s industrial robotics hubs.

Spain: PAL Robotics and the humanoid hub of Barcelona

Barcelona is home to PAL Robotics, one of Europe’s most established humanoid robot manufacturers. Founded in 2004, the company has developed a range of humanoids, including REEM-C and ARI, designed for research, service applications, and human-robot interaction studies.

PAL Robotics’ production facility integrates closely with European research institutions, making it a hub for innovation. Their humanoids are used in universities and projects funded by the European Union, focusing on areas such as elderly care, customer service, and autonomous navigation. By combining engineering expertise with partnerships across Europe, PAL Robotics has positioned Spain as a reference point in humanoid robotics.

Germany: NEURA Robotics and the industrial strength

Germany, already known as a leader in industrial automation, is expanding into humanoid robotics with companies like NEURA Robotics. Based in Metzingen, NEURA develops cognitive robots such as 4NE-1, a humanoid platform designed to collaborate with humans in logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare.

German factories benefit from the country’s strong Industry 4.0 ecosystem, where robotics, artificial intelligence, and sensor technologies converge. NEURA Robotics exemplifies this integration by embedding advanced perception and decision-making into its humanoids. This positions Germany not only as a supplier of industrial arms through companies like KUKA, but also as a future powerhouse in humanoid production.

United Kingdom: Ameca and expressive humanoids

In Cornwall, Engineered Arts has gained international attention with its humanoid robot Ameca, famous for its realistic facial expressions and fluid interactions. Unlike purely industrial robots, Ameca focuses on natural communication, making it ideal for exhibitions, entertainment, and human-machine interface testing.

The UK’s robotics factories reflect its strength in creativity and design. Engineered Arts has built a reputation for producing humanoids that bridge the gap between research and public engagement. While these humanoids are not yet mass-produced at industrial scale, they are critical for advancing human-robot interaction technologies that will influence future manufacturing and service robots.

France: Aldebaran, NAO & Pepper – now under Maxvision

France’s robotics sector gained global recognition through Aldebaran Robotics, later acquired by SoftBank Robotics, with the development of the humanoids NAO and Pepper. However, in 2025 Aldebaran entered receivership.

On July 10, 2025, Maxvision Technology Corp. acquired Aldebaran’s core assets in a judicial auction for about €900,000. The purchase included the intellectual property, patents, and rights associated with the NAO and Pepper humanoid robots.

Maxvision announced that it would maintain the Aldebaran brand in France, retain the local team, and continue supporting customers without layoffs. At the same time, production may partially shift to China to leverage Maxvision’s manufacturing capacity and supply chains. This acquisition marks a new chapter for the NAO and Pepper platforms, ensuring their continued presence in the global humanoid market while giving Maxvision a foothold in Europe.

Scandinavia: 1X Technologies in Norway

Norway is entering the humanoid race through 1X Technologies, a company backed by major investors including OpenAI. Their humanoid platform, NEO Beta, is being prepared for manufacturing in Moss, Norway.

Unlike earlier humanoid projects, 1X focuses on practical deployment in security, logistics, and domestic assistance. The choice of Norway as a manufacturing site underscores Europe’s growing ambition to compete directly with American companies like Figure AI and Tesla’s Optimus. By building humanoids in Scandinavia, 1X is expanding Europe’s geographic footprint in advanced robotics production.

Beyond humanoids: Europe’s industrial robotics factories

While humanoid robotics attracts media attention, Europe’s industrial robotics factories remain the backbone of automation. Companies such as KUKA in Germany, ABB Robotics in Switzerland and Sweden, and Comau in Italy dominate the production of robotic arms and automation systems.

These factories supply industries ranging from automotive to electronics, ensuring Europe maintains its competitive edge in global manufacturing. Humanoid robotics is expected to complement, rather than replace, these systems by taking on tasks requiring greater flexibility and interaction with human workers. The coexistence of industrial and humanoid factories demonstrates the breadth of Europe’s robotics ecosystem.

Europe’s robotics factories reflect a unique blend of industrial tradition and cutting-edge research. From Barcelona’s PAL Robotics to Germany’s NEURA Robotics, the UK’s Engineered Arts, France’s Aldebaran now under Maxvision, and Norway’s 1X Technologies, the continent is home to diverse players pushing the boundaries of humanoid design and production.

At the same time, industrial robotics leaders such as KUKA, ABB, and Comau ensure Europe retains a strong position in global automation. Together, these factories are not only producing machines but also shaping how humans and robots will collaborate in the future. Europe is not following the robotics revolution it is building it.

FAQ: Europe’s Robotics Factories

Cet article Inside Europe’s Robotics Factories est apparu en premier sur Robot Magazine.