Robotics in Catalonia

In Catalonia, the robotics sector is made up of 311 companies generating nearly €1 billion in annual turnover and employing over 4,600 professionals. The growth of Industry 4.0, increasing automation across industrial processes and the expansion of autonomous systems are accelerating the development of the sector across the region.

An ecosystem backed up by leading market players

Catalonia’s robotics ecosystem spans the full value chain, from robot manufacturers and systems integrators to software, component and enabling technology providers. The sector combines a strong industrial base with a growing innovation ecosystem made up of startups, SMEs, research centers and multinational corporations.

International companies such as ABB, FANUC, KUKA, Mitsubishi Electric, Staubli, Universal Robots and Yaskawa maintain operations in Catalonia, helping connect the ecosystem to global markets and supply chains. At the same time, local companies are developing advanced solutions for industrial automation, logistics, healthcare, inspection systems and autonomous mobility.

Robotics, AI and advanced industry

The sector is closely linked to the convergence between robotics and artificial intelligence, one of the main drivers shaping the next generation of industrial systems. Catalan companies are increasingly integrating AI capabilities into robotic platforms, enabling more adaptive, intelligent and autonomous technologies capable of operating in complex environments.

Catalonia is also gaining visibility in emerging fields such as humanoid robotics, autonomous mobile robots and drones. Barcelona has established itself as one of Europe’s leading hubs for robotics entrepreneurship and venture capital investment in robotics startups, reinforcing the region’s position as a gateway for technological innovation and industrial transformation in Southern Europe.

Catalonia strengthens its attractiveness for robotics investment

Catalonia is the 2nd region in FDI in robotics in Europe. Between 2021 and 2025, Catalonia attracted 14 foreign investment projects in robotics, generating nearly €58 million in investment and creating more than 600 jobs. 

Robotics, a dynamic research ecosystem

Catalonia’s robotics ecosystem is supported by leading technology and research centers including the Computer Vision Center (CVC), Eurecat, Leitat, the Institute of Robotics and Industrial Informatics and ViCOROB. The region also benefits from advanced scientific infrastructure, strong university-industry collaboration and initiatives such as DIH4CAT, the digital innovation hub network led by ACCIÓ-Catalonia Trade & Investment, which supports experimentation and digital transformation projects for SMEs and startups.

Educating for the future

Fueling this dynamic industry is a complete vocational and university educational network. 36 professional training centers throughout Catalonia offer a degree in Industrial Automation and Robotics and different universities in Barcelona, Girona and Vic offer a wide range of specific robotic degrees while also including the subject as part of other degrees.

Four universities offer specialization on a Masters’ level with the University of Girona offering a Joint MSc in Vision and Robotics, together with the Heriot Watt university in Scotland and the University of Burgundy in France.

With its combination of industrial capabilities, AI expertise, research infrastructure and international connectivity, Catalonia is positioning itself as one of Europe’s leading hubs for next-generation robotics and intelligent automation.