Robotekin, Euskadi's first robotics and automation hub, has doubled its number of partners in the last three years, now exceeding 60. Leire Balzategi, the association's general director, has spent her initial months actively listening to her partners' needs, promoting sector diversification, and increasing awareness of these technologies among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Balzategui emphasizes that robotics and automation not only enhance competitiveness but also improve efficiency, quality, and sustainability. Consequently, the association is working to involve new sectors like construction, pharmaceuticals, and agri-food, which have traditionally been associated with the automotive and machine tool industries.
The director highlights that Robotekin's objective is not to grow as an association but to foster the growth of its partners. This is achieved through "active listening," gathering partners' requests and challenges to create spaces, events, and actions that can assist them. The association comprises partners from diverse profiles, covering the entire value chain.
One of the goals is to help SMEs initiate their digital transformation through small, incremental steps to maintain their competitiveness. Robotekin will not act as a direct service provider but will facilitate access to these technologies for companies that have not yet integrated them into their core operations.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also a key player in robotics, enhancing human-robot collaboration and safety. Physical AI and humanoid robotics are also being explored, although their implementation in Europe is still in development.
“"Our three strategic axes are connecting, and disseminating."
