1. What type of SMEs do you think would benefit the most from using robotics?

I believe any company with its own production can already benefit from it. Any company with a large warehouse should have already taken advantage of it. Any company that can improve processes needs to use software to do so. Ultimately, it’s about identifying the problems in each company and solving them through automation. In the end, it’s not just about robotics but about automating processes.

2. What do you think is the most important thing an SME should consider when incorporating robotics into its processes?

I think, in general, when it comes to robotics, one of the most important steps for an SME is knowing how much it will cost to implement, including the implementation process itself. Another key factor, especially for SMEs that lack internal resources, is ensuring there’s an end-to-end solution—a turnkey solution that starts working and provides the final result.

3. What benefits can an SME expect from implementing robotics?

There are several aspects, often related to cost. Ultimately, what you want is to reduce costs and improve process efficiency. Then, there’s also the issue of safety. In our case, for example, we enhance safety standards in plants. There’s a lot of potential to automate tasks in small businesses, which make up the majority of Spanish companies. This means all those tasks that were done manually, like making a shoe, can be automated. Closing boxes, putting items inside boxes—these are tasks that are not highly artisanal and can indeed be automated.

4. In which sectors do you think the use of robotics makes the most sense for SMEs?

More and more, it has real applications across all industries. Right now, we focus heavily on the chemical, energy, and mining industries. Gradually, we’re also seeing potential in facility management. Everything related to building management, such as security in museums, for example—where you can’t hang cameras everywhere—a robot can come in and automate security tasks like preventing theft. There are increasingly more alternatives for robotics to expand into new areas.

5. What role do you think robotics will play in the business of SMEs?

I think it will become part of every business. Any company that doesn’t incorporate robotics into its production processes will eventually disappear because it’s about process improvement. If we don’t embrace robotics while others do, we’ll fall behind. That’s why it’s so important for people to overcome their fear of trying it.

Moreover, now is a great time because there are so many subsidies available to help businesses get started with this. What better time than when there’s institutional support to develop these projects, making it much more affordable to try them now, rather than waiting until such support no longer exists.