In this edition of Humans of PAL, we’re thrilled to spotlight Francesco Ferro, the driving force behind PAL Robotics’ journey from a small startup to a global leader in service robotics. Francesco’s passion for innovation and commitment to solving real-world problems has shaped our company’s mission over the last 20 years. In this interview, he discusses where robotics is headed, the breakthroughs that excite him most, and how his leadership philosophy empowers the team to tackle challenges head-on.
Get ready to hear from the person who truly embodies the spirit of PAL Robotics.
What are the biggest growth opportunities in robotics and automation, and how does your team stay ahead of industry trends?
The most significant opportunities for growth lie in service and collaborative robotics, where robots move from being isolated tools behind fixed barriers to becoming active partners in both industrial but especially personal spaces. The reality is that we would all love to have a robot that takes care of the domestic chores, working alongside people, safely and efficiently. The potential for exponential growth is very big.
Nowadays, robots respond to specific tasks that are executed based on cause and effect. “If this happens, this is the response”. With the intelligence being brought to robotics via artificial intelligence, the patterns to be followed will not be completely fixed in stone or blocked, they will actually adapt according to our use and habits. This is very futuristic and it can be challenging to a lot of people, but uncertainty is a part of evolution. AI will help us make daily tasks in non-controlled and changing environments, and that’s a real game changer.
Also, at PAL Robotics we are investing a lot of time in torque control, which allows robots to move and react to real-world forces, making them safer and smarter. Torque control is the state-of-the-art of robotics. Is mainly saying “do what you have to do until you find an X amount of resistance”. It sounds simple, right? But in practice it is very complicated. What we want is to use that human capability to make robots more safe.
We’re one of the few companies working on bipedal robots with torque control in the world, and that gives us a huge edge in the field. The potential for growth is enormous, and by staying at the forefront of this technology, we’re well-positioned to lead the way.
What keeps you motivated while leading your team in such a rapidly evolving industry?
What really keeps me going is my drive to create the best robots in the world.
Everything we do is about improving people’s quality of life—whether that’s in healthcare, industry, or everyday tasks. I’ve always believed that robotics can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. It’s not just about building machines, it’s about solving real-world problems. What also motivates me is the team I work with. We’ve built a diverse group of talented people who push boundaries and challenge each other. Seeing the progress we make, the challenges we overcome, and knowing that our work has a positive impact on the world keeps me excited every day.
Besides, there are very few robotics companies in the world that have resisted more than 10 years. It is good to see that we have been leading an active role in the European service robotics field for the past 20 years.
If you could restart your company with the knowledge of current industry trends, what would you do differently?
Honestly, I wouldn’t change much. We’ve made the right calls, especially when it comes to staying independent. Not going down the venture capital route allowed us to keep the freedom we need for innovation. If you are free and you have an idea in you, sooner or later it will find a way out, because you really believe in it.
The results of our investigations, considering the size of our structure compared to our main competitors, are extremely successful, even more successful than bigger players. When you are a smaller company, you have more agility to make changes. Transforming within a big structure is like making a turn with a transatlantic. This freedom is why we’ve been able to build some of the most advanced collaborative robots in the world.
What personal traits have you implemented in your team to drive daily progress and success?
I often say that luck doesn’t exist, and by that, I mean that things need to be nurtured, given time, and approached with intention and attention. Without that, this is just a job. In that sense, my greatest motivations are passion combined with hard work. Over the years, I’ve managed to pass on this feeling to those around me. I believe this enthusiasm spreads when you work with people who also love to be challenged.
One other thing I value deeply as a leader is collaboration. I don’t believe in a top-down approach where decisions are made just because the boss says so. I like to have a diverse group of people around me, and I appreciate different perspectives, especially if they challenge mine. I believe in giving people the freedom to explore their ideas.
Another important trait is resilience—being able to face challenges head-on, and finding creative solutions when things get tough. That’s been a big part of why we’ve been able to stay competitive, even against much larger companies. We’ve built a team that’s not afraid to take risks and think differently, and that’s what drives our success every day.
We’ve built a team that’s not afraid to take risks and think differently, and that’s what drives our success every day.
Francesco’s leadership is not just about building advanced robots—it’s about building a future where robotics enriches lives and expands possibilities. His recognition as CEO of the Year 2024 in Robotics by European CEO reflects not just his achievements but the shared dedication of our entire team. Thank you, Francesco, for 20 years of visionary leadership, and here’s to an exciting future together!
