Press release | PAL Robotics leads in European robotics

Press release | PAL Robotics leads in European robotics

At the Forefront of Robotics Policy, Innovation, and AI Collaboration

Barcelona, October 2024 –  PAL Robotics, a leader in service automation technologies, celebrates its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of innovation and technological breakthroughs. Founded in 2004, the company has grown from a small Barcelona-based startup into a global leader, pushing transformation in fields where technology can make a real positive impact in people’s lives. PAL Robotics develops service robots for research, retail, healthcare, agri-food, and industrial applications, including humanoids, mobile manipulators, and autonomous navigation bases. With endless applications, they have proven their potential in more than 50 collaborative projects with renowned universities and research centres worldwide. 

PAL Robotics turns 20 on the brink of a transformative era, driven by leaps in technology and substantial market expansion, projected to reach $43.32 billion by 2027, according to Statista (2023). In 2021 alone, over half a million new industrial robots were installed globally, marking a 31% year-on-year increase, according to a recent report of International Federation of Robotics (2024). Sales of professional service robots also rose by 30% in 2023, as reported by IFR, reflecting the demand across industries. 

Despite the exponential growth of the market, the company remains committed to a human-centric approach, maintaining a non-militarization position since its beginning. “Technology should always serve people,” emphasizes CEO Francesco Ferro. “Our goal is to create robots that work with people, adapting to our habits and responding smartly to dynamic environments.”

CEO Francesco Ferro Named “CEO of the Year”

A testament to PAL Robotics’ success is the recent recognition of its CEO, Francesco Ferro, who was named CEO of the Year for his visionary leadership. Under his guidance, the company has achieved significant innovations such as torque control, enabling robots to safely interact with humans. “While it may sound simple, achieving this sensitivity is incredibly complex,” Ferro explains. “Torque control enhances the safety and intelligence of our machines, and we’re proud to be among the few companies pioneering this technology in bipedal robots.”

Ferro, who serves on the board of directors and executive councils of several major European robotics associations, plays a key role in influencing the direction of robotics development across the continent.

A Key Role in Shaping Europe’s Robotics Future

Ferro’s involvement in European robotics initiatives means PAL Robotics is not only a contributor, but part of a larger, collaborative effort within the European robotics value network. As an active participant in this landscape, Francesco Ferro plays a vital role in shaping the legislative and technical frameworks that will define the future of robotics across Europe. This involvement puts PAL Robotics in a privileged position to influence policy and ensure that its technological roadmap aligns with Europe’s vision of a sustainable, secure, and advanced future.

What to expect from AI integrations with robotics

In the AI golden era, it is important to emphasize the important role that robotics brings to this field. AI needs data, and robots are uniquely positioned to gather rich, contextual information from dynamic environments. This real-world data not only enhances AI training but also enables the development of more nuanced algorithms capable of learning from actual interactions.

As robots continue to integrate advanced sensors and machine learning capabilities, they serve as critical tools for refining artificial intelligence applications—from autonomous vehicles to smart manufacturing. This synergy between robotics and AI is driving significant innovations, making robots not just data collectors but essential partners in developing intelligent systems that can adapt and respond to complex challenges.

Looking Ahead: The Next 20 Years of Robotics

As PAL Robotics enters its third decade, the company is more committed than ever to pioneering new solutions. With a focus on sustainability, AI integration, and addressing the ongoing challenges of standardization and interoperability, PAL Robotics aims to continue shaping the future of robotics worldwide.The goal remains the same: to enhance people’s quality of life through Service Robotics.

For more information or to arrange an interview with Francesco Ferro, please contact Diana Assennato (+34 687143772). 


About PAL Robotics

Founded in 2004, PAL Robotics designs and manufactures service robots to improve productivity, efficiency, and safety in a range of industries. Based in Barcelona, the company offers world-class solutions that span healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and more. PAL Robotics’ platforms include autonomous mobile robots, humanoid robots, and inventory management solutions.