Over the last two years, robotics has gone through a complex phase: the market has seen a significant drop in orders, with a 23% decline in 2023 and a further 24% decline in 2024. This slowdown has forced many companies to postpone investments, review priorities, and carefully evaluate timing and returns.
However, 2025 began with a clear change in the scenario: according to the joint UCIMU–SIRI report, the sector returned to growth with a +2.9% increase in expected orders and a +72.5% surge in the domestic market in the first quarter.
This reversal is not just a positive sign: it is indicative of a new technological cycle in which automation, artificial intelligence and flexible systems will be essential elements for competitiveness.
In this context, the Italian metalworking industry — historically one of the country’s industrial drivers — remains the sector most ready to embrace and leverage new technologies. This is where ROBO FEED comes in, a partner specialising in tailor-made automation for companies looking to make a quantum leap in productivity.
Italy’s position in global robotics
Despite cyclical fluctuations, Italy continues to play a leading role on the international stage. It is, in fact:
- 6th country in the world in terms of number of robots installed
- 2nd in Europe, surpassed only by Germany
With over 106,000 active robots, the country continues to invest, demonstrating a consistent application of automation in production processes.
Another figure confirms the sector’s solidity: robot density in manufacturing has reached 228 robots per 10,000 employees, with peaks of 662 units per 10,000 employees in the automotive industry. These figures testify to a growing factory culture that is open to the integration of digital, collaborative and flexible solutions.
Metalworking as the driving force behind Italian automation
Among the most robotised sectors, metalworking ranks first. Not only in terms of production volumes, but above all for:
- variety of processes
- need for continuous automation
- drive towards precision, quality and cycle time reduction
Here, robots are used in highly strategic activities:
- material handling – 54.1%
- loading/unloading of machine tools – 21.4%
- palletising – 8.8%
- plastic moulding – 4.5%
- measurement and quality control – 4.4%
These figures clearly show where demand is concentrated: in the most repetitive, laborious or critical operations for production. Furthermore, the Italian metalworking industry is recognised for two fundamental characteristics:
- extremely high application flexibility
- strong capacity for line customisation
And it is precisely these elements that today determine the success of companies that decide to automate.
Robotics in Italy: what types of robots does industry need today?
The 2025 market highlights two dominant categories:
- articulated robots → 6,835 units installed
- SCARA robots → 1,263 units
Added to these are cobots, which account for 10% of the total market. It is no longer a trend: collaborative robots are the key tool for simple, fast and accessible automation — especially for SMEs.
The most popular areas of application remain:
- manipulation – 75.1%
- assembly – 11.8%
- welding – 8% (up +1.7%)
These are processes where a well-integrated robotic system guarantees direct and immediately measurable benefits: consistent quality, reduced errors, increased machine uptime.
Trends for 2025: the pillars of future automation
Analysis of UCIMU–SIRI data and leading trade magazines suggests that 2025 was a year of consolidation for existing trends, with some very clear lines of development emerging for 2026 (and beyond).
Let’s examine them in detail.
Cobots and accessible automation: democratising robotics
Collaborative robots are now a certainty, not a promise. Stabilised at 10% of installations, they represent the gateway to automation for workshops and SMEs with needs such as:
- ease of installation
- speed of programming
- lower costs
- greater safety in confined spaces
This enables many businesses — even those not traditionally automated — to implement scalable solutions without revolutionising their entire system.
Versatility and modularity: the era of plug&play solutions
Demand for systems is increasing:
- modulari
- reconfigurable
- quick to integrate
- ready for use
Companies are no longer looking for robots: they are looking for complete, flexible, adaptable and upgradeable cells.
In the era of variable production, the ability to reconfigure a line in a matter of hours is a huge competitive advantage.
AI and Digital Twin: from programming to prediction
Artificial intelligence is entering production processes with increasingly advanced functions:
- cognitive artificial vision
- self-learning of routes
- predictive maintenance based on actual patterns
- virtual simulation using digital twins
The digital twin, in particular, is becoming the norm for optimising:
- cycle times
- layout
- collisions
- ROI on investments
The result? Reduced risk and faster, more reliable implementations.
Flexible automation for SMEs: “smart & simple”
Perhaps the most interesting trend is this: automation is no longer a goal reserved for large plants.
A smart & simple approach is emerging, one that is more agile, convenient and accessible.
Small metalworking companies adopt:
- compact cells
- multi-application cobot
- sistemi di carico-scarico automatici
- flexible robotic warehouses
These smart solutions enable SMEs to recover margins, production capacity and stability, avoiding the bottlenecks typically associated with labour shortages.
The role of ROBO FEED in the new automation ecosystem
Within this rapidly changing technological landscape, ROBO FEED positions itself as a specialised partner capable of bringing concrete innovation to metalworking companies.
The strengths that make the difference today:
1. Truly tailor-made solutions
SMEs are not looking for generic automation, but configurations tailored to their processes.
ROBO FEED develops systems geared towards real needs: productivity, ergonomics, operational continuity.
2. Modular and scalable approach
ROBO FEED cells are designed to be expandable, upgradeable and reconfigurable.
A strategic advantage for those who have to manage variable production.
3. Native integration with articulated robots, SCARA robots and cobots
Versatility is one of the most sought-after features on the market. ROBO FEED integrates the most suitable type of robot for the process — not the other way around.
4. AI-ready technology and digital twins
Simulation using digital twins allows customers to virtually test palletising, loading/unloading, handling and logistics flow systems before they are built.
5. Total focus on metalworking
Loading/unloading CNC machines, material handling, automated welding, palletising: precisely the processes in which the Italian market is investing most heavily.
Why 2026 is the right year to automate
The figures speak for themselves: after a period of slowdown, Italy is once again investing in robotics.
For SMEs in the metalworking sector, this is the ideal time to take a decisive step towards:
- more stable operating costs
- increased productivity
- consistent quality
- reduction of micro-irons and inefficiencies
- safer processes
- greater market appeal
Today, automation is no longer a bonus: it is an essential requirement for competitiveness.
ROBO FEED is your partner for the future
2025 marked the beginning of a new phase for Italian industry: robotics is restarting, growing and evolving.
Companies are returning to investment and seeking partners capable of quickly leading them towards more efficient, flexible and intelligent production.
In this context, ROBO FEED is a reliable reference point for metalworking companies that want to automate wisely, increase productivity and embrace the technologies of the future without unnecessary complexity.
From modular robotic cells to advanced handling systems, from CNC machine automation to cobot solutions, ROBO FEED supports SMEs at every stage: analysis, simulation, integration, start-up, optimisation.
The future of automation will not only be more technological — it will be more accessible, flexible and closer to the real needs of businesses. And ROBO FEED is ready to lead this change.
