The report titled Poland (Truly) Digital – Industrial Automation and Robotics is a part of a series of reports by the Sobieski Institute focusing on the Polish market of modern technologies. One of its primary objectives is to draw the attention of Polish political and economic decision-makers to the fact that Poland needs to embrace automation and robotization in order to join the ranks of the wealthiest nations. Automation, robotics, and digital technologies are the foundation of modern industry and the catalyst for economic development.

Today we are faced with the challenge of building a strong and resilient Future Industry ecosystem that will facilitate the sustainable transformation of Polish industry, says Piotr Bober, Board Member of the Future Industry Platform Foundation. He further emphasizes that, on the one hand, it is crucial to provide small and medium-sized entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to develop their competitive advantages. On the other hand, it is essential to establish conditions for close collaboration between public and private institutions to enhance their responsiveness to the ever-changing market, particularly in the realm of innovation.

The study also provides a perspective on the industrial automation and robotics market in Poland from various angles. It showcases the division of the Polish market for industrial robots among the major global manufacturers. Moreover, it draws attention to Polish companies operating in this industry: integrators who develop solutions based on automation and robots, as well as suppliers and technology distributors.

Automating and robotizing production is a necessary condition for maintaining competitiveness in the global market. Deepening personnel shortages, new quality requirements, and the need to increase efficiency serve as a catalyst for change within companies. For Polish businesses it is not a matter of if, but rather when they will embrace Industry 4.0 technologies in their manufacturing processes, Tomasz Haiduk, President of Polish Automation and Robotics Forum points out. Then he firmly asserts, modernizing production requires competent and reliable integrators capable of combining robotics, mechatronics and automation. This report draws attention to the fact that such companies operate in Poland. What is more, they are also valued beyond our borders, successfully implementing cutting-edge technologies. Therefore, why shouldn’t they take the Polish industry to the next level?

Bartłomiej Michałowski, Board Member of the Sobieski Institute and author of the report, presents the following theses based on conducted research:

• In 2021, between 3,300 and 3,500 various industrial robots were installed in Poland. Poland was among the 15 countries with the highest percentage increase in the number of robots. However, the level of robotization in the Polish industry remains significantly lower compared to other developed countries.

• Polish companies in the field of industrial automation and robotics are primarily focused on integrating automation and robotics technology solutions from other countries. There are no major Polish companies producing robots.

• The strength and potential of the Polish economy lie in engineering companies that integrate various industrial automation and robotics solutions. Government initiatives should support the development and potential of these integrator firms.

• The Sobieski Institute has identified 210 companies operating in the Polish industrial automation and robotics market, generating a combined annual sales revenue in excess of PLN 9 billion.

• The degree of organization within the Polish industrial automation and robotics sector is relatively low, making it challenging to gather data about the Polish market. This may be due to a lack of public trust among Poles. Nevertheless, it is encouraging that the largest Polish companies with stable market positions participated in the Sobieski Institute report.

• The first Sobieski Institute survey on the industrial automation and robotics market involved 25 companies. They collectively achieved a revenue of PLN 1,049 million in 2021, with 25% of sales coming from exports, amounting to PLN 244 million.

• The vast majority of the participating companies expressed confidence that their revenues would increase in 2022 compared to 2021, although only half of them reported market growth in 2022. This could indicate that disruptions caused by supply chain issues resulting from the pandemic and war have slowed down the pace of robotics market development in Poland.

• Polish engineering companies have the potential to lead the Polish towards a globally recognized future industry. They possess high competence and experience, particularly valued abroad. The implementation of the tax relief for robotization can contribute to the process of robotization and digitalization. However, more deliberate actions and greater support from the government are needed. South Korea has 1,000 robots per 10,000 industrial workers, Germany has 397, the Czech Republic has 168, and Poland has 52. We must rapidly bridge this gap in robotization.

In the Sobieski Institute, we believe in Poland that is strong, capable, independent and ambitious. Poland where a balance is maintained between freedom and civic responsibility. The process of change in the country is never-ending, emphasizes Bartłomiej Michałowski, which is why we are publishing another report that highlights a strategic area for the further development of Poland and its economy. 

The Sobieski Institute is a leading Polish think tank which began operating in 2003. The institute conducts scientific, research, publishing and expert reporting activities. On its own initiative, it prepares reports, commentaries and expert opinions on its main areas of activity, such as: energy, transport, economy, public finance, regional development, new technologies, infrastructure, and foreign policy. It has organized national and international conferences, seminars and panels. For more information, visit: https://sobieski.org.pl/

The Future Industry Platform Foundation (FPPP) was established to strengthen the competence and competitiveness of companies operating in Poland by supporting their transformation towards Industry 4.0. FPPP supports: • digital transformation processes; • implementation of digital products and services; • introduction of business models based on the latest solutions in areas such as intelligent data analysis, automation, machine-to-machine and human-to-machine communication, process virtualization, and cybersecurity; • enhancement of workforce competences through training and innovative ways of showcasing solutions. FPPP works to strengthen the business ecosystem created by Polish manufacturing companies. This is achieved by establishing mechanisms for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and building trust among market entities involved in the digital transformation process. For more information, visit: www.przemyslprzyszlosci.gov.pl

Polish Automation and Robotics Forum (FAIRP) aims to represent and support entrepreneurs providing solutions for the fields of automation and robotization in all aspects, including: scientific, technical, operational, business, financial, legal and commercial. FAiRP promotes the implementation of automation and robotization processes in Poland and abroad. Its goal is to develop modern production methods among Polish businesses as well as to integrate and support companies implementing such solutions.