In context
In late 2025, European manufacturers faced pressure to accelerate digital transformation while navigating supply chain disruptions and the shift to electric mobility. Public financing instruments like the European Investment Bank (EIB) became key enablers for industrial players to fund long-term R&D in automation and robotics.
What was reported
The EIB and Comau signed a €50 million finance contract to support the Turin-based company's research, development, and innovation in robotics, advanced automation solutions, machine tool development, and digitalisation. The agreement was announced by EIB vice-president Gelsomina Vigliotti and Comau CEO Pietro Gorlier.
The operation is backed by InvestEU, the EU's investment programme, through which the EIB has unlocked over €4 billion in Italy under TechEU, the EIB Group's €70 billion initiative to accelerate European innovation. The funding will be concentrated mainly in Italy (Turin and Bari) and aims to strengthen Comau's know-how in advanced industrial automation.
A key focus is expanding applications in renewable energy and hydrogen fuel cells, while reorienting automotive activities toward battery manufacturing and battery recycling automation. The financing also diversifies Comau's funding sources and extends maturities, accelerating its business plan implementation.
Why it mattered
This investment underscored the strategic role of public finance in sustaining Europe's competitiveness in advanced manufacturing. It highlighted the shift of automation providers toward energy transition sectors, positioning robotics and digital technologies as critical for industrial resilience and the EU's green and digital goals.
“Investing in advanced robotics, automation and e-mobility will boost Europe’s leadership in technology, contribute to the creation of skilled jobs and support European companies in the major industrial transformations currently taking place.”
Source: Robotics & Automation News (roboticsandautomationnews.com) · Published 2025-12-26 · “European Investment Bank invests €50 million into Comau for research and development in robotics, advanced automation and digital technologies”