Italy could see the first humanoid robots permanently entering factories within the next years. No longer visions from science fiction, but concrete projects with contained costs and practical applications in manufacturing and logistics.

Leading the way is Italy itself: startups like Oversonic Robotics, with its RoBee model, are proving that a humanoid can work alongside factory operators in repetitive and physically demanding tasks, reducing risks and saving time. Meanwhile, the Italian Institute of Technology continues to develop platforms such as R1 and iRonCub, signs of a vibrant and growing national ecosystem.

Why Now?

The market has reached a point of technological and economic maturity. If just a few years ago a humanoid was still a laboratory prototype, today the new generation of robots can:

• move smoothly in environments designed for humans;
• handle a variety of objects without costly reconfigurations;
• integrate with existing digital systems already in place in factories.

All this at a price that, according to analysts, could fall into the range of a mid-sized car. A significant figure, but competitive when compared with the rising cost of labor for strenuous jobs and the cost of workplace accidents.

Voices from the Sector

According to Fabio Puglia, CEO of Oversonic Robotics:

“Today we are ready to bring humanoid robots out of laboratories. In our factory trials, RoBee has already demonstrated a reduction in processing times of up to 20% in certain logistics phases, with a positive impact on safety.”

Research backs this up. Giorgio Metta, Scientific Director at the Italian Institute of Technology, explains:

“Our goal is to develop accessible, useful humanoid platforms. It’s not about replacing humans, but about relieving them of repetitive and dangerous tasks, leaving more room for creativity and supervision.”

From the industrial side, there is both anticipation and caution. Maria Rossi, operations manager at a Lombardy-based metalworking company, says:

“We are evaluating a pilot project. The initial costs seem sustainable, but we want to test payback times and reliability in the field before wider adoption.”

What the Robots Will Do

Within the next three years, Italian factories could employ humanoids in:

• internal logistics: moving components between departments and warehouses;
• end-of-line tasks: packaging, labeling, palletizing;
• ergonomic support: repetitive tasks at awkward heights or with loads up to 15 kg;
• rework and prototyping: where flexibility outweighs rigid automation.

Humanoids will not replace workers, but will become genuine colleagues on the shop floor, allowing people to focus on higher-value activities.

The Numbers at Stake

Experts estimate that a pilot project could be launched with an initial investment of €60,000 to €120,000 per unit, including maintenance and software. The economic return? Between 18 and 24 months, thanks to fewer machine stoppages, fewer accidents, and increased productivity.

Market Figures

• Europe: the humanoid robot sector could be worth over €7 billion by 2030, with an average annual growth rate of more than 20%.
• Italy: growth will come mainly from the North, where manufacturing accounts for over 40% of regional GDP. Analysts estimate that at least 1,000 humanoid units could be operational in Italian factories by 2028.
• Incentives: European and national innovation plans (PNRR, Transition 5.0) could cover up to 40% of investments in advanced robotics.

A Possible Revolution

The European regulatory framework, with the entry into force of the AI Act, will provide further guarantees of safety and transparency, easing social acceptance. And companies in Northern Italy, the heart of manufacturing, already seem ready to seize the opportunity.

It is no longer a matter of if, but of when: humanoid robots will soon enter Italian factories. And that when now seems very close.

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🖋️ Written from Artan Musaraj for valerioagosto.com — personal notes and perspectives on Cloud, AI, and the future of technology.