Bulgaria is witnessing a surge in the development and integration of industrial robots, with the Professional Association of Robotics, Automation, and Innovation (PARAi) projecting a 9.8% increase in installed industrial robots by 2024. In 2023 alone, 85 robots were installed, marking significant growth in key sectors such as the chemical industry, metals, e-commerce, and machinery and electronics production.
Sector-Specific Growth Driving Robotics Expansion
According to Yonko Chuklev, Vice President of PARAi, the notable increase in robotics integration is mainly driven by growth in the chemical industry, which saw a 27.5% rise in May and a 33.8% increase in June, as well as the metals sector, which grew by 19.1% in May and 25.4% in June. E-commerce, particularly in distribution centres and warehouses, and the production of machinery and electronics have also contributed to this expansion. These sectors are key customers for automation companies in Bulgaria.
Robotics Projects in Key Sectors
Several notable automation projects have been implemented across industries. In the chemical sector, automated packaging lines and robotic palletizing have made significant strides, with companies like Solvay Soda leading the way. In the metals sector, Standard Profil has integrated 20 robots with a BGN 3 million investment. Smaller firms like Metalni Konstruktsii – Pleven EAD are also adopting robotic assembly and welding technologies.
The machinery and equipment sector has seen companies like Centillion implement advanced robotic systems for precision manufacturing. Boiler manufacturer Tesy has incorporated 30 industrial robots to enhance its welding, cutting, and handling processes.
In the fast-growing e-commerce sector, companies such as eBag and Ozone.bg have invested heavily in automation, with eBag’s warehouse receiving nearly BGN 5 million for automation upgrades.
Revised Growth Estimates for 2023
Chuklev noted that the projected growth of 5% for 2023 was conservative, as actual growth reached 10%. Despite slowdowns in certain industries, such as automotive component production (down by 29.9%) and leather, footwear, and textiles (down by 26.9%), replacement demand from sectors like metals and e-commerce helped drive the overall increase in robot installations.
Rising Supply of Bulgarian-Made Robots
Another exciting trend is the increased supply of Bulgarian-made robots. Historically, most robots in the Bulgarian market were imported, but Bulgarian companies are now stepping up. For example, Kiberys has developed a 6-axis SCARA robot for welding, and Smart Farm Robotix is working on an autonomous weeding robot, supported by a EUR 2.36 million investment from the European Innovation Council’s accelerator programme. Additionally, Simobotics is creating Bulgaria’s first autonomous mobile robot, named Mito.
Chuklev highlighted the need for Bulgarian companies to actively take advantage of opportunities provided by initiatives like Horizon Europe and the European Innovation Council to further advance the local robotics sector. He also stressed the importance of hackathons, pilot sites for testing robotics, and other private initiatives that could drive the industry’s growth.
Lack of Strategic Investments and the Need for Human Resources
Despite the progress, strategic investments in Bulgaria’s robotics sector remain limited. The shortage of skilled human resources also continues to be a challenge. One notable exception is the participation of the Bulgarian institute INSAIT in a Toyota project to develop AI-powered robots. While this is a long-term initiative, Bulgarian involvement is seen as a significant step forward.
Robotics Strategy Forum 2024
At the end of September, Sofia Tech Park will host the Robotics Strategy Forum (RSF2024), organized by PARAi. This year’s event, titled “New Horizons of Technology”, will take place on September 26 at the John Atanasoff Building. The forum will feature leading Bulgarian companies in robotics, automation, and smart manufacturing, as well as presentations on Nearshoring and its potential for CEE growth, quantum technologies, and Bulgarian electronics reaching global markets.
The forum will also showcase five student-led projects from the robotics incubator, with teams competing for a BGN 5,000 prize and the opportunity to implement their ideas.
Conclusion
Bulgaria is quickly becoming a hub for robotics and automation. With strong growth in key sectors and a rising supply of locally-made robots, the country is positioning itself as a leader in the region. As the Robotics Strategy Forum approaches, the future of robotics in Bulgaria looks promising, driven by both private sector innovation and public support for technological advancements.
