Revolutionary Technology Made in Euskadi to Develop Industrial Robots through the ROBOOST Transformative Project
- The project, led by Danobat, will mobilise 18 SMEs and will involve collaboration with the clusters, under the leadership of Advanced Manufacturing, AFM, and in partnership with Aeronautics and Space, HEGAN.
- The development of new high-performance industrial robotics technologies in Euskadi will involve 10 technology centres and agents of the Basque Science, Technology and Innovation Network (RVCTI), led by IDEKO.
- ROBOOST will position Euskadi as an international benchmark in industrial robotics and establish it as a leading player in an emerging niche: high-precision robotics and advanced manufacturing.
This morning, the ROBOOST Transformative Project — the second initiative arising from the Industry Plan, Euskadi 2030 — was presented at the headquarters of the Danobat cooperative in Elgoibar. The project represents a disruptive leap forward and will constitute a global technological milestone in advanced manufacturing, consolidating Euskadi’s leadership in the sector. Precision robotics introduces a new paradigm that overcomes the traditional limitations of conventional machine tools by combining the precision, stability and rigidity of machine tools with the flexibility of robotics, opening up new opportunities in advanced manufacturing, including critical operations requiring maximum reliability.
The project was presented by the Basque Government’s Regional Minister for Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability, Mikel Jauregi, together with the CEO of Danobat, Xabier Alzaga, and was attended by the President of the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, Eider Mendoza; the President of MONDRAGON, Pello Rodriguez; and the Managing Director of the Danobatgroup and MIA divisions, Nerea Aranguren.
This second Transformative Project, privately led with public backing, forms part of the Euskadi Industry Plan 2030. It is spearheaded by Danobat, a cooperative of international standing in advanced high-precision manufacturing solutions and a key driving force within the Basque industrial value chain. The project creates new opportunities in the Advanced Manufacturing – Machine Tool sector, a strategic IRABAZI sector due to its pivotal role in Basque industry.
The Regional Minister for Industry, Mikel Jauregi, stated that “for Euskadi to remain a leader in machine tools, we must run faster than anyone else. We are doing so by combining ambition, innovation and collective effort in a transformative project that takes industrial robotics to the next level.” In reference to the challenges facing European industry, he added that “Basque industry cannot wait for the storm to pass. Now is the time for our industrial base to step up, move up a gear and commit to transformative projects for the country.”
An Investment of Nearly €50 Million and 500 New Jobs
ROBOOST represents an unprecedented example of industrial and technological collaboration, mobilising 18 SMEs and involving cluster collaboration, led by Advanced Manufacturing, AFM, in partnership with Aeronautics and Space, HEGAN. It will also drive the development of new high-performance industrial robotics technologies, involving 10 technology centres and agents of the Basque Science, Technology and Innovation Network (RVCTI), led by IDEKO.
The Transformative Project will create synergies between the cutting-edge technology of Basque companies, the applied research of technology centres, the specialised expertise of manufacturers and the talent of a new generation of professionals, positioning Euskadi as a benchmark in industrial innovation.
ROBOOST entails an initial investment of nearly €50 million over the next three years, of which more than €35 million will be allocated to R&D and technological development activities.
It will generate 500 new jobs — 200 direct and 300 indirect — and will also enable existing roles to evolve towards more technologically advanced, higher value-added profiles, thereby ensuring their long-term sustainability. This will further strengthen the international competitiveness of the Basque industrial base.
Through the ROBOOST project, a new generation of high-performance industrial robots will be developed in Euskadi, together with a dedicated local value chain built around this solution. A new robotic product combining the precision of machine tools with the flexibility of robotics.
Euskadi, an International Benchmark in Industrial Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing
ROBOOST will position Euskadi as an international benchmark in precision robotics and robotics-based advanced manufacturing, enabling it to establish itself as a leading player in an emerging niche: robust, high-precision robotics. Euskadi’s strong industrial base — a leader in machine tools and advanced manufacturing — provides the technological and production capabilities required to drive this new industrial paradigm.
Advanced manufacturing, one of the key sectors in the digital transformation, is undergoing profound change driven by the widespread integration of artificial intelligence, robotics and new materials and composites, with a rate of adoption far exceeding that of other industrial sectors.
Transformative Project in a Strategic Sector
This second transformative project presented today forms part of the Basque Government’s industrial transformation strategy through the Euskadi Industry Plan 2030. The Plan is designed to boost competitiveness, innovation and collaboration across Euskadi’s industrial value chain. Transformative Projects lie at the heart of the Industry Plan and represent a major impetus for the country’s industrial transformation, structured around three lines of action: more industry, better industry and fewer emissions.
Transformative Projects will bring about a qualitative leap in collaboration between Euskadi’s industrial leaders, their Basque supplier networks and technology centres, enabling the country to advance in technology, differentiation and, ultimately, competitiveness. To this end, the Basque Government will make available a comprehensive package of support measures, including both existing and new programmes and instruments.
In this way, it provides a decisive boost to the priority sectors identified in the Industry Plan, Euskadi 2030: IRABAZI – automotive components, energy, advanced manufacturing, metallurgy and sustainable mobility – and HAZI – aeronautics/aerospace, biosanitary industries, advanced digital solutions, smart grids and storage, and renewable fuels. Last week, the first Transformative Project, led by ITP Aero, was presented, through which Euskadi will play a key role in the development of the next generation of aircraft engines. Further Transformative Projects will be presented in the coming weeks.
Danobat S. Coop Strengthens its Industrial Leadership
Danobat S. Coop, an industrial cooperative within the Mondragón Corporation, continues to consolidate its position as an international benchmark in advanced high-precision manufacturing solutions, driving technological innovation and sustainable industrial development. Headquartered in Elgoibar, in the historic territory of Gipuzkoa, the company has more than 70 years of experience in the design and manufacture of high value-added machine tools. Since its foundation in 1954, Danobat has maintained a firm commitment to the cooperative model, technological excellence and international expansion.
Danobat develops advanced grinding and turning solutions, as well as precision robotic CNC systems, for strategic industrial sectors such as aeronautics, automotive, rail, energy and capital goods. The company is firmly committed to R&D&i, allocating a significant proportion of its turnover to the development of new technologies, process digitalisation and intelligent manufacturing.
Its approach combines precision, reliability and bespoke engineering, delivering tailored solutions that enable customers to enhance productivity, efficiency and competitiveness in highly demanding industrial environments. As part of Danobatgroup, the cooperative has a strong international presence, with production facilities, commercial subsidiaries and technical service networks in multiple countries. Exports account for the majority of its activity, reinforcing its global positioning.
In recent years, the company has strengthened its production and technological capabilities through strategic investments aimed at expanding facilities, incorporating new industrial capacities and improving operational efficiency. Danobat will take part in BIEMH 2026, from 2 to 5 March in Bilbao. This will provide an excellent opportunity to meet its team of precision robotics specialists, discover how they combine cutting-edge technology with practical solutions, and see first-hand the potential of its innovations for the manufacturing of the future.
