Drones, robotics and materials: a real niche for Spanish SMEs

Technological opportunities in Spain: beyond AI

The Spanish Federation of Technology Centres (Fedit) has been driving innovation and technological development to improve business competitiveness since 1996. At MeetechSpain, its general director, Áureo Díaz-Carrasco, shared his vision of the areas where Spain can stand out. Against the media focus on artificial intelligence, Díaz-Carrasco identifies niches with great potential: drones, robotics, advanced materials and energy. "We have very good development opportunities," he says, although he acknowledges that in AI we are "quite a bit further behind" and lack autonomy in data storage.

For an SME, this reflection invites looking beyond the technology of the moment. Autonomous robotics, drones or advanced materials are not only for large corporations; technology centres can be the partner that facilitates access to these capabilities. According to Fedit, nearly 30,000 companies collaborate with these centres every year, from one-off needs to multi-year strategic projects.

The challenge of technological autonomy

Díaz-Carrasco stresses the importance of technological autonomy: "we must be able to offer technology to the world from Europe". In a context where data and AI depend on large global technology companies, betting on in-house developments in areas such as robotics or resilient communications reduces external dependence. For an SME, this translates into the possibility of integrating locally developed solutions, with greater control over the supply chain and support.

In addition, the executive stresses that technologies such as digital twins or AI applied to advanced manufacturing have a direct impact on cost reduction and productivity. "It is about doing more with less," he says. At ForgeNEX we recommend evaluating these technologies not as an end, but as a means to optimise processes and expand markets.

Key sectors and practical application

Where can SMEs find their opportunity? Díaz-Carrasco prioritises:

• Transport and logistics: robotics and resilient communications offer many possibilities, with numerous centres working on them.
• Mobility: not only electric, but mobility in general, with new solutions for urban and interurban mobility.
• Emergency response: after episodes such as the DANAS, better communications and robotics applied to disaster management are needed.
• Traditional industry: modernising the productive fabric is essential to gain competitiveness.

For an IT team, these sectors involve specific demands: sensors, reliable connectivity, real-time data analysis and cybersecurity. ForgeNEX's experience in resilience and security projects can help lay the foundations. As we commented in our article on data resilience, recovery capacity is key to any innovation.

Recommendations for SMEs and IT teams

Given this panorama, we propose a realistic roadmap:

1. Identify a specific use case in which robotics, drones or advanced materials can provide immediate value. It is not about adopting technology for fashion, but about solving a real problem.
2. Seek collaboration with specialised technology centres. Fedit groups dozens of centres with specific capabilities; an SME can access knowledge and resources that it would hardly have on its own.
3. Evaluate the return on investment in terms of cost savings, improved times and opening up new markets. Digital twins, for example, make it possible to simulate and optimise processes before investing in physical changes.
4. Do not neglect cybersecurity. The interconnection of devices and data collection increase the attack surface. In our review of October cyberthreats we insist on the need to protect industrial environments.
5. Plan for the medium term. Innovation in these fields requires time and perseverance; technology centres can accompany throughout the entire cycle.

In short, Fedit's vision invites SMEs to look beyond AI and explore niches where Spain has competitive advantages. With the right guidance and reliable technology partners, it is possible to ride the wave of innovation without losing sight of profitability and security.

Source: Computerworld. Analysis and adaptation: ForgeNEX.