ÁNIMA, the Spanish Association for Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI, Established

AFM Cluster and AER Automation, Spain’s two leading sector associations linked to robotics, automation and the manufacturing industry, have joined forces to establish ÁNIMA, the Spanish Association for Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI. The new organisation has been created with the aim of bringing together, representing and promoting the development of this emerging technological and industrial ecosystem in Spain. Its headquarters are located at the Basque Country Technology Park’s Donostia Campus.

ÁNIMA brings together under a single initiative manufacturers of humanoid robots, their components and systems, artificial intelligence and software developers, systems integrators, technology centres and universities, as well as user companies that are beginning to explore the opportunities offered by these new technologies.

The association has been launched at a time when the evolution of humanoid robotics has accelerated dramatically. What until recently was largely confined to laboratories and experimental projects is now beginning to move into factories, workshops, warehouses and other industrial environments. At the same time, new opportunities are emerging in areas such as home assistance, care services and other people-focused applications.

With international logistics humanoid robot competitions, announcements of large-scale production by Asian, European and American manufacturers, and similar developments, the sector is entering a new phase characterised by the industrialisation of the technology and the exploration of real-world applications.

“We are witnessing a new era in robotics. The convergence of artificial intelligence and robotics is accelerating the development of humanoid robots that are increasingly autonomous, versatile and capable of operating in environments designed for people,” said Carlos Méndez, President of ÁNIMA and CSO of ARITEX. The association’s Vice Presidents are Francesco Ferro, CEO of PAL Robotics, and Agustín J. Sáenz, Director of Strategy, Market and Technology at TECNALIA, while Alfonso Ganzabal, CEO of SISTEPLANT, serves as Secretary. All represent pioneering organisations in humanoid robotics and physical AI.

From Artificial Intelligence to Physical AI

Behind this acceleration lies a combination of technological advances converging at the same time: increasingly compact and efficient actuators, high-performance computing, new sensors, advanced vision systems, simulation technologies, imitation learning, and artificial intelligence models capable of linking perception, language and task execution.

This is what is becoming known as Physical AI: transferring the capabilities of artificial intelligence into the physical world, enabling machines to perceive their surroundings, understand situations and act upon them.

Humanoid robots are among its most visible expressions. Their defining feature is that they fully or partially replicate the functional organisation of the human body, enabling them to operate in environments originally designed for people and to coexist safely alongside them.

This characteristic opens the door to automating operations that have until now been difficult or uneconomical to automate, particularly in highly variable environments, changing tasks and facilities that are difficult to modify.

However, Physical AI extends far beyond humanoid robots. These capabilities of perception, reasoning and action can also be incorporated into industrial and collaborative robots, autonomous mobile systems, machine tools and, more generally, all types of machinery and equipment, progressively endowing them with higher levels of autonomy, adaptability and interaction with their environment.

This broad vision of Physical AI also explains the alliance between AFM Cluster and AER Automation in promoting ÁNIMA. The experience of both organisations, which represent more than 1,000 companies in robotics, automation, digitalisation, machine tools and manufacturing technologies, makes it possible to connect humanoid robot development with a much wider industrial fabric, where artificial intelligence is expected to transform not only robots but also machines and production systems.

An Industrial Opportunity for Spain

For Spanish industry, the opportunity presented by humanoid robotics goes far beyond manufacturing the complete robot.

A broad value chain is emerging around these machines, encompassing motors, actuators, gearboxes, bearings, sensors, vision systems, electronics, batteries, lightweight materials, simulation technologies, software, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, systems integration, maintenance and training.

Spain possesses significant industrial and technological capabilities in many of these areas.

ÁNIMA has been created precisely to connect these strengths and promote cooperation between companies, technology centres, universities and end users, ensuring that Spanish industry secures a relevant position within this new global value chain.

The association is supported by a team with extensive experience in the association sector. ÁNIMA will be managed by Naiara Zubizarreta, Director of STECH at AFM Cluster, with Alex Salvador, Director of AER Automation, serving as Deputy Director. Both bring extensive experience in membership organisations and a deep understanding of the robotics, automation and advanced manufacturing sectors.

A Meeting Point for the Entire Ecosystem

As set out in ÁNIMA’s statutes, membership is open to manufacturers of humanoid robots and other Physical AI systems, including bipedal robots, quadrupeds, mobile torso robots and exoskeletons; component manufacturers; software and artificial intelligence companies; engineering firms and systems integrators; importers and distributors; specialised consultancies; technology centres; universities and training centres; user companies; and other stakeholders linked to the sector.

Its main areas of activity will include mapping Spain’s humanoid robotics and Physical AI ecosystem; supporting technological and market development; generating and disseminating reliable industry data and information on the Spanish humanoid robotics and Physical AI market; identifying industrial opportunities; promoting collaborative projects and use cases; fostering internationalisation; advancing knowledge creation; supporting training initiatives; and strengthening the institutional positioning of the sector.

In addition, ÁNIMA will work to connect the Spanish ecosystem with the leading initiatives emerging across Europe and other international markets.

To encourage participation and accelerate the consolidation of this ecosystem, membership of ÁNIMA will be temporarily free of charge during its launch phase.

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