TOP 5 Trends in Robotics – Which of Them Will Take Hold in the Realities of Polish Industry?

How do these technologies fit into the realities of the Polish market, and what opportunities and challenges do they bring for domestic companies? We discuss this with Szymon Bysko, Director of Innovation and Development at PROPOINT and lecturer at the Silesian University of Technology.

PROPOINT: IFR presented five key trends in robotics. How do you assess them in the context of the Polish market?

Szymon Bysko: These technologies are not new—many of them have been present on the market for several years, aligning with the concept of Industry 4.0. The problem is that in Poland they are being implemented very cautiously.

The main barrier? Old production infrastructure that requires thorough modernization to make effective use of advanced solutions. This is a costly and time-consuming process, which, given the current economic and geopolitical situation, deters many companies.

PP: One of the listed trends is digital twins. How do you use them at PROPOINT, and what tangible benefits do they bring?

SzB: The digital twin is now the standard in our virtual commissioning process. Thanks to it, we can create accurate digital representations of real processes, allowing us to detect and eliminate errors even before physical project implementation. This saves enormous amounts of time and resources.

But the potential of this technology is much greater. For example, in aviation, the digital twin is used to monitor the condition of jet engines in real time. This data helps design more efficient units. In the future, similar solutions may well become standard in manufacturing industries as well.

PP: Do you agree that IFR’s TOP 5 trends are also the main directions of development in Poland?

SzB: Only partially—mainly for large, international companies with the right budgets and infrastructure. Small and medium-sized enterprises often need to focus on the basics: automation, simple robots, and system integration that deliver a quick return on investment.

PP: Only partially—mainly for large, international companies with the right budgets and infrastructure. Small and medium-sized enterprises often need to focus on the basics: automation, simple robots, and system integration that deliver a quick return on investment.

SzB: Yes. In Poland, the robotization of basic processes still dominates. We are still in the phase of adapting the “first generation” of automation. The main driving force here is the shortage of qualified staff. There is a lack of people with experience in operating machines, programming robots, or managing production processes.

The education system is not keeping up with market needs. Practical classes at universities are rare, and young engineers often lack opportunities to work with real industrial systems. This deepens the skills gap.

PP: You mentioned energy challenges. What significance do they have for the automation and robotics sector?

SzB: Enormous. Increasing emphasis is being placed on energy efficiency and reducing CO₂ emissions. This forces companies to invest in new energy sources and optimize processes in terms of resource consumption. AI technologies and humanoid robots can be helpful here, but their implementation requires meeting new legal standards, particularly in the areas of safety and data protection.

PP: And what about artificial intelligence? Do we already see its applications in Polish industry?

SzB: Absolutely. AI has the greatest potential in data analytics, production planning, quality control, and failure prediction. At PROPOINT, we already use AI to support design processes. In the future, AI will certainly also support the programming of automation systems. Some CAD/CAM environments already integrate AI modules to assist in design.

PP: What about companies that do not want to invest in modern technologies?

SzB: Sooner or later, these companies will have to face reality. Legal changes, rising energy costs, and market pressure will make it unprofitable to continue relying on outdated solutions.

Transformation doesn’t always mean revolution—sometimes gradual modernization, step by step, is enough. The key is openness to change and willingness to cooperate with technology partners. Entrusting greater responsibility to the younger generation of specialists often results in a bolder approach to innovation.

It’s also worth noting that many smaller companies will be acquired by corporations with the capital, infrastructure, and global reach. Globalization and automation are processes that will only accelerate.