Industrial Automation and Robotics in Spain 2026: trends, investment and technology M&A
The latest report complied by our specialised technology M&A advisors provides a comprehensive overview of the Industrial Automation and Robotics market in Spain, with data updated to December 2025. This analysis, produced by experts in the acquisition and sale of technology companies, offers insights into how one of the most dynamic sectors of the European industrial ecosystem is evolving.
The industrial automation market encompasses the integration of control systems, robotics and information technology to manage production processes with minimal human intervention. Its value chain is structured across three levels:
- Field layer: industrial robots, sensors and actuators
- Control layer: PLCs and DCS systems
- Monitoring and analytics layer: SCADA, MES and industrial AI platforms
The home automation, building automation and generic IT software markets—which are not connected to the industrial OT environment—are excluded from the analysis.
Trends in the industrial automation market in Spain
The sector is undergoing a structural transformation driven by digitalisation, artificial intelligence and global competitive pressure. These are the key trends identified by our M&A advisers specialising in technology companies.
IT/OT convergence and industrial artificial intelligence
The integration of corporate IT systems and industrial OT systems is redefining productivity on the shop floor. The adoption of industrial AI enables:
- Digital twins of production processes
- Advanced predictive maintenance
- Zero-defect manufacturing
In this context, industrial software assets with analytical capabilities are becoming prime targets in technology M&A. A notable example is Proalpha’s acquisition of Mapex (2025), a prime example of an MES platform with advanced analytical capabilities in the Spanish mid-market.
Transition to XaaS models and servitisation
The market is shifting from hardware sales (CapEx) towards subscription-based models (OpEx). This transition is driving:
- Higher revenue recurrence
- Improved cash flow forecasting
- Rising valuations in M&A deals involving technology companies
Integrators that incorporate their own software are attracting increasing interest from M&A experts and private equity funds.
Labour regulations as a catalyst for automation
The reduction in working hours in Spain is acting as an indirect catalyst for industrial automation. Companies need to maintain productivity with fewer working hours, which is driving investment in:
- Collaborative robotics (cobots)
- AMRs (autonomous mobile robots)
- Critical process automation systems
This phenomenon is leading to a direct increase in mergers and acquisitions involving technology companies specialising in industrial efficiency.
Structural public investment and European funds
Public investment is proving to be a key driver of the sector:
- NextGenerationEU: €77 billion in Spain
- Electric and Connected Vehicles: €24.3 billion
- PERTE Chip: €12.25 billion
- SSTT: Up to €20 billion in strategic technology
These programmes are driving demand for advanced solutions in robotics, semiconductors and industrial AI, creating significant opportunities for M&A advisers in consolidation processes.
Logistics automation and the Mediterranean Corridor
The investment in the Mediterranean Corridor (2.600M€ entre 2024–2025) está acelerando la automatización en hubs logísticos y agroalimentarios.
Particularly noteworthy is:
- Warehouse automation
- Robotics in last-mile logistics
- Growth in industrial e-commerce
The logistics sector has become one of the most active sectors within the technology M&A market in Spain.
Market consolidation and private equity investment
The market for industrial integrators in Spain remains highly fragmented, which is driving a wave of consolidation. The predominant model is buy-and-build, with significant involvement from private equity firms.
Recent examples include:
- Industrial systems integration platforms
- Strategic acquisitions of connected hardware manufacturers
- Establishment of international automation groups
This environment is generating a high level of activity for business acquisition and sale advisers specialising in industrial technology.
Analysis of investment in the industrial automation sector
The transaction market in Spain reached €54.632 billion in the first half of 2024, representing a 48% increase in value. Although the number of transactions has fallen slightly, the average transaction size has increased, reflecting a clear trend towards assets of higher technological quality.
Within the industrial ecosystem, four types of operation stand out:
- Defensive consolidation: creation of integrator platforms
- Strategic carve-outs: divestment of non-core industrial units. We already predicted the growing trend towards carve-outs in our article on notable M&A deals in October 2025
- Private equity platform models: building industry leaders
- Strategic acquisitions by global OEMs
A notable example is ABB’s acquisition of ASTI Mobile Robotics, which marked the start of global interest in industrial mobile robotics. Against this backdrop, investors’ focus has shifted from market share to intellectual property and industrial software.
How is the industrial automation market expected to grow?
The sector’s growth prospects are strong and set to continue through to 2035, driven by structural factors.
- Global market in Spain: $4.04 billion (2024) → $7.08 billion (2032), CAGR 9.23%
- Industrial AI: 18.45% CAGR until 2035
- Full automation: 10.36% CAGR
- PLCs and industrial control: 9.94% CAGR
This growth confirms that the sector will remain a priority in M&A deals involving technology companies, particularly those with proprietary software and the capacity for international expansion.
Conclusion: Technology M&A as a driver of industrial consolidation
Industrial automation in Spain is entering a phase of rapid maturation, where technology, regulation and public investment are converging to reshape the sector. For shareholders, executives and investors, this presents a clear window of opportunity for inorganic growth.
From Baker Tilly Tech M&A, as M&A advisers and experts in the sale and acquisition of technology companies, we support companies and investors through valuation processes, acquisition and divestment processes within the industrial and technology sector.
Tailor-made
Market Research on the Industrial Automation Sector 2026
Download the full report here and stay informed about the financial status and latest news of the most important companies in the market.
