The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €50 million financing agreement with Italian automation specialist Comau to significantly expand research, development, and innovation activities in robotics, advanced automation, machine tool development, and digital technologies. The move marks a major investment in Europe’s industrial competitiveness and technological leadership amid accelerating global transitions toward digitalisation and sustainability.
Announced by EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti and Comau CEO Pietro Gorlier, the financing will be deployed primarily at Comau’s facilities in Turin and Bari, reinforcing the company’s role as a central figure in developing cutting-edge manufacturing solutions across multiple sectors.
Driving Innovation Across Multiple Industries
The funding will power Comau’s R&D programmes in fields such as automotive and stationary batteries, aerospace, construction, renewable energy, hydrogen fuel cells, logistics, digitalisation and the development of machine tools. This support aims to strengthen Europe’s technological capabilities and resilience in the strategic industries that will shape the future of global manufacturing.
A major focus of the investment is the expansion of automation applications for renewable energy technologies and hydrogen fuel cell production, aligning with the EU’s carbon neutrality and green energy goals. At the same time, funding will help shift Comau’s automotive division toward advanced automation systems for next-generation battery production and recycling, supporting electric vehicle supply chains and circular economy strategies.
“Supporting Europe’s industrial innovation and transition to a more digital, sustainable and competitive production model is a priority at the heart of the InvestEU programme,” said EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti, noting that investments in advanced robotics and e-mobility will help increase skilled employment and reinforce key industrial value chains.
Backed by InvestEU and TechEU
The operation is supported by InvestEU, the EU’s long-term investment programme designed to mobilise substantial private and public capital for projects tied to Europe’s strategic priorities. Under the umbrella of TechEU, the EIB Group’s €70 billion innovation initiative, the bank aims to mobilise up to €250 billion over the next three years to speed up Europe’s technological development through equity, quasi-equity, loans and guarantees.
In Italy alone, the EIB has already unlocked more than €4 billion in financing under the TechEU framework, with Comau’s agreement adding momentum to this strategic push toward innovation-driven growth.
Strengthening Europe’s Industrial Base
Headquartered in Turin, Comau is a global leader in industrial automation, robotics and digital manufacturing technologies. Its solutions support sectors including vehicle manufacturing, intralogistics, renewable energies, shipbuilding, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals. The company operates a network of seven innovation centres and 11 manufacturing plants worldwide, employing around 3,800 people, and is supported by Automha — its subsidiary specialising in automated storage and warehouse systems.
“Comau constantly invests in the development of innovative competencies and technologies,” said CEO Pietro Gorlier. He emphasised that the EIB’s support gives the company “greater strength to pursue our sustainable development strategy, aimed at designing and producing advanced automation solutions in a market marked by profound uncertainty and rapid technological transformation.”
Financial Flexibility and Strategic Impact
Beyond research and development support, the EIB financing will provide greater diversification of funding sources and longer loan maturities, offering Comau improved financial flexibility. This is expected to accelerate implementation of its business plan, enable faster deployment of innovation cycles, and reinforce Europe’s manufacturing competitiveness.
The deal underscores the EIB’s broader mandate to invest in projects that strengthen Europe’s digital transformation, industrial security and climate resilience. With industrial automation now central to global manufacturing competitiveness, the agreement positions Comau and Europe to play a leading role in shaping the next era of smart industry.