PRESIDENT & CEO
. M A G I C .
Bernat Bonnín: Innovation and Global Leadership
With more than 40 years leading ROBOT, Bernat Bonnín has revolutionized building automation and energy solutions from Mallorca.
Founded in 1983, the company has established itself as a global benchmark in advanced technology, sustainability and energy efficiency, with more than 700 projects carried out and headquarters in Spain, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
ROBOT‘s strategically designed and self-made and patented products are exported worldwide, reflecting a constant commitment to quality and sustainable progress.
Bernat‘s vision, determination and ability to anticipate market needs have positioned ROBOT at the forefront of technology, offering innovative solutions that exceed the most demanding expectations.
Today, at The Ambassadors Sections, we explore the business philosophy and background of Bernat Bonnin, an example of resilient and transformative leadership that has earned the trust of clients and investors alike.
When it comes to innovation in automation and sustainability, ROBOT S.A. is synonymous with excellence.
Bernat, thank you very much for having us today, it is a pleasure and an honor for us to have your vision and your statements as one of the leading technology companies in automation systems.
Let’s start, if you like, with a descriptive introduction to ROBOT S.A., in order to put our readers in context.
Thank you, Patricia. It is a pleasure to be able to show ROBOT‘s trajectory internationally and highlight the Balearic Islands as a centre of innovation, beyond tourism.
With 42 years of experience, ROBOT S.A. is a pioneer in building automation and energy solutions. Founded in Palma de Mallorca in 1983, the company has been listed on the BME Growth since 2018, being one of the smallest to do so.
In 2008, ROBOT opened its headquarters in Palma, a 1,500 m² space that integrates production and warehouse, and in 2024 it expanded its facilities with new 400 m² offices to offer a more agile service.
Initially, ROBOT helped hotel chains reduce energy costs through automation.
Today, the company has completed more than 700 projects in more than 10 countries, working with some of the most prestigious hotel chains.
ROBOT has diversified its offer under two brands:
• ROBOTBAS, specialized in the automation of industrial and hotel facilities.
• INTEGRA, focused on integral home automation, maximizing comfort and sustainability.
In addition, ROBOT offers turnkey projects, accompanying customers from design to commissioning, guaranteeing the functionality of all automation systems.
ROBOT S.A. stands out for its ability to offer comprehensive solutions that combine experience, innovation and a strong commitment to the customer.
Bernat, what would you highlight as your main strengths and competitive advantages?
At ROBOT, we stand out for our vertical integration, which allows us to manage all stages of the process: design, manufacturing, installation and after-sales service.
This model gives us total control over the value chain, which differentiates us from our competitors, who are usually specialised in either manufacturing or installation.
We offer a fully integrated and personalised service, accompanying the client from the conception of the project to its commissioning and maintenance.
In addition, we guarantee the quality of our products with a five-year warranty, which reinforces our confidence in the excellence of our solutions.
One of our greatest strengths is our technology, especially Multilink, which breaks the paradigm of traditional automation systems by integrating the most widely used protocols (KNX, BACnet, SiSLink) into a single system.
This modular and versatile design facilitates customization, maintenance and ensures adaptation to the regulations of any region.
Multilink allows the end-user experience regarding a hotel chain to be consistent, regardless of the geographical location or communication system chosen, making it an ideal solution for international hotel chains.
Currently, we have three international patents for Multilink, which manages everything from air conditioning, lighting and automation of curtains and blinds, to customer services, improving hotel operations.
At ROBOT, we design and manufacture all our automation systems in-house, which allows us to be technologically independent and quickly adapt to the needs of any global market.
This has allowed us to connect our products with various standard communication protocols, ensuring their ease of installation, maintenance and adaptability to new markets.
Our solutions are designed for projects that require reliability and customization, integrating seamlessly with local regulations. We have a solid infrastructure and a highly specialized team that allows us to successfully respond to large-scale demands.
Sustainability is another of our pillars. Integrating quality, innovation and respect for the environment, we design projects that reduce the energy consumption of buildings to a minimum, aligning ourselves with global trends towards a more sustainable future.
Our human capital is another of our greatest assets. We have a team of highly qualified professionals in electronics, computer science and product design, whose dedication and experience guarantee the success of each project.
In summary, our main competitive advantages can be summarized in three pillars: specialisation, product quality and comprehensive service, which positions us as a benchmark in the automation and sustainability industry.
Bernat, the trajectory and achievements of ROBOT S.A. are truly commendable, as reflected in the numerous awards and recognitions that you continue to accumulate practically continuously.
Did you ever feel like an entrepreneur ahead of your time?
Maybe so, although I haven’t always felt that way. Throughout my career, I have felt many things: a survivor, an all-rounder, someone who has faced enormous challenges and has overcome crises of all kinds, from the oil crisis of the ’80s, to the pandemic of 2020, which changed the world in an unimaginable way, through some financial crises, including that of 2008 that significantly delayed our expansion project.
What has kept me firm is my resilience and my confidence, not only in myself, but in my team, in our project and in the objectives we set ourselves as a company.
However, when we started in 1983, things were not easy. We started with limited resources and faced a hostile environment. Many did not understand what we were trying to do.
I remember perfectly well what some hoteliers thought when I told them that a computer could control all the machinery in their hotel. For them, it was like talking about Magic… In those days, computers were hardly useful for gaming; they were eight-bit machines that most people knew from video games. There was no internet, no modems, not even fax. Communicating and working with technology was much more complicated than today.
I was 26 years old, and although I did not fully understand the magnitude of the road ahead, I firmly believed in what we were doing.
I believed in our ability to innovate and our vision for the future. That faith allowed me to overcome doubts and obstacles.
Although the technology we offered was revolutionary, it also involved educating the market. We had to prove that an automation system could transform the energy management of a hotel, make it more efficient and sustainable.
We achieve because we don’t give up, because we work hard, and because we never stop believing in the positive impact of our vision.
Today, looking back, I see that those difficult beginnings were what shaped us.
I learned that the important thing is not to have all the answers, but to move forward with determination, surround yourself with a great team and never lose sight of the objective.
That philosophy continues to guide every step we take at ROBOT.
Bernat Bonnin, President y CEO and Jaume Simonet, Vicepresident, celebrating ROBOT’s IPO in 2018
Talent and Determination, two of the most important qualities of great entrepreneurs.
Bernat, you are also very committed to the University…
At ROBOT, we believe in the long-term vision and, despite crises, we have never reduced our investment in R+D.
This department brings together specialists in electronics, mechanics, software and programming, many of them trained at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), with which we maintain close collaboration in innovation projects.
An example of this was the development, during the pandemic, of a device to measure air quality. Its visual and simple design used coloured indicators to display CO2 levels: green for safe levels, yellow for moderate and red for high.
This system, connected to the cloud, allowed air quality to be monitored from any device. It was widely used in schools and nursing homes and was successfully exported to countries such as Chile and Mexico.
For us, this project is a clear example of the value that university-company collaboration brings. Not only does it demonstrate what can be achieved by working together, but it also reflects our commitment to tangible and applicable innovation.
In addition, at ROBOT we have created the Robot Scholarship, which is already celebrating its sixth edition.
This programme finances the University Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering at the UIB, promoting excellent training and facilitating the entry into the world of work for young talents.
In the last edition, prominent academic figures participated, such as the Rector of the UIB, the director of the University-Business Foundation and members of the academic team of the Higher Polytechnic School.
This event underlined our commitment to the development of local talent and our commitment to a solid relationship between the university and the business fabric.
And so, doing what you love and loving what you do, you celebrated your 40th Anniversary in 2023.
What a joy Bernat…
In 2023 we celebrated a milestone that marked our history: the 40th anniversary of ROBOT.
It was an unforgettable night, full of emotions, laughter and memories shared with all those people who have been part of our journey.
We were surrounded by family, customers, suppliers, collaborators and friends who have supported us during these four decades, helping us to grow in good times and encouraging us to overcome challenges.
For me, the greatest thanks go to our team. Our employees have been, and continue to be, the cornerstone of ROBOT.
Many of them have been working with us for more than 20 years, bringing their commitment, dedication and effort to each project.
Their contribution has not only made a difference in the company’s success, but has also built a working environment of which we are very proud.
Since our beginnings, we have always been committed to local talent. We are proud to see that many of the people who work with us were trained at the University of the Balearic Islands or in our vocational schools.
This reinforces our commitment to the community and to creating a business model that fosters regional growth.
Our goal is for ROBOT to continue to be a benchmark, not only in technology, but also in the «circle of value»: to train, employ and generate positive impact through economic diversification.
These 40 years are a reflection of what we have achieved together, and I am convinced that the best is yet to come.
A long and fruitful road traveled, and many more decades to go…
Walking this path has not been easy, but it has been profoundly enriching.
In 1986, ROBOT restructured its organizational chart and I took
the opportunity to join the project as a shareholder and as a worker, then taking care of the installation and commissioning of our systems.
In November of that same year, we did our first installation outside our borders for the Acorn chain. The King Solomon’s Palace Hotel in Eilat, Israel, was my first experience abroad. That project marked our first step abroad, after previously collaborating with hotels in Santa Ponça and Cala Millor.
Our initial focus was to control the production of the industrial area and the air conditioning of the public areas of the hotels.
In 1990, we took a significant leap forward by collaborating with the Barceló chain in Punta Cana for the emblematic Bávaro Beach hotel.
Although the hospitality industry has been our main market, we have also worked in different industries such as controlled atmosphere cold rooms, wine cellars, photographic film factories, plastics industry, pharmaceutical laboratories, office buildings, hospitals, schools, university campuses, sports centers, and a long etcetera, thus diversifying our experience.
The gradual growth of our infrastructure has also been key. In 1996 we moved to larger premises in Molinar, and in 2007 we acquired our current warehouse in the Son Rossinyol industrial estate, with 1,500 m² that includes our factory and an advanced R+D department.
This change allowed us to reach an essential milestone: manufacturing our own devices, thus achieving the complete autonomy that has driven our expansion until today.
When ROBOT appeared on the market in 1986, we had no direct competition.
Over time, European multinationals emerged, but our advantage has always been our ability to offer a comprehensive service, taking care of all stages of the project without depending on third parties.
Today, after overcoming multiple national and international crises, we are still as excited as at the beginning.
Celebrating our first four decades has been a source of pride, but our sights are set on the future.
Let’s go for the next 40 years!
«Leadership and vision are essential, but then you need a good team
that is capable of executing that vision successfully.»
– Bernat Bonnin, President & CEO, ROBOT
Bernat, for the creation of an industrial and technological fabric, as well as high value-added employment, public-private collaboration is essential…
Public-private collaboration is essential to promote the industrial and technological fabric and high value-added employment in the Balearic Islands.
Recently, we received at our facilities the Minister of Enterprise, Employment and Energy, Mr. Alejandro Sáenz de San Pedro, the Director General of Industry, Ms. Ingrid de la Fuente, and, later, the Vice President of the Balearic Government, Mr. Antoni Costa.
During the visit, we had the opportunity to show them our facilities, including the R+D center and the automatic assembly line of ROBOTBAS.
We also discussed possible collaborations within the 2027 Strategic Plan of the Balearic Technology Company, addressing a critical issue: the effective transfer of knowledge from the university to companies.
Today, in the Balearic Islands, the technological business fabric is limited, and this lack of connection between university and business prevents taking advantage of local talent.
Although students carry out final degree and doctoral projects, civil society does not take advantage of this knowledge.
The ROBOT Scholarships, which we have been promoting for five years, seek to address this problem, offering a bridge between training and employment. However, business engagement remains low.
The change in the economic model that we need cannot come only from politicians; it must be civil society that promotes it.
It is necessary to demand a model that does not depend solely on tourism, promoting technological sectors capable of generating qualified employment with high added value.
Bernat, and how do you manage approaching companies and trying to get them to join your goal?
Getting closer to society so that it joins our vision of economic diversification and technological development is not easy.
Communicating the importance of this change of model is a challenge, but I firmly believe that the key lies in business associations and organizations such as the CAEB, ASIMA or Pimem.
These platforms can serve as connection points where companies find common interests and see their own concerns reflected.
Through them, we can promote a collective effort to promote a new economic model for the Balearic Islands, focused on technological innovation and the creation of added value.
The aim is for more companies to join this initiative, supporting the transition to a more diversified and sustainable economy that benefits both current and future generations.
Carmen Planas, President of CAEB, giving the Premio Lluminosa 2024 to Bernat Bonnin, President y CEO of ROBOT during the XII Annual Gala of the Asociación de Empresas Instaladoras de Baleares (ASINEM)
Bernat, and do you have any ideas for what type of companies you would like to add to your mission?
If I think about the future of the Balearic Islands, I cannot limit myself to tourism.
This sector is already fully developed and, although it must continue, it is essential to manage it sustainably, protecting the territory and the quality of life of residents.
The current model has generated imbalances, such as the uncontrolled increase in house prices, caused by a high demand from foreigners with greater purchasing power and the lack of accessible local supply.
To address these problems, we must increase the construction of subsidized housing and, most importantly, diversify the economy.
We cannot depend on a model that only works six months a year.
We need alternatives that increase the manufacturing industry, which in the Balearic Islands represents 2.7% of GDP compared to 12.5% in the rest of Spain.
My vision includes attracting companies that generate qualified employment throughout the year.
This requires incentives such as tax advantages for technology companies to set up in the region, moving their technicians and creating a more stable and sustainable economy.
These professionals would not only contribute to GDP, but would also boost the local economy through their consumption.
At ROBOT we are an example of how this model can be achieved.
With more than 60 employees, of which 10 are in the R+D department, we design and manufacture all our products in Mallorca, maintaining total control of the value chain.
Although it would be cheaper to manufacture in China, we believe that producing locally strengthens our independence and the regional economy.
Innovation is our central axis. If we don’t invest consistently, we fall behind. We have learned this by seeing how globalisation has negatively affected many European industries.
That is why, at ROBOT, we are committed to a sustainable and competitive model, exporting Mallorcan technology to the world.
I hope that more local companies will join this vision.
From Mallorca we can do great things for the world, but we need to imagine it, believe it, lead it and work together to achieve it.
Bernat, such a brilliant brain, and a sensitive heart I see, here surrounded by art in your office…
Technology and Art, a very interesting combination
At ROBOT, we believe in creativity as a driver of innovation.
For this reason, we had the privilege of collaborating with the Mallorcan artist José Luis Mesas, a resident of my neighborhood of Santa Catalina.
With his unique style, «El Mesismo», which combines pop art and surrealism with Mediterranean influences, Mesas has left his mark on works such as the façade of the Artmadams Hotel.
A special idea came from our meeting: to merge art and technology, demonstrating that both can have origin and excellence in Mallorca.
This project materialized at the Hotel Nakar, where we transformed details of Mesas’ work, entitled «Robot», into functional and decorative elements.
The climate control displays and buttons of the «Tables Suite» not only stand out for their functionality, but also for their artistic design.
Each device is unique, numbered and crafted with glass, making it a personalized and practical work of art.
This project reflects what Mallorca can offer: the ability to combine technological innovation with top-notch artistic expressions, creating something truly unique and memorable.
Bernat, what a great journey that of ROBOT, how exciting and intense… You are pure innovation
In 2008, when we opened our new headquarters, the global financial crisis severely impacted many companies, including ROBOT.
For five years, our activity was drastically reduced, but one thing was clear: we never cut back on R+D, and we never will.
For us, innovation is the brains of the company. You can face all kinds of challenges, but if innovation is still active, there is hope for progress.
It was in those difficult years that we decided to take a bold step: to integrate the added value that we previously outsourced into our home. This involved hiring the best professionals in technology, component assembly and electronics, and starting to produce our own parts.
Although many said that this type of production could not be done here, we showed that it was not only possible, but also advantageous.
Every year we improve our machines and processes, designing a system in which 100% of our products are marked and tested, ready to compete globally.
However, this commitment to local production faces challenges specific to our region. In the Balearic Islands, the limited industrial fabric creates a vicious circle: there are not enough companies to train specialized personnel, which makes it difficult to find local talent.
When we bring in professionals from abroad, the housing problem becomes an added obstacle. But we keep going, because we firmly believe in Mallorca’s potential to develop sectors beyond tourism.
Over the years, the heavy dependence on tourism has made our economy fragile in the face of global crises. We saw this clearly during Covid, when the Balearic Islands was the autonomous community that lost the most GDP in Spain.
This reinforces our conviction that it is essential to diversify the economic model, betting on technological industries that provide added value and stable employment throughout the year.
At ROBOT, our success would not be possible without the human team behind it. We strive to take care of our employees, offering them conditions that they value deeply.
They all have private health insurance, engineers can opt for teleworking, and machine staff end their day at 3:00 p.m., which facilitates work-life balance.
This flexibility and attention to well-being not only improves the work environment, but also reinforces our commitment to the people who make each of our projects possible.
Despite the challenges, we resist and look to the future with determination.
Our commitment is to innovation and to our land.
We design, manufacture and assemble all our products in Mallorca, maintaining full control of the value chain. This allows us to compete at the highest level and show that great things can be done for the world from a small island.
We want to be a model for other local businesses, inspiring them to join a path that combines sustainability, innovation and economic development.
We believe in the potential of our community and the importance of leading change that leaves a positive legacy for future generations.
Bernat, in terms of geographical distribution, where are your customers currently located?
Currently, 85% of our production is destined for export and a large part of it is destined for the Caribbean, a region that is experiencing accelerated development, similar to the one we experienced in Mallorca during the 60s.
Countries such as the Dominican Republic and Mexico, especially in areas such as Cancun and Tulum, are leading the investment, followed by Jamaica and Aruba. There, large resorts of up to 1,000 rooms are a constant, which contrasts with Europe, where the availability of space limits the construction of new hotels, and projects tend to be smaller-scale.
In addition to the Caribbean, Mexico and Brazil also stand out as strategic markets thanks to their large investments in tourism and residential infrastructure.
But our expansion doesn’t end there. A couple of years ago, we opened a branch office in Malaysia, with staff actively prospecting in the region, and we have started exploring Indonesia.
These areas not only present great potential in the hotel sector, but also in large-scale commercial and residential buildings.
Our approach has always been clear: we go where the opportunities and investors are. That’s why, in addition to hotels, we’ve expanded our reach to residential buildings, offices, and mixed-use projects—where our technology can make a big difference.
One of the key factors driving our work is energy management.
In Europe, for example, buildings account for 40% of total energy consumption. Optimising the use of energy in these spaces not only reduces costs, but also significantly reduces CO2 emissions, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Our ability to adapt to different markets and needs has allowed us to be a global benchmark in automation, offering solutions that combine efficiency, sustainability and innovation.
Bernat, one last message addressed especially to the international community of investors and to all those entrepreneurs who could find it positive to start working with you
To international investors and entrepreneurs, my message is clear: at ROBOT we are ready for the future.
We are a technology leader capable of anticipating global automation needs, and we aim to continue to grow, expanding our presence in new territories and sectors.
Our technological independence, cutting-edge technology such as Multilink, and a highly specialized team position us as a competitive strategic partner.
We can adapt to the communication protocols of each market, solving specific challenges with customized solutions that stand out for their reliability, sustainability and innovation.
Sustainability is an integral part of our DNA. Certified under the UNE-EN ISO 9001 and 14001 standards, we prioritise energy quality and efficiency, recycling and the responsible use of resources, positioning ourselves as key players in the transition to a more sustainable future.
Smart buildings will be fundamental in the fight against climate change, and at ROBOT we are ready to lead that change.
We invite those who share our vision of responsible growth to consider us as a strategic ally. Whether in the hotel, industrial or tourism sector, our solutions optimize energy and economic resources, generating a positive impact at a global level.
To my fellow entrepreneurs, I encourage you to strengthen the industrial sector, especially the technological sector, by collaborating on initiatives that promote innovative and sustainable solutions.
At ROBOT we are ready to transform the future together with all those who wish to bet on high value-added technology and sustainability.
President & CEO
Palma de Mallorca, December 21st. 2024
By Patricia Pal
NastaONE International Communication
& Foreign Direct Investment
President & CEO
Polígono Son Rossinyol
Carrer Gremi de Cirurgians i Barbers 22
07009 Palma, Balearic Islands – Spain
(+34) 971 24 44 71
bernat.bonnin@robotcorporativo.com
https://robotcorporativo.com/en/
Bernat Bonnin Linkedin
https://es.linkedin.com/in/bernatbonnin
https://www.linkedin.com/company/robotcorporativo/
ROBOT S.A. You Tube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvKK6VpggClan0cU5QuYaLQ
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ROBOT S.A. BME GROWTH
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