We discuss with Vítězslav Lukáš, Managing Director and CEO of ABB Robotics Czech Republic, topics like the integration of AI in robotics, the emergence of autonomous logistics, practical sustainability, and even robots that paint and dance.
Today, there is widespread discussion about the need to reshape the local economy and begin developing, producing, and selling higher-value products. Is this happening in practice?
We engage with both major companies and smaller entrepreneurs, like those with their own metalworking shops employing about twenty people. We have observed a shift in mindset nearly everywhere. Fortunately, the scenario of relying primarily on a higher influx of foreign workers and not investing in automation is becoming a thing of the past. This might still be feasible in services, where automation is often challenging and does not require specific higher skills. However, it does not hold up in industry. Local companies face strong competition from primarily Asian manufacturers, and with Asia’s growth slowdown, we have become a target for their production capacities. At the same time, the market demands high quality, necessitating investment in advanced production technologies and maximising their use in multi-shift operations for economic viability. This typically requires more staff, or alternatively, the adoption of robotics. Increasingly, businesses are choosing this path. The future labour market forecast is uncompromising – last year, 84,000 children were born in Czechia, but 112,000 would be needed just to maintain the population. It highlights a significant forthcoming shortfall.
We recently noticed reports, especially in economic media, that Japanese tech investment giant SoftBank is acquiring ABB’s robotics division. What does this mean for you?
This provides a strong impetus for our further development. SoftBank, known for its dynamic focus on AI, data centres, chips, and robotics, will enhance the integration of robots with AI, benefiting our robotics sector and customers. It is a tremendous opportunity for us, the region, and the overall economy. This connection will not only advance roles in robotics but also attract professionals from IT, AI, and other service areas. We are also expanding in the AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) sector, where customers are increasingly interested in both process robotisation and logistics, including the transport of materials to production processes.
ABB is increasingly focusing on sustainability and the circular economy. What initiatives or technologies support this, and how successful are these projects in Czechia?
At ABB, we like to say that the circular economy is part of our DNA. Forexample, our centre in Ostrava, next to Mošnov Airport, has been refurbishing robots since 2007, well before the term Green Deal was known. This approach emphasises economic savings, material sustainability, environmental friendliness, and reduces our carbon footprint. As a result, demand for refurbished robots is significantly increasing. Each year, we revive hundreds of robots at our centre, with a growth of several percentage points. We practice what we preach by also implementing energy-saving solutions and renewable resources in our operations. At our Mošnov site, we have a 600 kW photovoltaic power plant and a large battery storage facility on the roof. Additionally, our operations are highly energy-efficient, and we have 22 charging stations for electric cars on site.
You have a longstanding reputation for expanding your activities beyond traditional business. Could you provide some examples?
In collaboration with the Škoda Auto Foundation, we have integrated advanced robotics with artificial intelligence to create a distinctive art work for the Město=Galerie (City=Gallery) festival in Mladá Boleslav. During the festival, our robot painted four large murals on the wall of a primary school, designed by AI based on designs submitted by the public. The robot utilised innovative PixelPaint technology, which employs independently controlled nozzles similar to an inkjet printer. We also provided four robots for the band Lucie’s autumn tour, celebrating its 40th anniversary. These robots, coordinated with the music, performed on stage with unique mirrors reflecting special lighting effects as part of a cutting-edge light show. ABB programmed the robots with choreography, ensuring precise timing and positioning for their movements. We continued our collaboration with major cultural festivals, such as the Prague Spring and the Zlín Film Festival. We are also committed to supporting education as partners in the Technological Literacy project. Through lectures, the number of students interested in technical fields is increasing. Nearly 70 Czech secondary schools and universities benefit from ABB’s long-term educational support programmes. ABB aims to engage young people across the education system and to introduce children to technology in an engaging and accessible way through projects like Robots in Schools.
