Which programs really fund robot investments – and which don't. Neutrally checked, not promised in blanket terms.
| Program | Who | What is funded | Rate | Cap | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GRW / RIGA (Saxony, SAB) | SMEs in funding regions | Investments in machines & plants | region-dependent | project-dependent | Apply before ordering; 5-year binding; approval ≤ 36 months |
| Research allowance (federal) | All companies with R&D | R&D share (e.g. integration/pilot of novel robotics) | 25%, SME 35% | up to €4.2m | Rights-based, combinable with other programs |
| KMU-innovativ / AI robotics booster (BMFTR) | SMEs | R&D projects in AI & robotics | project-dependent | project-dependent | Open-topic federal R&D funding |
| Bavaria – Digitalbonus Plus | SMEs in Bavaria | Digitalization with innovation content | up to 50% | up to €50,000 | Bavaria only; check robot eligibility case by case |
| Saxony-Anhalt "INVESTIERT" | SMEs in Saxony-Anhalt | Investments in plant & intangible assets | 35% | up to €300,000 | Saxony-Anhalt only |
As of 07/2026 – please verify before applying. Programs, rates and caps change constantly. This overview is guidance and does not replace legal or funding advice.
The most important rule comes first – and is the most often overlooked.
First we check neutrally whether and via which program your project is eligible. That spares you hopeless applications.
"Apply first, then order." Anyone who has already ordered the robot forfeits the claim under almost all grants. That's why this step deliberately comes before the purchase.
Only after the grant decision do you start the investment. With GRW, approval can take several months.
After implementation you prove the intended use. We help ensure the evidence is clean and submitted on time.
Funded assets usually have to remain at the site for several years (e.g. 5 years for GRW). You should plan this in from the start.
"Digital bonus for robots" sounds good – but is often wrong. Important to know: Saxony's ERDF digitalization guideline explicitly excludes production and automation systems as well as industrial robots. Anyone promising blanket funding here is misleading you. The real value lies in correct program mapping: we show neutrally which programs fit a specific robotics project – and guide the application the right way round.
We independently check which federal and state programs fit your project – instead of selling a program that doesn't apply.
We recognize early whether a project is eligible – and protect you from applications that get rejected or even forfeit the funding.
Investment and R&D funding can often be sensibly combined. We show what fits together and what is mutually exclusive.
From the initial assessment through the application logic to proof of use – we think the path through to the end.
Three examples of how robotics projects can be sensibly funded.
For purchasing plants, GRW/RIGA is more relevant in Saxony than the digital bonus – the application before ordering is key.
Where you develop something new (e.g. piloting novel robotics), the research allowance applies at 25% or 35% for SMEs.
For genuine research and development projects, the federal government offers open-topic funding via KMU-innovativ / AI robotics booster.
Our product portfolio
A current selection from our vendor-neutral portfolio. Together, we determine which system fits your application.
Pudu Robotics
PuduBot 2 is an advanced autonomous solution for moving food, drinks, and other goods indoors, including restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and office buildings. It offers improved navigation and interaction compared with the previous model and delivers efficient, precise, and easy-to-use operation.
Pudu Robotics
The Pudu BellaBot Pro service robot is a advanced, multifunctional service assistant for high-traffic settings such as restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and care homes. Its advanced navigation, high payload capacity, and expanded interaction features help it deliver efficient, safe, and engaging service.
OrionStar Robotics
A helping hand for recurring deliveries. LuckiBot Pro brings autonomous transport and interactive features to commercial spaces.
Usually no. Saxony's ERDF digitalization guideline explicitly excludes production and automation systems as well as industrial robots. For robot investments, other programs (e.g. GRW/RIGA) are the right route.
For investing in plants, GRW/RIGA via the SAB is often relevant in Saxony; with a development share, the research allowance too. Which combination fits depends on the project – exactly what we assess neutrally.
You must submit and get the funding application approved before ordering the robot. Ordering beforehand forfeits the claim under almost all grants – the most common mistake.
The research allowance funds the research and development share, not the pure purchase. If you develop or pilot novel robotics, 25% (SME 35%) of eligible costs are possible, up to €4.2m.
For investment grants like GRW, funded assets usually have to remain at the site for five years. Details differ by program – we plan the binding in from the start.
Before you invest: have it checked neutrally which program fits your robotics project – and apply the right way round.
