For a long time, industrial robots operated in isolated environments, disconnected from the rest of a company’s systems. Today, that reality has changed. The need for remote monitoring, production data collection, predictive maintenance and traceability has led to connecting robots to corporate networks and even cloud platforms. As a result, a relatively new concern has emerged for many plants: cybersecurity.
The first point to clarify is that an industrial robot is not, in itself, an “insecure” system. Leading manufacturers design their controllers with protection mechanisms, user management and network separation. The risk does not arise from the robot as a machine, but from how it is connected and integrated into the company’s digital ecosystem.
When a robot connects to a corporate network, it becomes part of the IT/OT environment. This means it inherits both its advantages and its vulnerabilities. Poorly managed remote access, shared passwords, flat networks without segmentation, or uncontrolled external devices are all factors that increase risk—regardless of the robot’s brand or model.
One of the most common mistakes is treating the robot like a conventional IT device. Applying generic IT policies without understanding the particularities of industrial systems can create operational issues. Robots require stability, predictable response times and configurations that are not always compatible with automatic updates or aggressive network scans.
Clear definition of responsibilities is essential. Eurobots supplies robotic systems that function with standard configurations, along with the documentation provided by the manufacturer. However, the security of the network into which the robot is integrated depends on the system architecture defined by the end‑user organization. A robot can only become a security hole if the surrounding environment allows it to be one.
Another important aspect is cloud connectivity. In many cases, the robot does not connect directly to the cloud but through intermediary systems. Even so, any flow of data leaving the facility requires reflection on what information is being transmitted, for what purpose and under which controls. Not all data generated by a robot needs to leave the plant in order to provide value.
Industrial cybersecurity is not about eliminating connectivity, but about managing it wisely. Network segmentation, limiting access, defining clear roles and controlling who can interact with the robot are basic practices—yet they are not always implemented in traditional production environments.
There is also a human factor. Many breaches do not occur due to complex technical failures, but through everyday habits: sharing credentials, connecting personal devices or modifying configurations without following a defined procedure. The introduction of connected robots makes these practices more visible and forces organizations to revisit them.
In this context, the robot is not the problem, but the catalyst. By connecting production to a company’s digital systems, robotic automation accelerates a conversation that sooner or later needed to happen: how to protect production assets in an increasingly interconnected environment.
Industrial cybersecurity in robotics is not a matter of fear, but of maturity. Once we understand that the robot is part of a broader system, its benefits can be leveraged without compromising the stability or security of the production process.
In the end, securing connected robotic systems is not simply a technical challenge, but a matter of organizational maturity. When companies understand that robots are part of a wider digital ecosystem, they can fully benefit from automation without compromising operational stability or cybersecurity. If you would like more information, need guidance on secure robotic integration, or wish to evaluate the best solution for your facility, our team is available to support you. Feel free to contact us for any questions or further details.