European semiconductor manufacturer STMicroelectronics plans to introduce robots and retrain workers at several older chip-manufacturing plants.

The company revealed the plan during a semiconductor conference organised by industry group SEMI in Sopot, Poland. The strategy aims to increase productivity while preventing factory closures across its European operations.

Executives said older semiconductor plants face growing pressure from newer and more advanced facilities operated by global competitors. As a result, improving efficiency has become essential for keeping these sites operational.

🏭 Robots to Handle Repetitive Manufacturing Tasks

STMicroelectronics plans to deploy more than 100 humanoid robots in the coming years across its older chip fabrication plants.

These robots will focus on repetitive and physically demanding tasks in the production process. By handling such work, the machines can reduce the need for multiple shift workers performing the same activities.

Company executives explained that automation could improve productivity without shutting down facilities. The technology may also help the company address shortages of highly skilled workers.

👩‍🏭 Workers to Receive Training for Skilled Roles

Alongside automation, the company intends to retrain employees so they can transition into more advanced technical positions.

The retraining programmes will allow workers to move away from repetitive manufacturing tasks. Instead, they will focus on specialised roles that require technical expertise and engineering skills.

Company officials said the goal is to maintain jobs while adapting production systems to modern technology.

⚙️ Restructuring Plan Underway Since 2024

The robotics initiative forms part of a broader restructuring plan launched by STMicroelectronics in October 2024.

The plan aims to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency across the company’s global manufacturing network. It includes up to 5,000 job reductions, mostly through voluntary departures.

Progress on the restructuring has moved forward in France, although discussions with labour representatives in Italy have progressed more slowly.

🌍 Challenges Facing European Chip Manufacturing

Older semiconductor factories require significant investment to remain competitive with modern facilities.

However, many existing plants do not qualify for funding under the European Union’s Chips Act, which focuses mainly on new and innovative projects.

Industry groups have therefore called for a “Chips Act 2.0” that would include support for upgrading existing manufacturing infrastructure.

Such changes could help European chipmakers modernise older factories while preserving production capacity.

📈 Strategy Aims to Keep Plants Open

STMicroelectronics said its main objective is to improve productivity while maintaining its existing facilities.

Automation combined with worker retraining could help the company modernise production without shutting down factories.

Executives emphasised that the company wants to avoid closing any European facilities while adapting to changing conditions in the global semiconductor industry.