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The Italian space economy company was honoured at the twentieth edition of the award, dedicated to Physical AI

Reggio Emilia, 9 July 2026 – SITAEL has won the twentieth edition of the Italian Mechatronics Award, an initiative promoted by the Mechatronics Group of Confindustria Reggio Emilia in collaboration with Nòva – Il Sole 24 Ore and Community, part of Excellera Advisory Group. For twenty years, the award has promoted mechatronics culture and recognised some of the most advanced achievements within Italian industry.

The award ceremony took place during Confindustria Reggio Emilia’s 2026 General Assembly, held on 9 July at the Romolo Valli Municipal Theatre in Reggio Emilia, in a year that also marks a renewal of the Association’s leadership.

The twentieth edition of the Award focused on Physical AI, the emerging frontier where artificial intelligence, robotics and mechatronic systems converge to create machines and platforms capable of perceiving their environment, processing information and operating in the physical world with increasing levels of autonomy and adaptability.

The Scientific Committee provided the following motivation for selecting SITAEL as the winner:

“The jury awards the 2026 Italian Mechatronics Award to SITAEL for its ability to represent one of the most advanced developments in Italian mechatronics: the integration of mechanics, electronics, sensors, control systems, software and artificial intelligence within complex, autonomous and highly reliable physical systems.Through its expertise in small satellites, electric propulsion, avionics, and integration and testing systems, SITAEL embodies the concept of Physical AI in a strategic field such as space, where mechatronic technologies must perceive, process, act and withstand extreme conditions.
The Award therefore recognises SITAEL’s ability to take mechatronics culture beyond the traditional boundaries of industrial automation, transforming it into an enabling platform for the space economy, technological autonomy and the country’s competitiveness.”

The award also recognises SITAEL’s progress in the industrialisation of the technological expertise developed by the company.

SITAEL recently completed two strategic manufacturing facilities: the Space Factory 4.0 in Mola di Bari, dedicated to the integration and testing of complete satellites, and the Smart Space Factory 4.0 in Pisa, designed for the production of electric propulsion systems for next-generation satellites.

The Pisa facility includes assembly lines and advanced testing and qualification systems, with a production capacity designed to support the transition from prototyping to serial production. This growth path will continue with the opening of a new manufacturing site in Forlì.

“Winning first place at Confindustria Reggio Emilia’s Italian Mechatronics Award is a great honour for us and represents recognition of the talent, dedication and innovative capabilities of SITAEL’s people. Mechatronics is part of Angel Holding’s DNA. It is what enables us to transform complex ideas into systems capable of operating in the most extreme conditions, from space to the most advanced industrial applications. This award also holds particular significance for us because it strengthens our relationship with Emilia-Romagna, a region recognised worldwide as a centre of excellence for mechatronics and innovation. Through our Forlì facility, we intend to play an active role in this ecosystem, grow alongside the local community, collaborate with universities, research centres and companies, and contribute to building an increasingly strong and internationally competitive supply chain,” said Chiara Pertosa, CEO of SITAEL.

“With this award, we aim to recognise SITAEL’s development journey. The company has successfully combined expertise, research, investment and industrial vision, establishing itself as a leading player in a strategic sector such as space,” said Claudio Lodi, President of the Mechatronics Group of Confindustria Reggio Emilia. “Its ability to integrate mechatronics expertise and transform it into innovation for a highly technological industry is a tangible example of the potential of Italian manufacturing. SITAEL’s journey demonstrates how continuous investment in research and development creates value, strengthens expertise and contributes to the competitiveness of Italy’s industrial system.”