Program SAFE and Dual-Use Technologies – A New Era for Industrial Automation at ZW Automation
Poland’s economy stands on the threshold of a technological breakthrough worth nearly 200 billion PLN. The signing of the landmark agreement for Program SAFE is a signal for the mass modernisation of domestic industry, with as much as 89% of funds directed straight to Polish companies and engineers. At ZW Automation, we view this challenge through the lens of developing intelligent control systems that will bridge civilian needs with the requirements of modern defence within the rapidly expanding dual-use sector.
Key Production Segments Supported by Program SAFE
Executing the national investment plan requires a step-change increase in throughput capacity across critical manufacturing sectors. Program SAFE focuses on areas where automation and robotisation are the only path to achieving the required scale and production repeatability.
ZW Automation may offer programme beneficiaries integration support in the following industries:
- Production of munitions and ammunition: Constructing new and modernising existing lines requires the deployment of advanced DCS systems and the robotisation of loading and assembly processes, directly translating into personnel safety and precision of execution.
- Manufacturing of unmanned and counter-drone systems: Serial production of drones and advanced radar systems and optoelectronic sensors demands automated assembly workstations and quality control systems.
- Heavy industry and armoured vehicles: Integration of high-payload welding robots and automation of CNC machining are critical in the manufacture of chassis and turret systems for modern APCs and infantry fighting vehicles.
When implementing control systems for these industries, we can leverage virtualisation and digital twins. This enables production processes to be validated in a digital environment prior to commissioning the physical line, significantly reducing the deployment time of new technologies funded under Program SAFE.
The Dual-Use Sector as the Foundation of Modern Security within Program SAFE
A key element of the current transformation is support for the dual-use industry (dual-use technology). These are technologies, products, and services designed to serve both civilian and defence purposes simultaneously — such as satellite communication systems used in public transport and on the battlefield, or drones monitoring energy infrastructure and national borders.
Under Program SAFE, where as much as 180 billion PLN is to be invested in Polish industry and the economy, this sector becomes the primary driver of innovation. For system integrators like us, it represents a space for deploying systems that drive the economy in peacetime and underpin national resilience in crisis situations.
Here is how automation and robotisation can be applied across key dual-use sectors funded by Program SAFE:
- Critical infrastructure and energy: Protection of strategic facilities against drone threats and cyberattacks is one of the priorities of the Eastern Shield (Tarcza Wschód).
- Automation: Application of digital twins for power grids and water treatment facilities will enable threat simulation and automatic failover to backup power sources in the event of sabotage.
- ICT and cybersecurity (AI and Big Data): The programme allocates approx. 5.1 billion PLN for large-scale data analytics systems and real-time cyber threat detection.
- Automation: Deploying AI algorithms within the OT infrastructure of industrial plants will enable automatic isolation of infected network segments without interrupting production processes.
- Space technologies and satellite communications: Investments encompass the construction of geostationary satellites (GEO) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) Earth observation systems serving military, agricultural, and climate-monitoring applications.
- Robotisation: The use of precision robotic arms in the assembly and testing of satellite terminal modules will ensure their reliability under extreme operating conditions.
- Military logistics and mobility: 9 billion PLN has been allocated to the modernisation of roads and railways of strategic importance — infrastructure that serves all citizens by improving the country’s territorial cohesion.
- Automation: Integration of intelligent traffic management systems (ITS) and robotic transshipment nodes will enable the rapid conversion of civilian logistics hubs into military staging and supply points.
- Emergency medicine and uniformed services: The programme funds modern multi-role helicopters, naval vessels (such as the rescue ship Ratownik), and medical evacuation vehicles.
- Robotisation: Deployment of remote diagnostic systems and robotic life-support workstations aboard ambulances and vessels will enable life-saving interventions under demanding field conditions and in mass-casualty civilian incidents.
As an automation integrator, ZW Automation can support companies in these industries in militarising their production processes. We will help adapt civilian technological lines to the rigorous standards of Program SAFE, ensuring that every robotic cell is not only efficient, but above all safe and resilient against contemporary threats.
Why Program SAFE Is a Strategic Opportunity for Polish System Integrators
EU regulations impose a local content requirement — at least 65% of the contract value must originate from EU or associated-country firms. ZW Automation, as a Polish entity with its own control panel prefabrication department and a team of engineers, is a natural partner for leaders in the defence and technology industry.
“Program SAFE is not merely funding for procurement — it is an impulse for building genuine Polish technological sovereignty. Our mission as creators of automation systems is to deliver solutions that enable the dual-use industry to produce faster, safer, and in a manner fully resilient to contemporary threats,” emphasises Maciej Włodarczyk, President of the Management Board of ZW Automation.
We combine the energy of young engineers with the experience of certified specialists, offering comprehensive support — from concept through to after-sales service. With Program SAFE, we can collectively drive the industry of the future, making Poland safer and more innovative.
