We consider a parametric nonlinear Robin problem driven by a nonlinear nonhomogeneous differential operator plus an indefinite potential. The reaction term is $$(p-1)$$-superlinear but need not satisfy the usual Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz condition. We look for positive solutions and prove a bifurcation-type result for the set of positive solutions as the parameter $$\lambda >0$$ varies. Also we prove the existence of a minimal positive solution $$u_\lambda ^*$$ and determine the monotonicity and continuity properties of the map $$\lambda \rightarrow u_\lambda ^*$$.