Robotics is undergoing a new revolution: robots no longer merely execute commands, but are beginning to perceive, learn and adapt to their environment with intelligence increasingly similar to humans. The combination of advanced sensors and generative artificial intelligence is rising to a new generation of machines capable of collaborating with people, improvising and even reasoning about their actions.
In this interview, we speak with Daniel Serrano, Director of the Robotics and Automation Unit at Eurecat, and Simona Neri, Innovation Manager of the same unit, to learn more about how this new wave of innovation in robotics is transforming industry and society, and the role Eurecat plays in the development of more cognitive, flexible and human-centred robotics.
What are the limitations of traditional robotics, and where is current robotic innovation heading?
Daniel Serrano (D.S.) – Classical robotics has historically been developed in controlled, repetitive and highly structured industrial environments. Robots have been extremely efficient machines for repeating exact movements, but without the ability to adapt. Today, however, industry and services require something different: flexibility, adaptability and intelligence.
We need robots that can respond to variability, interpret new situations and collaborate with people. This new generation will not only execute commands, but will learn from context, develop intuition and flexibility, and gain the ability to improvise in the face of uncertainty, understand changing and unpredictable environments and, finally, learn.
“The new generation of robots will not only execute commands: it will learn, improvise and understand changing environments.”
Daniel Serrano, Director of the Robotics and Automation Unit, Eurecat
What role does artificial intelligence, especially generative AI, play in this new era of robotics?
Simona Neri (S.N.) – The combination of sensors and artificial intelligence is what defines this new era of robotics. Sensors act like human senses: they capture sight, hearing or touch from the surrounding world. AI, and particularly generative AI, acts as the brain that processes this information, anticipates, learns and generates new responses, bringing robots ever closer to human ways of perceiving and interacting with their environment.
This allows the robot to move beyond being a mechanical executor and become a system capable of adapting to each situation. It can modify trajectories and adjust force to interact with or manipulate unknown objects in dynamic and changing environments. The application of AI that combines perception, reasoning and action within a physical environment, known as embodied AI, represents a qualitative leap. Robotics thus ceases to be a set of programmed muscles and becomes an intelligent system capable of perceiving, understanding and acting adaptively.
“The fusion of sensors and artificial intelligence is what will differentiate the robots of the future.”
Simona Neri, Innovation Manager, Eurecat
How is Eurecat contributing to this transition?
S.N. – At Eurecat, we are driving this change as a reference technology centre, connecting research and industry to bring advanced robotics to where it generates real value. We work on projects that combine perception, learning, reasoning, planning and autonomous navigation, aiming to equip robots with the ability to adapt to their environment and to people.
D.S. – In addition, we are positioning ourselves as a leader in robotics in Spain, with a strong presence in ecosystems such as the Spanish Robotics Association (AER), and as organizers this year of the ROSCon España conference, which will take place on 4 and 5 November in Barcelona. We are also consolidating our position at the European level through our participation in the management team of euRobotics, reinforcing our role as a benchmark in the development of future robotics.
Could you give a concrete example?
S.N. – One of our most recent projects involves teaching a robot to perform complex tasks through human demonstration. A 3D-printed, sensorised device is used to record hundreds of manipulation data points while the user interacts with the tool. From this data, the algorithm can learn to reproduce human movements and execute tasks naturally.
D.S. – We are also working on robotic grippers with force control and tactile sensors to manipulate delicate food products, as well as systems for the safe dismantling of batteries and electronic waste, where each component is different and requires adaptation in each case. In agricultural environments, for example, we are developing various solutions for crop monitoring and care in greenhouses. In domestic environments, we are developing assistive robots that can help older people or those with reduced mobility with everyday tasks.
In which sectors will we see this revolution first?
S.N. – The first applications are already emerging in areas such as logistics, where robots must handle highly diverse, deformable or irregular products. Also in the healthcare sector, with systems that must perform tasks depending on a person’s condition, such as in the case of older adults, within changing environments.
They must also be able to interact with humans in a way that enables mutual understanding and adapt language to the situation.
D.S. – The agri-food sector is another key field: picking a strawberry without damaging it is one of the most complex challenges there is. These technologies will also find their way into unexpected areas, such as art and creativity, where manipulation is no longer just about precision but also about expression. At Eurecat, we are exploring how robots can learn from human demonstrations and reinterpret movements to apply them across all these sectors.
How can we ensure that the introduction of future robots respects workplace safety and evolves in a safe and ethical way?
S.N. – Robotics with artificial intelligence must, by definition, be human-centred. This starts with practical ethics: auditable data, bias assessment throughout the lifecycle, explainability and privacy by design, with humans always involved and able to intervene and guide the system at any time. The goal is not to replace anyone, but to enhance capabilities and improve ergonomics, safety and inclusivity through accessible interfaces and voice or gesture control.
D.S. – It is also essential to promote inclusion and talent, encouraging the participation of women and young people in STEM fields and connecting education with real projects. From a regulatory perspective, complying with the AI Act is not only a legal requirement, but a competitive advantage that strengthens European sovereignty and promotes safer, more responsible and shared automation. Ultimately, robots are not here to replace us, but to help us focus on higher-value tasks that enhance human creativity and decision-making.
“At Eurecat, we connect research, industry and society to drive robotics that combines intelligence, inclusivity and positive impact on people.”
Daniel Serrano, Director of the Robotics and Automation Unit, Eurecat
How do you envision robots five years from now?
D.S. – I believe that in just a few years we will see much more skilful robots thanks to the combination of AI and perception, capable of learning new tasks with only a few demonstrations and adapting in real time to uncertain situations. They will also be far more present in our daily lives, collaborating with people and becoming a natural part of everyday life. As already happens in countries such as Japan or China, robotics will take a step forward towards closer coexistence between humans and machines, with useful, safe and respectful applications, always with humans in control and full traceability and responsible governance of the technology.
S.N. – We will see new disruptive innovations that accelerate the development of the next generation of robots by integrating algorithms, sensors, materials and intelligence. Some trends point towards the inclusion of electronic skin, hyperspectral vision and soft, nature-inspired materials, enabling robots to detect textures, pressures or even smells. Their intelligence will come from the combination of foundational models and continuous learning, with energy efficiency and respect for privacy.
What role does Eurecat play in this future?
D.S. – Eurecat aims to be a driving force in this new era of cognitive robotics. Our role is to connect research with industry and society, transferring knowledge and technology so that future robots not only perform tasks, but understand what they do and why they do it.
S.N. – Our goal is to develop useful, agile, robust and human-centred robotics, expanding its presence in society and professional sectors. Robotics that are more present in homes, hospitals and public services to improve people’s lives, and in factories, fields, warehouses and professional environments to contribute to a more efficient, competitive and inclusive industry.
