National Projects

Collaborative robots and cameras for fruit harvesting and handling. The HarvBot project improves strawberry harvesting and handling through the integration of collaborative robots and cost-effective cameras in hydroponic crop environments. The key innovation lies in harnessing computer vision technologies to enable the automated detection and harvesting of strawberries. In collaboration with Enkitek, the project has successfully conducted a pilot test, introducing novel 3D printed components designed specifically for the robot. These components play a crucial role in tailoring the robot's capabilities to identify and harvest strawberries with precision. Furthermore, advanced algorithms for detection and handling tasks [...]

Artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies for factories with high capacity for adaptation and resilience. The ADAPTA project develops a set of technologies and strategies that respond to the handling, intra-logistics and definition of production processes needs of manufacturing companies. This general objective is based on flexible robotic solutions that incorporate the advances of artificial intelligence and the use of digital infrastructures and is materialized in five partial objectives: Improve the perception capabilities of robotic systems, both through images and by monitoring contact in handling processes. Develop handling systems that allow adaptation to unknown or changing [...]

Development of a tourism intelligence system for Catalonia based in the compilation and treatment of data. The Tourism Data System (TDS) project manages an interactive and easy-to-use digital platform capable of providing the public sector and private companies with a great volume of trustworthy data and, this way, allowing them to grasp the current tourism conjunction in Catalonia, as well as its historical evolution. With this information, the aim is to facilitate the decision-making process and enhance the adaptation to current and future challenges in a key sector of the Catalan economy. To accomplish this, the [...]

Tourist proposal to discover the essence of the landscape that inspired the work and personality of Antoni Gaudí, Joan Miró, Pau Casals and Pablo Picasso on the Costa Daurada and the Terres de l'Ebre. The Landscape of the Geniuses is an initiative for the creation and development of a tourist offer based on the connection of four universal artists with four municipalities in the districts of Tarragona where they spent long periods of their lives: Antoni Gaudí in Reus, Joan Miró in Mont-roig del Camp, Pau Casals in Vendrell and Pablo Picasso in Horta de Sant [...]

Design, development and implementation of an intelligent terrain interpretation system based on Machine Learning for underwater studies. The Vibrocorer project develops an innovative system incorporating AI that allows a more detailed and efficient characterization of marine soils and subsoils. The main objectives of Vibrocorer are: The creation of a submersible sensor adaptable to any Vibrocorer (VC) for challenging marine environments up to 500 meters, guaranteeing simple installation and versatility independent of the VC model. Development of an electronic system that displays and stores data in real time through a reliable and robust communication covered - submerged [...]

Development of an innovative personalized audiovisual medical informed consent technology, validated with artificial intelligence and protected with blockchain (smart contracts). The solution of the AICIBLOCK project covers the legal aspect of patient information, improves the security and traceability of the consent process, reduces clinical management problems and malpractice expenses, as well as decreases the time of physical contact between staff healthcare and patients in primary care. AICIBLOCK addresses the critical issue in the medical field of effective understanding of informed consents. These documents, crucial to protecting patient rights, are often lengthy and difficult to comprehend. The [...]

Acceleration and adoption of innovative solutions based on microcapsules for the development and production of biopesticides. The FarmCOM project creates an innovative platform for multidisciplinary research to produce biopesticides with acceleration and adoption of innovative microcapsule solutions. These solutions will provide a significant contribution to the sustainable use of pesticides and the management plan of agricultural crops, as well as to the environmental objectives of the Spanish agricultural strategy in the framework of the common agricultural policy (CAP) 2023-2030. FarmCOM is a transfer of experience and know-how between companies in the industrial and academic sectors such [...]

New strategies for digestibility improvement in legumes. The EASYDIGEST project researches and develops food products based on legumes with improved digestibility, through the application of physical, fermentative and enzymatic treatments, maintaining all the organoleptic and nutritional properties of the original product. The digestibility of legumes depends on external factors during processing, such as hydration, cooking or grinding, as well as internal factors linked to the composition of the legumes themselves. In this sense, the technological improvements that EASYDIGEST wants to apply to legumes have as their main objective the reduction of the presence of antinutrients, natural [...]

Development of a medical device for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The MOWOOT project develops the first medical device for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, a common disorder that causes abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements. The device uses mechanical stimulation of the abdomen to interact with gastrointestinal mechanosensory cells and circuits, which are involved in the regulation of intestinal motility and sensitivity. The device also includes sensor technology and a digital platform with artificial intelligence to monitor and optimize treatment results. MOWOOT is based on the latest research on the role of [...]

Research, study and demonstration of strategies to obtain profitable metal spare parts in additive manufacturing processes for the automotive industry. The SPAR3D project focuses on additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing, a disruptive technology that is increasingly used in the manufacturing and repair of metal parts. SPAR3D proposes an integrated process route that covers the additive manufacturing process itself and the subsequent treatments coupled to metallic materials (steel and aluminum). In the project, steels and aluminum alloys are designed and manufactured using L-PBF technology and MEX-HP techniques, generating fundamental knowledge about metallurgy and the evolution of [...]

Investigation of the impact of time-restricted feeding (TRF) diets on the immune function of obese people. The OBESIMM project focuses on the relationship between obesity, nutrition and immune function. It is known that pathological conditions such as obesity can cause maladaptive immune responses, making people more susceptible to infections. Although severe caloric restriction can improve immune function, it often lacks long-term adherence. The project involves an intervention study in obese individuals who undergo a TRF diet to understand how it improves their immune system's ability to defend itself against pathogens. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, [...]

Creation of a cyber-physical device that monitors and optimizes the plastic injection process. The DASIT project develops a cyber-physical prototype that allows real-time and remote monitoring of the injection process, obtaining direct data from sensors embedded in the mould and indirect data through a device connected to the mould. The device powered by DASIT is energy efficient, by integrating an energy harvesting system, and has a geolocation system through the implementation of advanced technologies to track the location of the molds. It is a cloud-connected wireless device with a low-cost approach. In addition, data quality validation [...]

Development of new biodegradable plastic formulations for the biomedical sector. The PHASAL project develops different bioplastic formulations that introduce PHB-HV with different loads of hydroxyvalerate (-HV) from the revaluation of organic waste. The objective is that these formulations, applicable to the health field, present advanced biodegradability and biocompatibility properties to minimize the environmental impact they present due to their poor recyclability. In this sense, PHASAL develops a complex rigid packaging system, such as a suture kit, and a direct medical application with controlled drug release, such as a transdermal patch. The new advanced formulations developed during [...]

Development of advanced surface treatment equipment for functional enhancement of dental implant components. The main objective of the EQUIDENTAL project is the development of low cost, simple, flexible and modular surface treatment equipment addressed to manufacturers of dental implants and surgical tools. The technological innovation of the project is based on: Development of specific and optimized coatings obtained by means of magnetron sputtering PVD deposition technique on different components and dental implants. Development and optimization of bactericidal treatments on dental implants based on silver and copper ion implantation. Validation of the functionality of the developed surface [...]

More transparent and fair financing system. The Belender project brings greater transparency and equity to the financing system, with the goal of improving overall financial stability. This is essential in times of economic uncertainty, where opacity in financial data can generate risks and imbalances in the system. Eurecat's IT&OT Security Unit focuses on identifying the most promising blockchain technologies and existing SSI identity wallet solutions that can be adapted to the project's needs. Additionally, it investigates critical aspects of cybersecurity related to the selected blockchain technology, such as the security of smart contracts and vulnerabilities of [...]