Robotics and Automation

Autonomous system for internal blade inspection aimed at predictive maintenance in wind turbine blades. The project develops an autonomous system for the internal inspection of wind turbine blades using a pendular drone specifically designed to operate in confined environments with complex internal geometries. The system integrates advanced sensing technologies—such as LiDARs (Light Detection and Ranging), optical and thermal cameras, and ultrasound sensors—combined with artificial intelligence techniques to accurately and automatically detect structural defects. In addition, the project incorporates GPS-denied autonomous navigation based on SLAM techniques (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping), advanced trajectory control and real-time data transmission, [...]

Autonomous platform for intelligent sewer network inspection. The DRONSEWER project develops an autonomous platform for intelligent sewer inspection using a drone equipped with computer vision, LiDAR sensors (Light Detection and Ranging) and advanced artificial intelligence algorithms. The system automates the inspection of internal channels, enhances operator safety, and generates objective data to optimize infrastructure management and maintenance. DRONSEWER integrates a robotic platform resistant to harsh environments, an advanced navigation system capable of operating without GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), and real-time obstacle avoidance methods. It also incorporates artificial intelligence tools for automatic defect localization and quantification, [...]

Autonomous and integrated cognition for robots in dynamic and variable scenarios The COGNITIUM project develops an advanced cognitive robotic system based on the TIAGo PRO platform, designed to operate autonomously in semi-structured and highly variable environments. The project, carried out by the Robotics and Automation unit of Eurecat together with PAL Robotics, aims to progress from technology readiness levels (TRL) 3–4 up to TRL 5, with a functional demonstration in a relevant environment. COGNITIUM integrates state-of-the-art advances in cognitive robotics, intelligent manipulation and generative artificial intelligence, combining perception, semantic understanding and autonomous action execution. The project [...]

Object reconstruction and instant pose assessment for the automation of intralogistics and manufacturing operations. The ORIGAMI project develops an advanced perception-driven robotic technology to enhance BitMetrics’ Pick[+] solution, enabling robots to manipulate unknown, moving, and cluttered objects in real time. The project combines automatic 3D reconstruction with visual servoing in a unified closed-loop framework, allowing robot actions to be continuously updated based on live visual input. ORIGAMI offers a highly accurate, adaptive, and versatile alternative to traditional picking systems, which often separate perception and motion planning and struggle to respond to unexpected object movements or dynamic [...]

Dynamic control cabin testing. DYCCAT addresses the challenge of automating dynamic testing on train cab control desks, removing the need for precise pre-positioning. Through 3D vision and geometric registration algorithms, the system developed in DYCCAT recognises the geometry of the desk and accurately locates its controls, regardless of their initial position. This enables the robot to autonomously identify each element and intelligently manipulate the desk’s controls. A key feature of DYCCAT is its flexibility: the solution is agnostic to the position and type of test desk, as long as its digital model is available. This allows [...]

Open access to a modular, multi-tool handheld gripper and a multimodal dataset for natural language-guided robot manipulation. UMI-LINGO democratises robot learning by providing an open-source handheld gripper and a multimodal dataset from human demonstrations. By integrating natural language instructions, visual inputs, and tactile/auditory sensing, the project enables cost-effective data collection and model training, accelerating automation adoption across sectors, particularly for SMEs. Building upon the Universal Manipulation Interface (UMI), UMI-LINGO introduces a novel approach: task demonstrations are generated from natural-language descriptions. In this setup, one user describes a task based on before/after images, and another executes it [...]

Smart manufacturing, deep learning, and artificial intelligence ecosystem. FIDELIA consolidates an inclusive innovation ecosystem that fosters technological development and the implementation of artificial intelligence and deep learning in advanced manufacturing to improve efficiency and competitiveness. The project maps the ecosystem to identify key players and their capabilities, detecting specific needs and activating collaboration within the sector. Furthermore, FIDELIA promotes knowledge exchange through workshops, events, and specialised activities, as well as increasing visibility and promoting the expansion of the network of stakeholders involved. Furthermore, the initiative boosts talent and training, developing technical capabilities and promoting transnational cooperation. [...]

Pilot test of an hamburger chef robot. Roboxef has developed a robot capable of preparing hamburgers autonomously using an advanced robotic manipulator arm. The process has been studied and optimised at each stage to ensure efficient execution that meets the standards of the catering sector, achieving a result suitable for consumption. To develop this application, it has been necessary to analyse in detail the process of preparing hamburgers, identifying the tools and utensils required and adapting them for robotic handling. Among these adaptations, tools such as spatulas and other cooking utensils have been modified so that [...]

Transformative shift towards a fair, safer, and resilient agriculture sector. The AgRibot project advances robotics and augmented and extended reality (AR/XR) technologies within the agricultural sector. The project provides a skill transfer to experienced farmers, who may not be experts in robotics, to easily use fleets of mobile manipulators, specifically to automate pruning tasks on organically grown fruit trees, such as apple trees. In short, AgRibot improves working conditions, reduces the environmental footprint, addresses workforce shortages, and enhances overall sustainability and competitiveness. Particularly, its focus is on developing technologies that enhance human potential, such that robots [...]

Artificial intelligence to reuse wastewater and nutrients in the agricultural sector. The iRAIN project investigates an innovative advanced water resource management system to optimize water resources applied in precision agriculture. iRAIN's system combines new treatments for water regeneration and nutrient recovery from urban wastewater with hybrid technologies based on monitoring, artificial intelligence and spectroscopy by fusing data from satellites, drones , agricultural robots, sensor networks and smart multispectral cameras. The initiative's work plan is divided into four activities: research into water regeneration techniques and nutrient recovery for agricultural use; research into advanced techniques for monitoring water [...]

Innovative collaborative initiative among three leading Spanish technological centres in the field of quantum computing. The ARQA project advances research and development of quantum applications for the business sector, thereby tackling challenges that traditional computing cannot currently resolve. The Cervera ARQA Network, formed by the Technological Center for Information and Communication Foundation (CTIC), Eurecat, and ITG, constitutes a joint effort to boost the transfer of quantum technologies to businesses, fostering a national level collaboration that facilitates the integration of these advanced technologies into the business fabric, and thereby, into society. This project not only seeks to [...]

Enablement of technologies that reduce pesticide and fertilizer use for a better environment. The Smart Droplets project advances in a holistic system capable of translating large amounts of data into meaningful information and impactful spraying commands on the field. Smart Droplets implements autonomous retrofit tractors with Direct Injection System (DIS) for intelligent spraying - avoiding exposure of farmers to hazardous chemicals, demonstrating a substantial impact on the Green Deal. Through the combination of high-level technologies, Smart Droplets adopts a hybrid approach for spraying operations, combining data/AI/digital farm twin technologies designed to translate data into actionable information, [...]

Cognitive robotics and artificial intelligence for the safe handling of hazardous industrial waste drums. The RoboQuimIA project investigates robotics and artificial intelligence technologies applied to the handling of dangerous substances and waste in mobile containers, managed by the companies of the Tradebe Group, during the logistics of receiving and accepting waste stored in drums. These operations, involving meticulous and complex handling and currently carried out manually by workers, are the previous step in the management of waste, with a view to its subsequent transfer, treatment and recovery. Likewise, the operations allow determining the acceptance or not [...]

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 [...]