Programme

ERF2025 ProgramME Overview

Experience the Variety of our Workshops, Exhibition and Site Visits

UPDATED 16/01/2025

Monday, 24 March

8:00 – 13:30  Site Visits

SCHUNK (Brackenheim-Hausen) and IPAI (Heilbronn)

BOSCH (Ulm)

Mercedes (Sindelfingen)

Neura Robotics (Metzingen) and FANUC (Neuhausen)

12:00 – 13:30  Registration euRobotics General Assembly / Event Opening

14:00 – 17:00  euRobotics General Assembly

14:00-17:00 Public Engagement

14:00-15:25 B2B matchmaking

15:30-17:00 Investor tip session

17:00-18:00 Break

18:00 – 19:00  VIP / General Assembly Reception

19:00 – 20:30  euRobotics Member Dinner

Tuesday, 25 March

Exhibition

8:30-9:50 Workshop Sessions​

10:00-10:30 Keynote

10:30 – 11:10  Coffee Break

11:10 – 12:30  Opening

12:30 – 14:00  Lunch Break

14:00 – 15:20  Workshop Sessions

15:20 – 15:50  Coffee Break

15:50 – 17:10  Workshop Sessions

15:50-17:10 B2B matchmaking

17:10 – 18:30  Poster Session

17:30-18:30 Charity Run

18:30 – 21:00  Welcome Reception

Wednesday, 26 March

Exhibition

8:30-9:50 Workshop​

10:00-10:30 Keynote

10:30 – 11:10  Coffee Break

11:10 – 12:30  Workshop

12:30 – 14:00  Lunch Break

14:00 – 15:20  Workshop

15:20 – 16:00  Coffee Break

15:20 – 18:00  Fraunhofer IPA & ARENA2036 Lab Tour

16:00 – 17:20  Workshop

17:20 – 18:00  Break

18:00 – 18:45  Award Ceremony

18:45 – 19:00  Walk-in to Networking Dinner

19:00 – 22:00  Networking Dinner

22:00 – 23:30  After Party

Thursday, 27 March

Exhibition

8:30-9:50 Workshop Sessions​

10:00-10:30 Keynote ​

10:30 – 11:10  Coffee Break

11:10 – 12:30  Workshop

12:30 – 14:00  Lunch Break

12:40 – 13:10  Feedback Session

13:00-18:00 Company Site Visits
Neura Robotics (Metzingen) and FANUC (Neuhausen)

14:00 – 15:20  Workshop

15:20 – 15:50  Coffee Break

15:50 – 17:10  Workshop

Friday, 28 March

8:00-13:30 Company Site Visits

SCHUNK (Brackenheim-Hausen) and IPAI (Heilbronn)

BOSCH (Ulm)

Mercedes (Sindelfingen)

UPDATED 12/01/2025

Workshop Overview

Workshop Overview
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS AN INITIAL LIST AND WORKSHOPS HAVE NOT BE ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FORUM DAY. PROGRAM IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.


WS number: WS#01

Title: AI act


WS number: WS#02

Title: Regulation, standardisation


WS number: WS#03

Title: Autonomy levels framework for pathway to autonomous mobile machines

WS Content: Mobile machine applications have many robotic features and are increasingly aimed to perform tasks autonomously. Companies encounter a multitude of challenges when striving for autonomous operations. Industrial sites have often evolved over time, leading to a mix of modern and legacy equipment with varying levels of autonomy. A framework of levels of autonomy enables us to understand how to utilize autonomous solutions efficiently and sustainably in various applications and environments. The framework includes a spectrum of machines from basic automation to full autonomy including individual components, machines as well as entire systems and processes. There are different elements of autonomy that can be included in the framework. Establishing a framework for autonomy has several benefits: A well-structured framework speeds up the development and deployment of autonomous systems. Cross-Industrial collaboration – By establishing a common language and standards, the potential for collaboration is enabled across diverse industries. Defining system requirements – Grasping the specific needs of machines, whether they operate solo or as part of a larger ensemble, ensures they perform optimally and cohesively, driving forward the future of autonomy. Supporting the development of safe, efficient, and cost-effective autonomous technologies. Offering methodology to evaluate the business value of investments in fully or partly autonomous systems. The workshop will further discuss how the framework can be utilized in practice and how it can help to achieve the ultimate vision and define a pathway to a future where autonomous systems across all domains operate seamlessly and efficiently without human intervention.


WS number: WS#04

Title: Machina delinquere (non) potest – Ethical consideration in AI and Robotics

WS Content: Self-driving vehicles have already been involved in serious traffic accidents. Autonomous weapons can attack military targets without requiring the approval of a human operator but could strike civilians unrelated to the conflict. What responsibilities should or can remain with humans given the great limitations in predicting Robot and AI behaviour ? Robotics and AI,in particular, have been a growing topic both in academia and industry. Introducing these novel and game-changing technologies has the potential to transform the way we design, produce and use items, but there are a number of ethical considerations that need to be addressed and understood. This workshop will delve into two main topics relating to ethics in AI and robotics. First we will look into what are the ethical considerations that apply to robotics and AI – whether that is looking at societies and cultures or the legal implications for companies, end-users and customers. The second part will look to how we can address these considerations – through creating guidelines and increasing the trustworthiness of AI and robotics using AI.

Organisers: Agata Suwala, MTC, Agata Suwała CEng | LinkedIn Prof. Avv. Stefano Aterno, www.e-lex.it (Italy) Sharath AKKALADEVI, PROFACTOR GmbH, (Austria) Franziska KIRSTEIN, Blue Ocean Robotics, (Odense, Denmark)


WS number: WS#05

Title: Future of Infrastructure: Drones, Robotics, AI, and Advanced Inspection and Maintenance Systems WS#100 title: AI-Driven Perception for Aerial Robotics Proposal -> “Elevating Infrastructure: AI and Aerial Robotics”

WS Content: Drones and robotics are revolutionizing the inspection and maintenance of hard-to-reach infrastructures like powerlines, wind turbines, and bridges. Despite their growing use, both research and commercial platforms still need essential features for fully autonomous inspections, often requiring significant human intervention. In this workshop, we’ll explore how these technologies can support aging societies by ensuring that infrastructure remains safe, accessible, and sustainable. As populations age, maintaining and upgrading infrastructure becomes even more crucial, and drones and robotics can play a vital role in meeting these challenges. We’ll shine a light on the latest research and innovations in autonomous and intelligent drones and robotics for infrastructure inspection and interaction. You’ll discover the newest breakthroughs and impressive strides made in developing these technologies. Participants will dive into cutting-edge technologies, methodologies, and best practices that push the limits of what drones and robotics can achieve in inspecting and maintaining critical infrastructures. This workshop is a fantastic opportunity for experts, researchers, and practitioners to share experiences and learn from each other. Key topics will include autonomy, edge computing, energy harvesting, sensor integration, control, and AI in drones and robotics. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, this workshop aims to accelerate progress in autonomous drone and robotic-based inspections and drive the evolution of these essential technologies

Organisers: Organiser_1 Emad, Ebeid, University of Southern Denmark


WS number: WS#06

Title: Robotics & AI for Harsh Environments: Cross-sector synergies and opportunities

WS Content: Harsh and challenging environments – from nuclear decommissioning sites and dense forestry management operations to cutting-edge big science facilities – demand innovative Robotics solutions including remote operations, telerobotics, and supervised autonomy. These sectors share similar challenges: extreme conditions, limited human access, and the need for high precision, safety and reliability. This workshop explores how Robotics and AI can address these challenges and identifies opportunities for cross-sector knowledge sharing and technology adoption. By leveraging synergies between industries, we aim to accelerate the development and deployment of robotics systems that can thrive in hostile and unstructured environments. The session will feature three keynote presentations from leading experts in robotics and AI for harsh environments, covering advancements and case studies in remote operations, shared autonomy, and sensor integration. Each presentation will highlight specific sector challenges, innovative solutions, and lessons learned from deployments in nuclear, big science, and forestry sectors. Following the keynotes, there will be an interactive Q&A session where participants can engage directly with the speakers. The workshop will conclude with a panel discussion featuring experts and industry leaders, focusing on cross-sector synergies, collaborative opportunities, and future directions for robotics and AI in harsh environments.

Organisers: Karol Janik, Manufacturing Technology Centre, Eloise Matheson, CERN, Ladislav Vargovčík, Technical University Kosice


WS number: WS#07

Title: Marine robotics: challenges, trends and opportunities

WS Content: The technological evolution of the last decades has made the use of marine robots, both underwater and surface, a reality. In the next years, thanks to the advances in autonomy and Artificial Intelligence (AI), these systems are expected to become more and more popular in real-world applications. However, several challenges remain to be addressed and fully solved. Market barriers, common to the different applications, are still present. Difficulties of underwater operations, lack of power and endurance, severely limited electromagnetic propagation for both sensing and communications, lack of power and endurance and underwater communications and networking are considered the most critical technological obstacles to the use of these systems. On the other hand, lack of regulations (legal, liability, insurance, safety and security) for the use in the field of marine robots, lack of accepted standards to improve interoperability, were identified as the non-technological barriers. It is necessary to address these challenges to make the use of marine robots popular and common also by end-users not expert in robotics. In this workshop we will discuss these challenges and current trends in marine robotics, driven by the new technologies becoming more and more mature. We will invite some keynote speakers to illustrate their experience in some of the identified areas such as underwater intervention, with a special focus on underwater manipulation, underwater perception and robot autonomy. Robust solutions in these topics are crucial in order to develop useful, reliable robotic systems in the near future.The idea is to gather people both from industry and research to present different perspectives on the open challenges and the needs to be faced in the next future. The workshop will conclude with a round table to involve the invited speakers and people from the public to discuss and define future opportunities and trends.

Organisers: Gabriele, Ferri, NATO CMRE, Enrico, Simetti, University of Genova


WS number: WS#08

Title: Pushing the limits of robotics for sustainable use of space

WS Content: The field of robotics for space applications is rapidly advancing. Beyond planetary exploration, in-orbit services facilitated by robotics are gaining significant momentum. These services encompass a range of critical activities, including assembly, maintenance, and manufacturing in space. To maintain and enhance its innovation leadership and strategic advantages, Europe must take the lead in orbital robotics. This workshop aims to lay the groundwork for identifying and prioritizing the necessary initiatives and efforts in this domain. Special focus will be put on how Space Robotics can support use cases related to space exploration and sustainability (e.g. power generation, debris handling, …). By involving diverse stakeholders and fostering a collaborative ecosystem, we seek to advance innovation and cultivate a thriving market for in-orbit robotic services, to shape the future of space robotics and ensure Europe’s prominent role in this transformative field.

Organisers: Miguel A. Olivares Mendez, University of Luxembourg, Carlos J.Pérez-del-Pulgar, University of Malaga,  Amit Kumar Pandey, Rovial Space, France, Franziska Kirstein, Blue Ocean Robotics,  Notes Title Ideas: Pushing the limits of robotics for space sustainability and exploration Pushing the limits of robotics for planetary exploration, in-orbit services and sustainability Pushing the limits of robotics for space and sustainability Original titles: Robotics for in-orbit services in space and sustainability Pushing the limits of Space Robotics For notes, to be deleted later: Introduction on topic, Topic Groups, project, organizers, etc. (5min) Slido: interacting with audience: challenges, how are you positioning yourself (your background) —> identify the trends. Gap between space community and robotics (space) community, what are they interested. (15min) Interactive element Impulse talks: (30min) ol Collaboration between Academia, SMEs and big companies in space (robotics) ol Application areas/ tech transfer/ advancements ol Multi robots ol Teleoperation ol Other in-orbit services -> In-orbit services (assembly, maintenance, …) Note: either a or b, or combination of both. One topic could also be reserved for panel discussion. Panel discussion (40min) Interactive element Wrap-up Speakers: Big industry: Airbus UK representative. SME: ? Academia: ?


WS number: WS#09

Title: Additive Manufacturing in Robotics

WS Content: The integration of cutting-edge technologies has propelled us into a new era where the development of functional components is not only feasible but transformative. These components play pivotal roles in advancing the capabilities of robotics, highlighting the synergy between robotics and additive manufacturing (AM) as a mutually enriching partnership. This workshop convenes experts from diverse fields of additive manufacturing and robotics to explore recent innovations, future opportunities, and challenges. Through collaborative discussions, participants will address key gaps and identify actionable solutions to advance the integration of these technologies. Main topics: AM for Robotics: Focusing on advancements in creating robotic components through AM (e.g., in flexible, adaptable designs suited for soft robotics but also for a lot of other applications requiring high material performance.) AM with Robotics: Examining the use of robotics to assist in additive manufacturing processes (with insights into increased efficiency, complex geometries, and scalable production.) By combining knowledge from these diverse domains, the workshop aims to push the boundaries of what’s possible in robotics and additive manufacturing, fostering innovation and collaboration across Europe and beyond.

Organisers: Mathias Brandstötter, ADMiRE Research Center, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Austria (http://www.admire.center) Jyrki Latokartano, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, RoboLabTampere, Tampere University (https://research.tuni.fi/robolabtampere)


WS number: WS#10

Title: 12th Hybrid Production Systems Workshop – Entering the AI era in flexible production

WS Content: Details of the WS The format of the workshop is presented in the next paragraph. The topics to be addressed in the keynote speeches, presentation pitches and panel discussion will revolve around: Mobile autonomous co-workers Innovative human machine interfaces for interaction and collaboration AI-based workplace optimization, dynamic planning, and control of HPS Exoskeletons-human augmentation and support systems Perception as cognitive capability for versatile handling of products Safe and Adaptable behaviour to non-expected situations / dynamic environments Human safety and novel methods for autonomous and AI based risk assessment

Organisers: Sotiris, Makris, Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems and Automation (LMS), George, Michalos, Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems and Automation (LMS), Inaki, Maurtua, Autonomous and Intelligent Systems Unit – Tekniker


WS number: WS#11

Title: “Mobile Manipulation of rigid and deformable objects: Community Challenges and Opportunities”

WS Content: This workshop examines the evolving field of mobile manipulation (MoMa), a pivotal domain within robotics with applications spanning healthcare, agriculture, logistics, and manufacturing. Addressing the unique challenges of manipulating both rigid and deformable objects, MoMa demands advanced mobility and manipulation capabilities, which enable its critical role in diverse, strategically essential sectors across Europe. MoMa technologies have advanced significantly, with robots increasingly able to perform complex tasks that require fine-grained manipulation and real-time adaptability. However, the field still faces limitations, especially in reliably handling diverse objects and environments, and in maintaining stability and precision across dynamic settings. Although recent advancements have shown promising improvements in machine learning, perception, and grasping technologies, achieving a high level of robustness, safety, and adaptability across varying tasks remains a central challenge. For instance, handling unknown or deformable objects in realistic settings outside laboratories is still an open problem. Also, developing and deploying transferable MoMa solutions applicable for multiple environmental settings or industries is crucial. Collaborative efforts across academia, industry, and public sectors are critical to accelerating these developments. This workshop will present an in-depth examination of the current state of MoMa. It will focus on key technical and societal challenges, such as perception and handling of diverse objects, adapting to complex dynamics, and advancing human-robot interaction (HRI). It will do so by bringing to the table the perspectives and recent developments of MoMa centred Horizon Europe projects including PILLAR-Robots, AGIMUS, REGO, IntelliMan, CONVINCE, SoftEnable, and Coresense, which will share strategic insights, highlighting community-driven solutions and future opportunities for advancing MoMa capabilities.

Organisers: Organiser_1 Marco Rosa, PAL Robotics, Organiser_2 Ashok Meenakshi Sundaram, DLR, Organiser_3 Florian Pokorny, KTH


WS number: WS#12

Title: AI in Robot Safety: Methods, Tools, Requirements, and Standardization

WS Content: Details of the WS The workshop will start with a brief introduction followed by presentations from three experts who will discuss different aspects of AI and safety, sharing their insights and experiences. These talks will cover key topics to enhance understanding of AI in robotic safety, and essential terminology such as safety, adaptive behavior, pre-emptive behavior, and artificial intelligence. The presentations will also include an overview of safety fundamentals, focusing on the key pillars of safety functions—hardware, software, and potentially data as an additional element for AI-driven methods. Topics such as simulation, AI safety, and AI applications in the automotive industry—and the lessons robotics can draw from them—will also be covered. Following the talks, a panel discussion will explore critical questions on how AI techniques can integrate with existing safety frameworks and what new features are necessary for AI’s successful incorporation into safety practices. The discussion will also touch on the Safety of the Intended Functionality (SOTIF) and functional safety, highlighting the distinction between functional deficiencies and system malfunctions in robotics. Though initially developed in the automotive industry, these concepts could be highly valuable for robotic systems with AI integration. Additional points of focus include the requirements for high-quality datasets, methods to assess their reliability, and the lifecycle of data-driven models used in safety functions. Verification and Validation of these models will be a key topic, along with discussions on how data-driven approaches could shape the future of robotic safety.

Organisers: Magnus Albert, SICK AG, Saeed Abdolshah, KUKA GmbH,  José Saenz, Fraunhofer IFF,  Björn Matthias, ABB Debora Clever, ABB & TU Darmstadt, Michael Rathmair, Joanneum Research, Paolo Barattini, Standardisation TG, Roland Behrens, Fraunhofer IFF, Patrick Courtney, Laboratory Robotics TG, Volker Schmirgel, KUKA GmbH, 


WS number: WS#13

Title: Industrial Robotics Safety: Challenges, Methods, and Strategies

WS Content: The workshop brings together safety experts along the whole life-cycle of robotics. Following up on our previous workshops we would like to continue our joint efforts to enable innovations by novel methods and technologies ensuring the safety of robotics systems. This year’s workshop will focus on dynamic aspects at runtime and will focus on three main aspects: Can dynamic high-level robot control be facilitated by incorporating functional safe operating systems developed for automotive use cases? Which novel functionality may be part of dynamic risk-reduction measures at runtime? How can flexibility and adaptability of robotics systems benefit from verification at runtime?

Organisers: Magnus Albert, SICK AG, Michael Rathmair, Joanneum Research, Alexander Zimmerer, Elektrobit


WS number: WS#14

Title: R3: Mechatronics for Robustness, Resilience, and Reliability of robotic systems

WS Content: Now that robots are moving beyond traditional applications in industrial settings into applications in human, unstructured, and challenging environments in the field, their design and engineering face more strenuous requirements. Robots need to be Robust, Resilient, and Reliable (R3): Being able to withstand environmental conditions such as dust, moisture, heat, radiation, vibration, impacts, and so on, maintaining long-term reliability potentially even under sub-component failure. Operating in human environments means that these robots also need to be reliably safe in their interactions. Moreover, many of these new robots are mobile, which means that these properties need to be achieved within limited weight and energy consumption to achieve long-term operation. Achieving these aspects at the hardware and low-level software level is a necessary condition for robots to achieve R3 at the task and cognitive level. While the latter is certainly important as well, this workshop focuses specifically on the mechatronics principles to achieve Robustness, Resilience, and Reliability of robotic systems.

Organisers: Wesley Roozing, TG on Mechatronics, University of Twente, Navvab Kashiri, TG on Mechatronics, Leonardo


WS number: WS#15

Title: Bringing Soft Robotics to Application

WS Content: The demand for compliant machines capable of safely interacting with the human body is growing across various applications. To meet this need, significant research in robotics has focused on developing new classes of devices through the soft robotics approach. However, despite extensive efforts in recent years, the commercialization of these systems remains absent. Therefore, further research is required to develop soft robots that are both effective and durable enough for successful market translation. This workshop aims to explore the scientific advancements and the challenges of bringing soft robotics to various applications, including rehabilitation, haptics, and surgery.

Organisers: Florian, Hartmann, Max Planck Insitute for Intelligent Systems, Stuttgart, Germany, Linda Paternò, The BioRobotics Institute of Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy, Gernot Kronreif, ACMIT – The Austrian Center for Medical Innovation and Technology


WS number: WS#16

Title: TeleRobotics 360: Exploring Innovations from Healthcare to Industry

WS Content: This workshop aims to provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary perspective on telerobotics, spanning applications from healthcare to industrial tasks. Historically, many have questioned whether robots will fully replace humans in the workplace. However, introducing teleoperated robots offers a different solution: why must robots completely replace humans when they can collaborate with them instead? Rather than replacing human workers, robots can share tasks in a cooperative environment—through human-robot interaction using collaborative robots (cobots)—or operate remotely in the case of teleoperated robotics. With insights from renowned speakers and panelists, the workshop will delve into the latest medical and industrial telerobotics breakthroughs. Following a brief introduction by the organizers, the first invited speaker will explore the current role of teleoperated robots in healthcare. This session will discuss how these robots assist doctors today, highlighting the benefits of remote surgery, as well as the challenges in achieving precision and meeting the stringent requirements of medical applications. Key case studies, such as autonomous robotic laparoscopic surgery and other significant medical advancements, will be showcased to illustrate real-world successes. The workshop will, as its title suggests, go in-depth into each topic, revealing to the audience the complexities and methodologies behind the technology. After covering healthcare, the focus will shift to industrial applications, examining how Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) transform telerobotics in manufacturing and beyond. As AI and ML have become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, the workshop will discuss their growing influence on industrial telerobotics and how these technologies shape the future of automation and collaboration in diverse sectors.


WS number: WS#17

Title: The New Frontiers of Advanced Humanoid and Legged Robots

WS Content: This workshop will deliver valuable insights into the latest technological advancements in humanoid and other legged robots, highlighting the rapidly developing sector of humanoid bipedal systems. It will cover recent breakthroughs in mechatronics which are driving the emergence of market-ready humanoid robots, and a vision of the potential future of humanoid robots. Attendees will have the chance to connect with leading experts, researchers, and industry professionals in the field of humanoid and legged robots. The aim is to foster collaborations, partnerships, and knowledge exchange. The workshop is designed to be highly interactive, with both a panel discussion and breakout discussions. Discussions will focus on the practical applications of humanoid robots, such as their roles in risky environments and performing heavy work, and the technological gaps that need to be addressed to apply humanoids in such roles. Through alignment with its partner workshop “Applications for Humanoid Robots in Europe”, the two workshops will cover both the technological and application/market aspects of humanoid robots.

Organisers: Francesco Ferro, PAL Robotics Andrija Feher, Synapticon Matthias Reichenbach, Mercedes-Benz Wesley Roozing (Topic Group on Mechatronics), University of Twente Navvab Kashiri (Topic Group on Mechatronics), Leonardo Noana Rode?, NEURA


WS number: WS#18

Title: Applications for Humanoid Robots in Europe

WS Content: Details of the WS Through alignment with its partner workshop “The New Frontiers of Advanced Humanoid and Legged Robots”, the two workshops will cover both the technological and application/market aspects of humanoid robots.

Organisers: Francesco Ferro, PAL Robotics Ramez Awad, Fraunhofer IPA Matthias Reichenbach, Mercedes-Benz


WS number: WS#19

Title: Skills development in small-scale robotics for Industry 5.0

Organisers: Anne DELETTRE, Percipio Robotics, Maxime ETIEVANT, Percipio Robotics, Isabelle FAGGANELLI, Percipio Robotics, Maxence LEVEZIEL, Percipio Robotics,  Quan ZHOU, Aalto University


WS number: WS#20

Title: Advancements in agricultural robotics and orchard automation

WS Content: Robotics and automation are steadily gaining prominence across various industries, and one of the sectors poised to reap significant benefits from these technological advancements is agriculture. These innovations have the potential to revolutionize farming practices by enhancing efficiency, productivity, and the overall quality of crops. The goal of this workshop is to explore and discuss the role of robotics in the future orchard and vineyards. Robots can be used to gather information on plant health, but could also play a role in interacting with plants and performing intervention tasks. In particular, technology, with a strong emphasis on automation, plays a pivotal role in offering a cost-effective complement to human labor.

Organisers: Dario Mengoli, University of Bologna, Alba Perez Gracia, CDEI-UPC, / David Caballero Flores, Centre de Disseny d’Equips Industrials, Sarah Terreri, Pal Robotics


WS number: WS#21

Title: Adoption of robotics in agriculture: challenges and opportunities for sustainable development

WS Content: The adoption of robotics in agriculture holds significant promise for addressing many of the challenges faced by modern farming, such as labor shortages, the need for increased productivity, and the demand for more sustainable farming practices as required by the EU Farm2Fork program. Agricultural robotics, including autonomous tractors and drones, smart implements, and precision farming tools, can revolutionize how crops are managed, harvested, and processed, leading to greater efficiency and reduced environmental impact. By enabling precision farming practices, robotics optimizes resource use, such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides, thereby minimizing chemical runoff, preserving soil health, and promoting biodiversity. Moreover, agricultural robotics supports sustainable methods like no-till farming and agroforestry by automating complex tasks and labor-intensive activities, making sustainable practices economically viable for farmers. However, several barriers still impede the widespread integration of robotics into agricultural systems and consequently their massive adoption. Technological limitations, such as the need for robots to operate in complex, unpredictable outdoor environments, represent a key challenge. Nevertheless, socio-economical factors, such as the high initial cost of robotics systems and the lack of specialized skills among farm operators, play an active role in slowing down adoption rates. Furthermore, taking new products to market requires proper certification and validation procedures not yet fully in place for agricultural robots. The workshop topics include, but are not limited to: The validation needs for getting agricultural robotics products on the market, including agronomic validation The current EU funded services for validating solutions in the Agrifood domain (i.e. AgrifoodTEF services) The implications of AI Act and the new Machine Regulation towards agricultural machinery Standardisation / Certification in Agricultural Robotics (i.e. Sandboxes)


WS number: WS#22

Title: Awards – Georges Giralt PhD Award


WS number: WS#23

Title: Renaud Champion Entrepreneurship Award 2025

WS Content: Details of the WS

Organisers: Troels Oliver Pedersen, Odense Robotics, Jon Agirre Ibarbia, Tecnalia, Franziska Kirstein


WS number: WS#24

Title: Awards – TechTransfer Award


WS number: WS#25

Title: Sustainability Leadership Recognition in Robotics 2025

WS Content: Details of the WS

Organisers: Franziska KIRSTEIN, Blue Ocean Robotics, (Odense, Denmark) Sharath AKKALADEVI, PROFACTOR GmbH, (Austria)


WS number: WS#26

Title: B&I – Innovation structures and networks

WS Content: Details of the WS

Organisers: Agata Suwala, MTC


WS number: WS#27

Title: Challenging Robotics/AI Use Cases by End-Users

WS Content:

Organisers: Ramez Awad, Fraunhofer IPA, Dr. Björn Kahl, Fraunhofer IPA, Dr. Fotios Konstantinidis, ICCS, Konstantinos Kokkalis, ICCS,


WS number: WS#28

Title: Sustainable business models to accelerate robotics technology adoption – going beyond the use-case

WS Content: This workshop will focus on sustainable business models in robotics, where we go beyond traditional use cases to explore innovative, scalable, and environmentally-conscious strategies. The session will delve into the ways robotics businesses can drive technology adoption sustainably, examining various models that support the mutualization of infrastructure and shared resources to maximize efficiency and reduce costs. Attendees will explore ingredients for building impactful business models that not only accelerate the adoption of robotics technologies but also create lasting value by minimizing resource waste and enhancing operational sustainability. From robotics libraries and robot-as-a-service to creating new business models, we expect participants to share their experiences and views.

Organisers: Brigita JURISIC, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory,(Braga, Portugal) Franziska KIRSTEIN, Blue Ocean Robotics, (Odense, Denmark) Carl MOERCH, FARI – Ai for the Common Good Institute (Brussels, Belgium) Sharath AKKALADEVI, PROFACTOR GmbH(Austria)


WS number: WS#29

Title: Success stories


WS number: WS#30

Title:

WS Content: The fundamental objective of this workshop is to furnish practical examples, case studies, and direction for a thorough comprehension of the role of reproducibility, benchmarking, competitions and challenges in robotics, facilitated by expert inspiration and mentoring. By emphasizing the importance of consistent and reproducible results in practical robotic applications, we seek to expand knowledge, facilitate collaborative research and crucially speed up the rate of innovation. We will highlight the critical roles of robot competitions, challenges as well as reproducibility and benchmarking, and modularity, transferability and compositionality, the in robot technologies’ transferability from lab to market. We will discuss challenges, competitions, reproducibility and benchmarking can accelerate the transition to .

Organisers: Organiser_1 Fabio, Bonsignorio, University of Zagreb FER and Heron Robots, Organiser_2 PedroLima, ISR/IST, U. Lisbon, Organiser_4 Ian, Pulford, Smart City Consultancy, 


WS number: WS#31

Title: Collaborative robots and swarms


WS number: WS#32

Title: Close Encounters of the Digital Kind: (Re)defining Alliances between Humans and AI-enhanced cobots

WS Content: This workshop will examine the transformative role of AI-enhanced collaborative robots (cobots) in reshaping human-robot interaction by emphasizing trust, adaptability, and intuitive programming. Participants will explore insights from leading research projects, including AI-PRISM, FLUENTLY, and FORTIS, which are advancing cobots’ intelligence, empathy, and agility to meet the needs of modern, collaborative work environments. Key questions will guide the discussions: how can AI systems be designed to ensure safety, comfort, and productivity for human workers? What frameworks can make cobots adaptable to dynamic human behavior? And how can these machines become “digital companions” that provide meaningful, responsive collaboration? The workshop will also address how intuitive programming and human-guided learning can elevate cobots’ roles, enhancing their functionality and cooperation in industrial settings while addressing challenges like workforce aging by reducing physical and mental strain. An interactive session will leverage the Immediate Feedback Assessment Technique (IF-AT) to deepen engagement. In this activity, attendees will work in teams to design a robotic system, making scenario-based decisions on AI integration, trust, and intuitive programming to address real-world challenges. These decisions will reflect solutions inspired by the projects, fostering a practical understanding of how human-centered AI, trust, and intuitive programming intersect to improve human-robot collaboration. This hands-on experience aims to drive meaningful discussion and illustrate potential pathways for cobots to become true collaborative partners in workplace and industrial settings.

Organisers: Francisco Fraile, Universitat Politècnica de València Oliver Avram, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) Fernando Castaño, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) Sharath Chandra Akkaladevi, Profactor GmbH Additional Comments We could propose a very disruptive / interactive workshop, based on the Immediate Feedback Assessment Technique (IF-AT) – an active learning methodology. Title: Building the ideal collaborative system (or just taken from title if we opt for option 1). Objective: work in small teams (we will split the audience into small groups). Groups will design a robot system for a collaborative task, focusing on ai-enhancement, trustworthiness and intuitive programming. The goal is to solve scenario-based problems (inspired in project pilots) by making decisions aligned with the three axis of the workshop. Format: Conforming teams: We use a form to gather basic data of the audience. We include questions to learn their profiles and which role they could possibly take on each team. We use this info to conform the teams. Scenario set-up: Each team receives a scenario inspired by a project pilot. The scenario would require safety, trust, ease of programming, and any other relevant aspect we consider. Solution Design (IF-AT Scratch Cards): Teams also receive a solution design document, which includes the different stages of the solution design and implementation (responsiveness, programming, deployment, maintenance). For each stage, we provide decision points: Multiple-choice questions answered using scratch cards (see image below). At least one of the choices is aligned with one of the projects (which is revealed when you scratch the card). One example of a solution decision point could be: You need to quickly reprogram the robot for a new task. What programming interface should be used?” A) A visual drag-and-drop interface. B) A code-based interface with a predefined library of functions. C) A voice-command system integrated with a gesture-based input. Reflection and discussion: After completing the dynamic, the teams shared the results, and the people actively involved (moderators or facilitators) explain how they integrated the aspects of human-centered AI, trust, and intuitive programming into their solution. The facilitators lead a discussion on which decisions best reflected the three research axes and why.


WS number: WS#33

Title: Application of robotics in efficient and sustainable construction and deconstruction AI and Robotics in Construction (same as previous years)

WS Content: Details of the WS Key topics: Challenges in construction (introduction) Advancements in construction automation Application of AI in road construction and maintenance Digital twin technology for deconstruction Robotics in material identification Sharing of experiences and case studies Synergies among workshop participants (Contributions from BEEYONDERS): 1) Current state of the project e.g. 5 mins, 2) Results from the Building Construction pilot (TBD). Final outcomes and user evaluation results from real construction environment deployment (10 mins) (Contributions from HumanTech): 1) Current state of the project e.g. 5 mins, 2) Pilot V (Robotic Mastic Application) final outcomes and user evaluation results from real construction environment deployment (10 mins) (Contributions from RobetArme): 1) Current state of the project e.g. 5 mins, 2) Results from the first RobetArme shotcreting testbed deployment (10 mins)

Organisers: Mr. Antonio Alonso-Cepeda, Innovation Manager at ACCIONA Construction, Dr. Jason Rambach, Team Leader Spatial Sensing and Machine Perception, DFKI,  Dr. Dimitrios Giakoumis, Principal Researcher in Service Robotics, CERTH-ITI, Prof. Alba Perez Gracia, Principal Researcher amd director at CDEI-UPC, CDEI-UPC, Mr. David Caballero Flores, Researcher and Project Manager at CDEI-UPC, CDEI-UPC


WS number: WS#35

Title: Innovations and developments in Inspection & Maintenance Robotics

Organisers: Aksel A. Transeth, SINTEF, Ferdinando Cannella, IIT,  Evangelos Boukas, DTU, Mehdi Boukallel, CEA List,  Malcolm Mielle, Schindler AG,  Pitches and other notes regarding the workshop (to be removed before submitting the workshop proposal to euRobotics) Topics suggested by the workshop proposers: ol GenAI in I&M robotics: Use cases, developments and opportunities ol Building renovation ol I&M robotics (incl. smart sensing) across sectors; O&G, buildings: What new challenges can be supported by new robot designs (e.g., modular robots, humanoids, other kinematic architectures)? ol EU projects ol Autoassess project: Maintenance robotics in confined areas (maritime sector). Visual and contact-based inspections. Different kinematic arch. Navigation. ol SHEREC: recycling of ships. GenAI, robotics. ol … ol … Keywords for a joint and technology-oriented workshop Technologies Smart sensing (incl. contact-based) and data collection (e.g., next-best view, coverage planning, exploration strategy, etc.) Robot architectures. (and combo with smart sensing). Intervention Applications/sectors in I&M: O&G, maritime, constructions/buildings, water and sanitation, … Scope: narrow or wide Wide scope: could get more difficult to pose good discussion questions. Narrow scope (e.g., on intervention): could get too narrow for getting good presenters. Other workshops at the ERF which are relevant Perception linked to intervention Aerial workshop Mechatronics (e.g., robot/kinematic arch.) Manipulation in manufacturing End-user challenges (separate workshops on I&M, agriculture, …) Standardization, regulatory.


WS number: WS#36

Title: I&M (B&I)


WS number: WS#37

Title: n/a

WS Content: This workshop offers an essential platform for gaining deep insights into deployment of robotics in healthcare, directly from technology providers and healthcare professionals across Europe together with a future perspective. Attendees will benefit from knowledge exchange, focusing on key applications and overcoming barriers to robotic integration in healthcare. Critical aspects, such as European reimbursement models and the importance of networking for accelerating innovation, will be utilized. Participants will gain: Future perspectives and practical insights into the deployment of robotics in healthcare Access to key success stories, showcasing how robotics improves care provision Opportunities for knowledge transfer, networking, and collaboration across Europe. The main topics are: Clinical Deployment Insights: Experiences from practitioners across Europe. Knowledge Transfer: Exchange of expertise and best practices across regions. Key Application Aspects: Focus on real-world implementations. Barriers and Constraints: Challenges in robotics deployment in clinical settings. Success Stories: Case studies demonstrating successful robotics integration. Reimbursement Insights: Exploring pathways and frameworks across Europe. Importance of European Networking: fostering collaboration through DIH-HERO services.


WS number: WS#38

Title: Additional Exoskeleton WS – details to follow.


WS number: WS#39

Title: Bringing Exoskeletons to Life in Europe: From Labs to Real-World Impact

WS Content: This workshop focuses on how exoskeleton technologies developed by European research groups and companies are making an impact in the real world. It brings together experts and practitioners to discuss the transition from laboratory development to market adoption in the context of rehabilitation, assistance, and occupational exoskeletons.

Organisers: dr. Shirley A. Elprama – imec – SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel & FARI, Belgium dr. Tommaso Bagneschi – Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna di Pisa, Italy, dr. Domenico Chiaradia – Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna di Pisa, Italy, Prof. An Jacobs imec – SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel & FARI, Belgium Prof. Antonio Frisoli – Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna


WS number: WS#40

Title: History


WS number: WS#41

Title: Towards next generation robotics: Generative AI use cases, challenges and opportunities

WS Content: This workshop aims to provide a foundational understanding of the transformative potential of Generative AI (GenAI) in robotics by exploring current and emerging opportunities, practical applications, and challenges. With both academic and industrial perspectives, we’ll examine high-impact use cases across sectors such as inspection and maintenance, assistive robotics, and manufacturing, where GenAI is already proving valuable. Attendees will gain insight into the latest advancements in robotic capabilities powered by GenAI and complementary AI models, including foundation models for grasping, LLM-based code generation, and mission planning that combines LLMs with classical AI techniques. Discussions will also address the specific risks and challenges posed by GenAI in robotics, from data privacy to hardware constraints, to better understand the limitations of these technologies. Through practical insights from key research projects, including TRIFFID, JARVIS, and PEER, this workshop will guide stakeholders on how GenAI is shaping the European robotics landscape. The session outcomes will be particularly valuable to end-users, suppliers, and researchers, providing them with insights into near- and medium-term high-value industry use cases and actionable strategies for cost-effective, safe, and efficient GenAI implementations in robotics. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of both the potential and the obstacles associated with GenAI in robotics, including open software and hardware development challenges. A summary report will capture the key discussions and insights, contributing to broader strategic efforts in ADRA, euRobotics, and related networks.

Organisers: Andrea Orlandini, CNR-ISTC, Aksel A. Transeth, SINTEF, Magí Dalmau-Moreno, EURECAT


WS number: WS#42

Title: Advancing AI-Powered Robotic Cognition, Deliberation and Learning for Real-World Applications

WS Content: This workshop will delve into advanced methods for defining robotic behavior, with a focus on deliberation, adaptability, and real-world applications. Attendees will gain insights from leading projects, including Intelliman, CONVINCE, PILLAR-Robots, euROBIN, and MANIBOT, which are at the forefront of cognitive robotics and AI-powered systems. Key discussions will cover the essentials of robotic deliberation, examining how autonomous, context-aware decision-making can be achieved. Attendees will share input on the requirements for effective deliberation, the challenges faced, and the latest technologies enabling these capabilities. The workshop will also explore data-efficient learning and Sim2Real transfer techniques, showcasing approaches to skill acquisition and task planning in unstructured environments. Projects will demonstrate strategies for minimizing data requirements and bridging the gap between simulated and real-world settings. Additionally, we’ll highlight the role of semantic sensor fusion and control theory to enhance robustness and situational awareness in complex tasks. Through collaborative discussions, participants will address both challenges and opportunities in cognitive robotics, aiming to shape the future of AI-powered robots for dynamic, real-world applications.

Organisers: Christian, Henkel, Bosch Research, Alessio Caporali, University of Bologna, Roberto Meattini, University of Bologna, Néstor García, Eurecat, Dimitra Triantafyllou, CERTH


WS number: WS#43

Title: Data Spaces for the development of AI and robotic applications

WS Content: The aim of this workshop is to highlight the potential benefits of Data Spaces for the development of AI and robotic applications in the Mobility, Industrial and Healthcare domains, on the basis of R&D activities that are performed by the ongoing Horizon Europe PLIADES project. After a brief description of the project’s activities, key aspects within the topic of Data Space integration will be addressed, including the benefits and the challenges of using Data Spaces in the three domains, along with the technological challenges arised by AI. Along with end-users of these domains, technological developers and the workshop audience, the latest advances and market possibilities will be discussed.

Organisers: Kosmas Tsiakas, CERTH-ITI, Greece Dr. Dimitrios Giakoumis, CERTH-ITI, Greece Franziska Kirstein, Blue Ocean Robotics, Denmark Christian Egebjerg, Blue Ocean Robotics, Denmark


WS number: WS#44

Title: Circularity in Robotics: Design and use-cases

WS Content:

Organisers: Michel Joop, van der Schoor, EU Robotics TG Sustainability, Brigita Jurisic, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Dr. Esmaeil Najafi, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands, Associate Professor, Oswald Bratu, PROFACTOR GmbH, Dr. Gabriele Marchello, Italian Institute of Technology, Sharath AKKALADEVI, PROFACTOR GmbH, (Austria) Franziska KIRSTEIN, Blue Ocean Robotics, (Odense, Denmark) Evren Samur, Hidropar Motion Control Technologies Center Mehmet Önal, Hidropar Motion Control Technologies Center 


WS number: WS#45

Title: Remanufacturing and recycling: are robots the way to a sustainable future?

WS Content: The growing emphasis on sustainability, and the increasing demand for recycling and remanufacturing, presents a critical opportunity for robotics to contribute to a more sustainable future. As automotive, electronics, and shipbuilding industries face rising pressures to reduce waste and conserve rare raw materials, robotized disassembly offers a promising solution. This workshop explores whether robots can pave the way to a sustainable future by improving the efficiency, precision, and safety of recycling processes. Supported by insights from EU and national projects, such as REBELION, RECIRCULATE, BATTEREVERSE, REINFORCE, SHEREC (Ship Recycling), REEPRODUCE, and DemoDataPRO, THESEUS, OPTIMINER this workshop aims to showcase the latest advancements in robotic disassembly, sorting and recycling. It delves into the open issues hindering wider adoption of robotic disassembly, evaluates whether current research is moving in the right direction, and discusses the latest developments relevant to the circular economy. Key questions addressed in this session will include the technological limits of current robotic systems and how AI and machine vision can overcome these barriers. We will showcase the latest advancements in robotic technologies, including innovations in the disassembly of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, electronics, and ship components, and discuss how AI tools, automation, and machine vision are driving these innovations. Despite these advancements, several technological challenges remain, particularly in ensuring the autonomy and flexibility of robots in disassembly tasks and adapting to the wide variability in end-of-life (EoL) products in the entire lifecycle. By attending this workshop, participants will gain valuable insights into how robotic solutions can address the sustainability challenges in various sectors, focusing on rare earth elements (REEs), EV battery recycling, and ship disassembly. Participants will also be able to engage with experts from the aforementioned projects, gaining valuable insights into real-world case studies and innovative solutions. Additionally, the workshop will provide a platform for networking with leading researchers and industrial partners and for discussing strategies to strengthen Europe’s recycling and remanufacturing industry. Topics are: ol AI tools are available for the robotized recycling process. ol Methods applied for the robotized recycling process. Applying the methods developed for battery disassembly to other recycled products. (Tero added these, feel free to modify)

Organisers: Dr. Tero Kaarlela, Centria University of Applied Sciences, Principal lecturer Dr. Tomi Pitkäaho, Centria University of Applied Sciences, R&D Manager Dr. Alireza Rastegarpanah, The University of Birmingham, Senior Robotic Scientist Dr. Enrico Villagrossi, Institute of Intelligent Industrial Technologies and Systems for Advanced Manufacturing, National Research Council of Italy, Researcher Dr. Esmaeil Najafi, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands, Associate Professor, Dr. Iñaki Díaz, CEIT, Head of Robotics and Artificial Vision Research Group  Agata Suwala, MTC, Sharath Chandra Akkaladevi, Profactor Gmbh, Franziska KIRSTEIN, Blue Ocean Robotics (Odense, Denmark) Berkhan Bayraktar, BoÄŸaziçi University, Türkiye, Research Assistant, Dr. Fotis Konstantinidis, Division leader of Industry 5.0 & Smart Manufacturing, ICCS, Greece, Konstantinos Kokkalis PhDc., Robotics Specialist in Industry 5.0 & Smart Manufacturing, ICCS, Greece, Notes ol Is the current direction of robotic research the right way to improve the autonomy and flexibility required by the evaluation, disassembly, and sorting for recycling and remanufacturing? ol Open issues and current technological limits of robotized disassembly. What are the current challenges of robotics and automation hindering more effective and reliable robotic disassembly? ol Preview the latest innovations in the robotized disassembly/recycling of electric vehicle batteries, consumer electronics, metal industry, and ship recycling ol Information about the latest standards and regulations related to products (EV batteries, WEEE, etc…) EoL 2B) ol Preview the latest innovations in the robotized disassembly of electric vehicle batteries, electronics, and ships. ol Open issues and current technological limits of robotic disassembly. What are the current challenges of robotics and automation hindering more effective and reliable robotic disassembly? ol To network with people and partners who are researching the same topic. ol Discuss how to strengthen Europe’s battery manufacturing and recycling industry. ol Information about the latest standards and regulations related to products (EV batteries, WEEE, etc…) EoL. ol Is the current direction of robotic research the right way to improve the autonomy and flexibility required by the disassembly and sorting for recycling and remanufacturing? C) HORIZON-CL4-2021-RESILIENCE-01-04 call project REEPRODUCE project aims at setting up, for the first time, a resilient and complete European REEs-recycling value chain from EoL electronic products. ol Introduction: general advantages, the lookout on topic, opening and setting the scene (5 min) – Agata ol Impulse talks on applications: ol Electronics and electrical recycling (e-devices) (8 min) – Inaki ol Electric vehicle battery recycling (8 min) – Alireza ol Ship recycling (8 min)- TBD ol Application of machine vision for recycling (5 min) – Esmaeil ol Sum up the challenges and provide points of discussion for the interactive session (8 min) – Tero ol Group discussions: To do: Identify key research questions. Focus on: what are the key aspects in each sector? (40 min) – speakers above one per group at least ol Wrap-up (8 min) – Enrico


WS number: WS#46

Title: Science base BCI


WS number: WS#47

Title: (Sustainable) Robots in Public Environments: Advancements and Challenges

WS Content: Service robotics is at a stage where an extensive application in our everyday lives starts to become very likely. However, the question of what exactly the robotisation of public spaces will look like is still completely open, as it depends on a complex interplay of different technologies, economical and societal factors and of course researcher interest and funding. In this workshop, we would like to invite you to share your educated guesses and help sketch a timeline for the development of robots in public spaces. The discussion will entail, but won’t be limited to, the following aspects: Decisions: What does an everyday robot look like in 1, 5, 10 years? – Wheels vs. Legs – Specialized vs. Universal – Anthropomorphism vs. Functionalism – Local Computing vs. Cloud Computing – Teleoperation vs. Autonomy Which applications should we solve? What are the most valuable technical challenges to tackle? – What are the most valuable applications to target? – What can we solve today? – What are major hardware limitations? – Where do we need more R&D activities? – Where are we missing key concepts? – Any other bottlenecks?

Organisers: Paul Schweider, HFC Human-Factors-Consult GmbH, Martina Overbeck, FZI Forschungszentrum Informatik, Tristan Schnell, FZI Forschungszentrum Informatik, Laura Fiorini, University of Florence, Filippo Cavallo, University of Florence


WS number: WS#48

Title: Human-robot collaboration in industry 5.0: navigating acceptance, inclusion, safety, and ethics

WS Content: This dynamic workshop dives into the latest insights and initiatives regarding the impact of robotics on society, focusing explicitly on sustaining the balance between productivity gains and worker interests. It addresses designing inclusive human-robot collaborations, focusing on improving worker welfare, participation, and safety, preventing work-related illnesses, and supporting aging or disabled workers. Ethical implications, labor adaptation, and successful case studies of robot integration will also be discussed, highlighting challenges and best practices in creating socially sustainable, inclusive, and safe work environments. Finally, practical examples will be provided to enhance the acceptance of robotics across industries. Energetic talks and lively panel discussions are to be expected.

Organisers: dr. Shirley A. Elprama – imec-SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel – FARI – AI for the Common Good Institute, Belgium, dr. Milan Wolffgramm, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Clara Fischer, JOANNEUM RESEARCH ROBOTICS, Austria, dr. Gabriele Marchello, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), ItalyAgata Suwala, Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), UK, Carlo Weidemann, Institute of Mechanism Theory, Machine Dynamics and Robotics (RWTH Aachen University), Germany Co-Organisers / Speakers / Panelists dr. Cecilia Scoccia, Università Politecnica delle Marche, ilabs, Italy, Robin Kirschner, TU München, Germany, Alberto Landini, STAM, Italy prof. An Jacobs, imec – SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels Sophie Charlotte Keunecke, IGMR, RWTH Aachen University, Germany


WS number: WS#49

Title: Next-Gen Software Systems Engineering for Robotics and Automation: Towards future proof architectures, platforms, tools

WS Content: Elaborate latest trends in software-driven automation and delve into the cutting edge of software engineering for robotics Explore the latest trends and discuss the next steps including the opportunities of generative AI for next-gen development, configuration and deployment tools and platforms for robotics and automation Keynote talk by Geoffrey Biggs and insights and case studies from “voraus robotik GmbH”

Organisers: Christian Schlegel, Technische Hochschule Ulm, Julian Öltjen, voraus robotik GmbH, Arne Nordmann, Neura Robotics GmbH


WS number: WS#51

Title: Blockchain for Robotics Applications

WS Content: Details of the WS Robotic systems are beginning to transform various industries, including transportation and healthcare, facilitated by technical developments such as cloud computing, innovative hardware design, and new manufacturing techniques. Nonetheless, certain attributes that render robots suitable for specific future applications—such as autonomy, learning, and information sharing—may also provoke apprehensions over the transition of the technology from academic settings to the public domain. For example, managing the behavior of extensive teams of robots continues to provide distinct issues for human operators. Moreover, significant concerns over data privacy, security, and transparency may pose challenges for the future application of this technology in highly sensitive contexts. Consequently, addressing these challenges may be essential for widespread adoption. The blockchain, a nascent technology originating from digital currency, illustrates that by integrating peer-to-peer networks with cryptographic algorithms, participants can achieve consensus transparently without requiring a governing entity. Blockchain-based instruments, such as “smart contracts,” are demonstrating significant potential to enhance the security, autonomy, flexibility, and profitability of robotic operations. Consequently, connecting solely scientific fields with practical applications. Nonetheless, the opportunities presented by distributed ledger technology and web 3.0 for robotics, particularly in networked and swarm robotics, as well as robotics for smart cities and smart supply chains, remain largely unrecognized. We contend that there remains inadequate understanding of the emerging sciences and technologies associated with blockchain, distributed ledger, and web 3.0 settings, particularly regarding their application to robotic systems where trust, privacy, and cybersecurity are essential. This workshop aims to address this gap and empower participating academics, people from industry, and entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs to transcend the traditional perspective of robotic systems, so enhancing our comprehension of the potential and constraints of integrating robots with blockchain technology.

Organisers: Organiser_1 Fabio, Bonsignorio, University of Zagreb FER and Heron Robots


WS number: WS#52

Title: 6G empowering future robotics nanTrack (do not change) Communication

WS Content: Details of the WS 1. Robotic requirements: what are the human and robot interaction and communication and sensing requirements and how to measure them 2. Robotic use case scenarios: which robotic use case domains have the potential to significantly be enhanced by 6G enabling tech? Key domains including Agriculture, Healthcare, Industrial Robotics, Logistics and Transport, Assisted Living, Space, Construction, Inspection & maintenance, Aerial robotics, Automation and navigation, and Harsh environment. For example, for the case of Aerial robotics: • How can 6G networks support long distance operations at low level altitude (below 120 meters above ground)? • Can 6G networks provide accurate positioning to complement GNSS-based positions? • How can 6G networks provide edge computing resources on the network to implement high demand AI-based algorithms with aerial robots in real-time and for safety critical functionalities? 3. Lessons learned for networked robotics: What are the key connectivity-related lessons learned from commercial deployments of networked robotics systems? 4. Enabling technologies: what are the main elements that may allow us to achieve the challenging requirements? How can robotic technologies improve the performance of 6G networks and vice versa? 5. New features from 6G: What are the new/enhanced features introduced by 6G which are essential for robotic industries? 6. AI techniques’ Privacy and Ethical consideration: what are the considerations for AI models and techniques for processing multimodal information collected either by cameras on the robot or 6G sensing in the edge/cloud? 7. Standards: Route for 6G research outputs for standardisation and challenges, cross SDOs collaboration for harmonised and interoperable standards.

Organisers: Organiser_1 euRobotics Telerobotics TG [Karol Janik] Standards TG [Paolo Barattini] Aerial Robotics TG [Antidio Viguria Jiménez] Inspection & Maintenance TG [Aksel A. Transeth] [TBC] Organiser_2 one6G association WG1: 6G and robotics (WI102) -Daniel Gordon (HWDU)/Mohammad Shikh-Bahaei (KCL) WG2: > Multimodal sensing, communication and control for 6G remote operation (WI213) Periklis Chatzimisios (IHU)/Ana Garcia Armada (UC3M) /Mona Ghassemian (Huawei) > 6G-empowered robotics (WI216)- Mona Ghassemian (Huawei)/Kaspar ALthoefer (QMUL)* WG4 Testbed and demonstration WI403 – Youssef Nasser (Greenwave)/Joseph Eichinger (Huawei) WG3 Dissemination- Albena Mihovska (SmartAvatar)/Xueli An (HWDU) [* one6G WI216 whitepaper is planned to be released at the Workshop]


WS number: WS#53

Title: robotics strategy

WS Content: Details of the WS fill follow soon

Organisers: will follow soon etc.


WS number: WS#54

Title: reserved slot – details to follow

WS Content: Details of the WS will follow

Organisers: Organiser details fill follow etc.


WS number: WS#55

Title: CS4R – Cybersecurity for Robotics

WS Content: Details of the WS

Organisers: Endika Gil Uriarte (ALIAS ROBOTICS) Nuria Carrillo Martín (ALIAS ROBOTICS)


WS number: WS#57

Title: Robotics in the pharma industry: from drug discovery to drug delivery

WS Content: The pharmaceutical industries, and life sciences more generally, play an important role in our quality of life and economic prosperity. However, the use of robotics has been quite limited due to missing capability. In this workshop, we bring together perspectives from both the industrial robots and lab robotics TGs to identify and address the challenges. Speakers and panellists are from End-users, Research, and academic communities (details provided in the sections below). Tech developers, suppliers, engineering community already expressed interest in participating in the workshop discussions

Organisers: Radhika Gudipati, ARIA, Patrick Courtney, tec-connection Karol Janik, MTC


WS number: WS#58

Title: Perceiving unknown and deformable objects in logistics and service robotics

Organisers: Michael Suppa, Roboception, Florian Toeper, Mercedes-Benz Ashok Meenakshi Sundaram, DLR


WS number: WS#59

Title: National and regional structures


WS number: WS#60

Title: Bioinspired Robotics for Bridging Natural and Artificial Intelligence

WS Content:

Organisers: Prof. Dr. Florian Röhrbein, Neurorobotics, Chemnitz University of Technology (Germany), Dr. Pablo Lanillos, Neuro AI and Robotics group, Spanish National Research Council, Dr. Iñaki Fernández, Industrial and Digital Systems, Fundación CARTIF (Spain), Dr. Marvin Wright, Strathclyde University (Scotland, UK) Prof. Dr. Poramate Manoonpong, SDU Biorobotics, University of Southern Denmark (Denmark)


WS number: WS#61

Title: Democratizing safe human-robot collaborations on industrial shop floors

WS Content: The democratization of safe human-robot collaboration involves efficiently and simply designing risk assessment processes while considering the diverse needs of various user groups. The following points will be discussed in this workshop: Robotics for everyone: Addressing worker’s diversity in the safe design of Human-Robot-Collaboration (age, gender, disabilities) Upcoming challenges of robot safety: Need for fast reconfigurability, easy adaptation to new tasks, adaptable or automated CE Potential solution: Use of intelligent software tools that guide users through risk assessment and risk reduction, automatically identify optimal safety parameters, facilitate a dynamic electronic CE certification, and also provide methods for evaluating safety functions that include AI Explore currently existing approaches and tools and discuss future potential; identify requirements for further development of such tools from end-user perspective Robotics for inclusion ·Diversity in Robot Safety: Integrating gender and diversity aspects in current safety requirements and design guidelines for HRC Hazards in human-robot collaborations: studies on new injury thresholds, key learnings on the diversity of injury severity Robotic solutions for worker support: relieve overstraining, prevent work-related illnesses, and compensate for age-related changes or disabilities, exoskeletons in production Semi-automatic and user-oriented safety: how existing tools can be further developed to meet the diversity in industrial shop floors

Organisers: Roland Behrens (Fraunhofer IFF) – Germany, Theo Jacobs (Fraunhofer IPA) – Germany, Clara Fischer (JOANNEUM RESEARCH ROBOTICS) – Austria, Cecilia Scoccia (Universita  Politecnica delle Marche, ilabs) – Italy, Robin Kirschner (TU Munchen) – Germany