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Questions to be answered

This session is honoring organizations and teams leading the way with innovative solutions and transformative practices, showcasing their contributions to inspiring the global robotics community toward a sustainable tomorrow. The focus is on two key topics:

• Robots for Sustainability: How can we use/deploy robots to support sustainability?
• Sustainability of Robots: How can we make (and use) robots themselves sustainably?

Description

Robots have significant potential to support sustainability, contributing to efforts such as combating climate change, improving recycling, reducing manufacturing waste, and transforming social applications. As demand for robotics grows, it becomes essential to ensure that their production and disposal are aligned with sustainable practices. Addressing the long-term sustainability of robotic technologies is complex and requires careful consideration to avoid negative environmental impacts. Sustainability, as defined by the 1987 Brundtland Report, emphasizes intergenerational equity—ensuring that current generations meet their needs without compromising future generations’ ability to do the same. It also stresses the importance of balancing three core elements: economic growth, environmental protection, and social inclusion. These principles are foundational to the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which address pressing global challenges and aim to create a more sustainable future for all. Integrating sustainability into robotics can drive innovation and contribute to a healthier planet and a more equitable society.

The "Sustainability Leadership Recognition in Robotics" initiative has been launched to highlight and celebrate sustainability efforts within the robotics community. This session aims to inspire others by recognizing innovations that address sustainability challenges through robotics and acknowledging those who are leading the way in integrating sustainable practices into the development and deployment of robotic technologies.

Organisation of the WS

• 14:00 – 14:05 Opening comments by the organisers
• 14:05 - 14:10 The ARIA Travel Award
• 14:10 - 14:50 Impulse Talks and Panel Discussion: Robotics & Sustainability: Balancing Environmental, Social & Economic Sustainability
• Impulse Talk 1: Samudra Ocean by Joyeeta Da, Founder and CEO
• Impulse Talk 2: Trovador by Sebastião Mendonça and Marta Augusta Freire Bernardino, Co-Founders
• Impulse Talk 3: Laboratory of Sustainability Robotics Empa and EPFL by Prof. Mirko Kovac, Head of Laboratory of Sustainability Robotics
• Impulse Talk 4: TRUST by Eleonora Storto, Founder TRUST / School of Advanced Studies Sant’Anna Pisa
• Impulse Talk 5: System Design for Optimized Operations of a Fleet of Autonomous Urban Service Robots by Abhishek Gupta, Research Associate (Post Doc) and Project Manager at TU Berlin
• 14:50 - 15:20 Impulse Talks and Panel Discussion: Robots & the Circular Economy: Recycling, Reuse & Beyond
• Impulse Talk 1: AI-Powered Robotics for Safe and Efficient EV Battery Recycling by Dr Alireza Rastegarpanah, Senior Robotic Scientist/Co-Founder of the National Sustainable Robotic Centre
• Impulse Talk 2: RENÉE - Flexible Remanufacturing Using AI and Advanced Robotics for Circular Value Chains in EU Industry by Christos Gkournelos (Project Coordinator), LMS
• Impulse Talk 3: Circular Robotics for Sustainable Waste Management by Dr. Fotios Konstantinidis, ICCS

Intended outcome

This session will honor organizations and teams that are making a significant impact through innovative robotic solutions focused on environmental, social, and economic sustainability. By showcasing these efforts, we aim to inspire further commitment to sustainability within the robotics community.

Speakers, Panelists, etc

Shortlisted candidates who will present their sustainability journeys will be announced in week

Speakers and Panelists

• Joyeeta Da, Founder and CEO, Samudra Ocean
• Sebastião Mendonça and Marta Augusta Freire Bernardino, Co-Founders, Trovador
• Prof. Mirko Kovac, Head of Laboratory of Sustainability Robotics Empa and EPFL
• Eleonora Storto, Founder TRUST / School of Advanced Studies Sant’Anna Pisa
• Dr Alireza Rastegarpanah, Senior Robotic Scientist/Co-Founder of the National Sustainable Robotic Centre
• Abhishek Gupta, Research Associate (Post Doc) and Project Manager at TU Berlin
• Christos Gkournelos (Project Coordinator), LABORATORY FOR MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS and AUTOMATION (LMS)
• Dr. Fotios Konstantinidis, Industry 5.0 & Smart Manufacturing – I-SENSE Research Division, ICCS

Moderators

• Franziska Kirstein, Three Robotics
• Sharath Chandra Akkaladevi (PROFACTOR GmbH)

Topic Groups and/or Innovation networks involved

TG Sustainability

Projects involved

The initiative is supported by ARIA and euRobotics.

Empowering the Underrepresented in Robotics

Many talented individuals in robotics face barriers to participation due to financial constraints, limiting diversity and innovation in the field. This initiative supports underrepresented groups by providing opportunities to engage, contribute, and thrive in the robotics community. Thus, an exclusive opportunity awaits two applicants who can benefit from:

ARIA Travel Awards

Each of the two selected applicants will have the chance to receive a 500 Euro travel award supported by ARIA https://www.aria.org.uk/

European Robotics Forum Access

The two applicants will also receive free access tickets (one each) to the European Robotics Forum 2025 supported by euRobotics.

Further information

Find the call for applicants here: https://www.roboticsforsustainability.eu/post/robotics-sustainability-leadership-recognition-at-erf-2025

Organisers

• Franziska Kirstein (Three Robotics), Franziska.Kirstein@gmail.com
• Sharath Chandra Akkaladevi (PROFACTOR GmbH) Sharath.Akkaladevi@profactor.at