The RobotORRI project is a bold initiative designed to advance the robotics ecosystem in Southeast Europe by building a more inclusive, collaborative, and innovative environment. The project focuses on enhancing research capabilities, fostering meaningful industry partnerships, and integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles into robotics development and implementation. By addressing key challenges and promoting open and responsible research and innovation (ORRI), RobotORRI aims to contribute significantly to societal advancement, economic development, and the sustainable application of robotics technology to solve real-world problems.
Project Objectives
1. Mapping and Engaging the Robotics Community:
The first objective is to conduct a thorough mapping and outreach effort across Southeast Europe to identify and connect with robotics researchers, students, and innovators. This process will involve understanding their focus areas and skills, laying the foundation for capacity-building programs to strengthen the region’s robotics research community.
2. Building Research and Innovation Capacity:
To address the gaps and opportunities identified through the mapping exercise, RobotORRI will develop and deliver workshops and training sessions that cover key topics such as open innovation practices, research ethics, gender considerations, societal impacts, and the commercialization of research. This capacity-building initiative aims to equip participants with the necessary skills to excel in academic and industrial settings.
3. Enhancing Industry Engagement:
Recognizing the importance of industry collaboration, the project will conduct market scouting to identify key industry partners in robotics application domains. Tailored training sessions will be offered to industry managers to educate them on the benefits and implementation of open innovation practices. Additionally, RobotORRI will work closely with industry partners to define specific robotics-based challenges that align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and address real-world needs.
4. Facilitating Networking and Knowledge Exchange:
RobotORRI will organize a series of events, including networking days, interactive workshops, and the “RobotORRI Café,” a unique platform for dialogue and collaboration. These events will engage researchers, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and the public in meaningful discussions on social and industrial challenges.
5. Promoting Open and Responsible Research and Innovation:
The project aims to strengthen the understanding and implementation of ORRI principles among researchers and industry professionals. This will be achieved through training, mentorship, and the development of enabling conditions at an institutional level, such as supportive policies and reward systems for ORRI integration.
Activities and Actions
To achieve these objectives, RobotORRI will implement a series of strategic activities:
- Comprehensive Mapping and Outreach: A targeted outreach campaign will identify and engage over 100 robotics-related researchers, students, and innovators within the first three months. This will help establish a solid foundation for capacity-building programs.
- Workshops and Training Sessions: At least seven structured workshops and training sessions will focus on open innovation, ethical research practices, societal impacts, gender equity, and transitioning research into market applications. The goal is to achieve an 85% participant satisfaction rate regarding the inclusivity and relevance of the sessions.
- Market Scouting and Industry Engagement: The project will identify at least ten key industry partners and organize seven tailored training sessions within the first six months. Collaboration with industry partners will lead to the development of five market-driven robotics-focused challenges aligned with SDGs.
- Networking Days and the RobotORRI Café: Three major networking events, seven workshops, and interactive sessions will be organized to foster knowledge exchange and promote EU funding opportunities and public research infrastructure. The RobotORRI Café will host workshops and public debates featuring keynote speakers, demonstrations, and discussions on robotics technology’s societal and industrial applications.
- Promotion and Dissemination: Regular updates on RobotORRI’s achievements, capacity-building initiatives, and the effectiveness of networking activities will be disseminated through various channels, including partners’ websites, social media, and newsletters. The project will also contribute tools and best practices to reinforce the ORRI community’s resources.
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Robotics
The project aims to significantly enhance the understanding and implementation of Open and Responsible Research and Innovation (ORRI) among researchers and industry professionals through a comprehensive capacity-building program. This program includes workshops, online modules, and mentorship, equipping participants (researchers and industry players) with practical tools to integrate ORRI principles into their projects.
RobotORRI invites researchers, industry leaders, students, innovators, and policymakers across Southeast Europe to join us in transforming the regional robotics landscape. By joining RobotORRI, you will have the opportunity to elevate your expertise, expand your networks, discover new opportunities for innovation and growth, and join our interactive sessions and networking events to explore the latest in robotics technology.
Get Involved Today!
RobotORRI Challenges
Bosch future mobility challenge
The Bosch Future Mobility Challenge is an international technical competition launched by the Bosch Engineering Center in Cluj in 2017.
Grundfos challenge
Grundfos is looking for an automated solution for the condenser installation process in its pump assembly lines.
Cosmic challenge
Cosmic wants to automate the process of assembling wall panels.
Unipromet challenge
Unipromet wants replacement of manual manipulation by the introduction of robotization of the process.
ABB Robo Challenge
Each year, the competition invites student teams to solve a real-world industrial challenge with guidance from robotics engineers throughout the event.
RobotORRI Tool
About RobotORRI Challenge TOOL
This online tool is designed to strengthen and facilitate communication between industry and academia by providing a structured way to define and address industrial challenges, or in other words, fascilitate open innovation. Through the sections below, you will find all the elements needed to better understand your opportunity for collaboration with academic resources. The tool guides both innovators as well as challenge owners in identifying the required information, knowledge, and expertise, enabling you to clearly assess your current situation and easily define a specific challenge. In doing so, you can effectively leverage academic capabilities and resources to address your industrial needs and drive innovation.
Project partners
