Main questions to be answered: 

· Challenges in the automotive manufacturing industry, and why industrial robots cannot resolve these issues, and why cobots can provide better solutions. We will discuss from safety, working efficiency, costs and social acceptability aspects. 

· Industry 5.0 and the increasing attention of human-robot interaction accelerates the adoption of cobots. The EU regulations and proposal from large European carmakers have promoted the development of cobots. 

· What is holding back SMEs from adopting cobots – hard to evaluate payback time, unable to reduce human operators after introducing cobots, and low operational speed. Several practical Japanese SMEs will be listed as examples for people to discuss. 

WS Description: This session aims to let people understand the evolving technology – cobots. The current manufacturing industry is facing significant challenges such as low-volume high mix manufacturing, more differentiation from the products, bringing human operators back to manufacturing, and enhancing the productivity of SMEs. 

Intended outcome: Workshop discussion topics of common interest, success stories, use cases, etc, Workshop on recent developments in technology or applications, Workshops engaging non-roboticists to understand needs/goals (policy, commercial, technical), Workshop expected to create a roadmap or white paper 

Approach: 1-5 minutes: Personal introduction and an overview of the presentation topic 

5-30 minutes: PowerPoint presentation on the topic covering key technology transitions, policy impacts, and recent developments of collaborative robots in the automotive manufacturing industries in and outside Europe. In the middle of the presentation, there will be some interactive tools such as an online survey tool for collecting people’s opinions and discussing them openly. 

30-45 minutes: Q&A session, there will be an interactive poll asking for a quick survey, and the answers will be discussed. 

Contributors: Yulin Wang 

Further information: Collaborative Robots (Cobots) 2023-2043: Technologies, Players & Markets: https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-report/collaborative-robots-cobots-2023-2043-technologies-players-and-markets/888 

Service Robots 2022-2032: Technologies, Players & Markets: ht 

Organisers: 

· Yulin Wang, y.wang@idtechex.com, IDTechEx

Areas mainly addressed: Robotics and AI/Big Data Value, B2B and innovation, Autonomy, Collaborative Robots and cloud robotics, Regulation and Standardization for Robotics and AI, Control technology including virtualisation and edge/cloud 

Main questions to be answered: 

· What are key needs of underground autonomous mining for wireless 5G technology? 

· What are the current performance capabilities of 5G technology in underground mining environment? 

· What are the latent benefits of 5G technology in underground automated mining? 

WS Description: 5G Wireless Information Communication for Autonomous Mining. Needs for wireless information communication in underground automated mining are discussed. Capabilities of 5G technology are introduced. New technology solutions for 5G communication are to be presented and demonstrated. Experimental results of autonomous mining machine experiment in 5G network are presented. Interactive working part with the audience will be arranged. 

Intended outcome: Workshop covering material new to ERF that the Robotics community should engage with, Information about community involvement and services offered (e.g. DIHs, open calls, platforms, …), Novel format (e.g. interactive matchmaking session for technologies and applications), Workshop discussion topics of common interest, success stories, use cases, etc, Workshops engaging non-roboticists to understand needs/goals (policy, commercial, technical), Workshop on recent developments in technology or applications 

Approach: 5G Wireless Information Communication for Autonomous Mining. Expert introductory presentations from top researchers and key technology companies. Demonstration of new technology solutions of 5G network (Nokia Digital Twin, Satel 5G router). Presentation of 5G wireless communication for autonomous mining machine. Presentation and demos of autonomous mining machinery. Interactive workshop with audience. 

Contributors: Rauno Heikkilä, University of Oulu. Daniel Pakkala, VTT. Kirsi Leppä and/or Vesa Välitalo, Nokia. Heikki Keränen, Satel. Miika Kaski, Sandvik. 

Further information: https://cris.vtt.fi/en/projects/next-generation-mining 

Organisers: 

· Rauno Heikkilä, rauno.heikkila@oulu.fi, University of Oulu

· Daniel Pakkala, daniel.pakkala@vtt.fi, VTT Techical Researc Center of Finland 

· KirsiLeppä, kirsi.leppa@nokia.com, Nokia 

· Heikki Keränen, heikki.keranen@satel.com, Satel Oy

Autonomous Low-Emission Swarm of Infra Construction Machinery, Tot 

Areas mainly addressed: Robotics and AI/Big Data Value, B2B and innovation, Net Zero/Sustainability, Autonomy, Collaborative Robots and cloud robotics 

Main questions to be answered: 

· The main research question is how to research and develop open “Building Information Modelling” (BIM) -based automation and robotics for construction of infrastructures and buildings. 

· How can we utilize “building BIM” in building construction automation? How can we utilize “infra BIM” in infrastructure construction automation? Should current BIM concepts and guidelines be changed to enable integration to automation and robotics? 

WS Description: BIM in Construction Robotics. The workshop will focus on the recent development and achievements in the field of BIM-based automation and robotics in construction. The focus is in the integration of open BIM with more and more autonomous construction machine control. Examples of BIM-based robotics systems will be introduced both from infrastructure and building construction areas. 

Intended outcome: Workshop discussion topics of common interest, success stories, use cases, etc, Workshop on recent developments in technology or applications, Workshop covering material new to ERF that the Robotics community should engage with, Workshops engaging non-roboticists to understand needs/goals (policy, commercial, technical), Workshop expected to create a roadmap or white paper, Information about community involvement and services offered (e.g. DIHs, open calls, platforms, …) 

Approach: The workshop will focus on the recent development and achievements in the field of BIM in construction robotics. The utilization of BIM in more and more autonomous machine control, together with new means and technologies to control emissions, and real-time cloud service systems will be illustrated, demonstrated and discussed. The organizers and speakers are top level members of research institutions and companies service providers. 

This workshop will guide researchers through the many features so that we can discuss ways for them to benefit from our platform in their research. We also want to obtain feedback on our development by identifying strengths and weaknesses in discussions and guided hands-on sessions. 

Contributors: Masahiri Indo, Shimizu Corporation, Japan. Donato Greco, Hilti Denmark. Prof., Dr. Sigrid Brell-Cokcan, RWTH Aachen DE. Peter Sjöberg, Volvo Construction Equipment. Unicontrol, DK. Possible other. 

Further information: https://www.research.fi/en/results/funding/33475 

Organisers: 

· Rauno Heikkilä, rauno.heikkila@oulu.fi, University of Oulu

· Tanja Kolli, tanja.kolli@oulu.fi, University of Oulu 

· ChristianSchlette, chsch@mmmi.sdu.dk, University of Southern Denmark

Main questions to be answered: 

· What are the main scientific/technical challenges for robotic applications in planetary/space exploration in comparison to terrestrial, mobile field robots? 

· How can the collaboration and exchange between the different space and field robot stakeholders in the EU be improved to enable a sustainable, joint ongoing development for space applications? 

WS Description: Over the last years interest in robotics for space exploration has reached an all-time high and many companies and research institutions have created and taken part in international challenges and realistic analogue missions. The developments are impressive but can often not directly contribute to state of the artstate-of-the-art advances in the field. 

This workshop will, on the one hand, allow for various parties, from both research and industry, to give an overview over their current approaches and results. On the other hand, it will discuss the major technical challenges in robotic space exploration, robot autonomy and how we can improve collaboration between the different stakeholders. 

We expect this workshop to create new collaborations and a joint white paper with the technical and organizational challenges for collaborative research in robotic space exploration. 

Intended outcome: Workshop on recent developments in technology or applications, Workshop expected to create a roadmap or white paper, Workshop discussion topics of common interest, success stories, use cases, etc 

Approach: Motivation and Introduction <10min>: 

* Arne Roennau: Motivation, introduction and presentation of questions and goals of workshop 

Short scientific / technical pitches on field experiences <5-10 min each>: 

* Prof. Dr. Miguel Olivares-Mendez – “ROS 2 multi-robot collaboration for Lunar exploration” 

* Dr. Armin Wedler – “First Results from the ARCHES analoge Campaign – Common campaigns as good exchange for EU members in planetary exploration” 

* Dr. Hendrik Kolvenbach – “Towards legged robots for planetary exploration” 

* Tristan Schnell – “Autonomous Robots on the Moon – Multirobot Exploration of new Frontiers” 

* Dr. Krzysztof Walas – “The role of students’ competitions in the progress of space robotics” 

* Dr. Matt Cross 

Interactive discussion with Miro-Board: Main scientific and technical challenges <10min> 

Interactive discussion with Miro-Board: How to improve collaboration <15min> 

Contributors: Tristan Schnell, Junior Scientist and Team Lead for ESA Space Robotics Challenge at FZI Research Center for Information Technology – confirmed 

Prof. Dr. Miguel Olivares-Mendez, Head of the Space Robotics (SpaceR) Research Group at University of Luxembourg – confirmed 

Dr. Matt Cross, Senior Systems Engineer and Team Lead for ESA Space Robotics Challenge at Mission Control Space Services Inc – confirmed 

Dr. Hendrik Kolvenbach, Senior Scientist and Team Lead for ESA Space Robotics Challenge at ETH Zurich – confirmed 

Grzegorz Gawdzik, Project Manager and Team Lead for ESA Space Robotics Challenge at Łukasiewicz – PIAP Institute – invited 

Dr. Thomas Krüger, Team Lead and Lead Developer at ESA Human Robot Interaction Lab – invited 

Dr. Krzysztof Walas, Assistant Professor at Poznan University of Technology and Co-Organizer of European Rover Challenge – confirmed 

Dr. Armin Wedler, Research Scientist and Project Lead for DLR-Arches at German Aerospace Center (DLR) – confirmed 

Organisers: 

· Arne Rönnau, roennau@fzi.de, FZI

· Tristan Schnell, schnell@fzi.de, FZ

Areas mainly addressed: Maintenance and Inspection, Robotics and AI/Big Data Value, Autonomy, Collaborative Robots and cloud robotics, Control technology including virtualisation and edge/cloud, Robotics for nuclear industry 

Main questions to be answered: 

· What robotic applications are perspective in future nuclear industry ?dustry 

· What properties should have robots for the new nuclear industry ? 

· How perspective is autonomy or AI in the loop in robotics for nuclear industry ? 

WS Description: This workshop supports the Harsh Environment Robotics TG, following successful workshops at ERF 2016 – 2022 (64 participants in 2022). 

There is a strong interest from again growing nuclear industry to extend use of robots in extreme environments where it is unsafe to use human workers. This couples together a very wide range of robotics research with a strong industrial economic demand, and major societal and ethical importance. 

Our motivation is to continue the strong ERF communication between roboticists and the senior representatives and policy makers of nuclear industry. 

Cases like Chernobyl and Fukushima, are showing that abilities of present-day robots are still significantly limited. 

That is why sharing of experience about successful solutions, information about perspective new technologies and identification of new gaps for research will be the main outcome of the WS. 

Intended outcome: Novel format (e.g. interactive matchmaking session for technologies and applications), Workshop discussion topics of common interest, success stories, use cases, etc, Workshop covering material new to ERF that the Robotics community should engage with, Workshop expected to create a roadmap or white paper, Workshop on recent developments in technology or applications 

Approach: WS is planned for 80min 

The workshop will start with 3-4 presentations . The aim of these presentations is: 

– to identify current problems in nuclear industry which could be solved by new robotic technologies (presented by expert from nuclear industry) 

– to show some ways of up to date robotic solutions (presenters from industrial and research institutions) 

– to show possibilities of new robotic technologies comprising AI, multisensoric perception, IOT, etc. 

This should act as „food for thought“ and start off the discussion. 

Then audience will be split into the following subgroups according to application areas, i.e. newly buildt nuclear power plants (NPPs), decommissioned NPPs and accidents in NPPs. 

Each subgroup will put together the main problems and gaps for future research and also for MAR preparation. 

The following panel discussion will go deeper into the problem and provide certain synergy and cross fertilisation of subgroups. We will also utilize the possibility to bring together speakers and audience from both industry and academia/research via internal communication in our TG. 

The last part of discussion will be dedicated to ideas for the next activities of TG „Harsh Environment Robotics“ 

Agenda: 

– 00:00 – 00:05 Introduction by the moderators 

– 00:05 – 00:45 Short presentations 

– 00:45 – 00:55 Subgroups discussion 

– 00:55 – 01:15 Panel discussion 

– 01:15 – 01:20 Conclusions for the roadmapping process under Horizon Europe and the next activities of our TG 

Contributors: Joel Vanden Bosch (Cybernetix) – confirmed 

Rustam Stolkin (University of Birmingham) – confirmed 

Steve Shackleford (National Nuclear Lab) – invited 

Peter Gerhart (JAVYS) – confirmed 

Organisers: 

· Ladislav Vargovcik, ladislav.vargovcik@tuke.sk, Technical University of Kosice

· Rustam Stolkin, R.Stolkin@bham.ac.uk, University of Birmingham 

· JoelVanden Bosch, jvandenbosch@alsymex-alcen.com, ALSYMEX 

· Stephen Shackleford, stephen.g.shackleford@uknnl.com, National Nuclear Laboratory

Organizers

Juha Röning juha.roning@oulu.fi University of Oulu

Jari Joutsenvaara jari.joutsenvaara@oulu.fi Kerttu Saalasti Institute University of Oulu

Rauno Heikkilä rauno.heikkila@oulu.fi University of Oulu

Objective and expected outcome

Space is the final frontier for humankind. This workshop will focus on the technical and non- technical requirements for robotics and autonomous systems for the future Lunar Lunar settlements. Multidisciplinary International Moon Assessment Group and Callio SpaceLab are working on the possible locations for the moon base(s) and testing the technologies in an Analogue Lunar environment.

The Lunar settlers heavily rely on robotics and autonomous machinery to utilise the resources on the moon to build the shelters shielding from the harsh environment, build and maintain the infrastructure and life-support systems, and interact naturally with the settlers. As the moon is a rather remote testing ground, all these, including the human-machine interaction, need to be trained in safe analogue environments here on Earth.

The workshop takes a real-world application-oriented approach, inviting presenters from industry and academia with practical applications and facilitating open discussion.

The results of the workshop can be used for planning research programs, finding partnerships to solve identified problems and gaps and to produce development roadmaps for research and development.

Agenda

15:55-16:00 Juha Röning, Professor, University of Oulu Introduction to the workshop

16:00-16:15, Piero D’Incecco, planetary geologist, Arctic Planetary Science Institute Space research and missions

16:15-16:30, Marc Heemskerk, exogeologist, ICEE.Space Experiences from analogue environments

16:30-16:45 Giuseppe Calabrese, Senior Engineer, IRSPS
Design principles and considerations from earth for surface structures on Mars.

16:45-16:55 Ignacy Kraciuk, Mechanical Engineer at PIAP Space, From In Orbit Robotics to Lunar Colonisation by PIAP Space

16:55-17:15 Interactive workshop session on three topics (Open café)
1) Robotics are widely adapted here on Earth on various tasks. From your field of expertise, what could be the biggest possibilities in integration robots into space settlements? What could be the biggest risks?
2) What are the biggest advances in robotics still needed for safe, socially acceptable robots for space exploration? How far we are from full integration of robotics cooperation with human explorers?
3) Would you be interested in pushing forward with your expertise to bring the space exploration into reality?

Intro of speakers and topic

Juha Röning, Introduction to the workshop, University of Oulu

Piero D’Incecco, Planetary geologist, Arctic Planetary Science Institute Space research and missionshttps://planetaryscience.fi/members/piero-dincecco/

Marc Heemskerk, Exogeologist, ICEE.Space Experiences from analogue environments

Marc is an exogeologist from the Netherlands, specializing in Moon and Mars In-Situ-Resource- Utilization (ISRU) and analogue astronautic field campaigns. During his BSc. in Earth Sciences, Marc constructed concrete building blocks from lunar and Martian analogue soils. These blocks have proven to be extremely weather-resistant and yield compressive strengths large enough to support multi-story houses, even under Earth’s gravity. After his experience as one of the two Dutch student coordinators for the pilot of IGLUNA, he was selected as the Lead Scientist for the EMMIHS-III mission at the HI-SEAS base in Hawaii. Here, he used a revolutionary technique to find and explore lava tubes, without having to descend into them.

Since 2018, Marc has been working on prototyping analogue mission inside Icelandic lava tubes and other subsurface spaces. As a co-founder of the space start-up ICEE.Space, Marc has now successfully led 3 analogue missions in two CHILL-ICE campaigns, which saw crews of 3 astronauts survive inside a portable habitat, deployed completely in-simulation, inside a lava tube. The goal of these missions is to investigate the research potential and see to what degree these natural caves form the ‘ideal protection’ often expected from them.

With his research projects in space-analogue environments, he aims to aid lunar human habitation from an ISRU-perspective in a safe, efficient, and innovative manner. From into the Earth, to into the universe!

Giuseppe Calabrese, Senior Engineer, IRSPS
Design principles and considerations from earth for surface structures on Mars.

Giuseppe Calabrese is currently a senior engineer at IRSPS and a PhD student in Earth & Planetary Sciences at the University of ‘G.d’Annunzio’ Pescara in Italy, he has recently completed ISU SHSSP22 sponsored by ASI Agenzia Spaziale Italiana and is a recent winner of the Mars City Design 2020 Challenge Urban Farming for Extreme Environments sponsored by NASA and ESA. His formation was as an architect and has worked extensively on earth buildings in Saudi Arabia publishing on the subject of earth. ESA is evaluating his latest proposal for science activities on the Moon. He is currently working on his PhD studying habitats for the Moon and Mars and the possibility of utilizing the in-situ resources for shelter together with growing interiors with bio materials.

In terms of the talk: Design principles and considerations from earth for surface structures on Mars. I’d start with illustrations from our earthbuildings on earth go through some considerations of Mars’ environment up to considerations for building on Mars. Then illustrate a 3 minute animation of the competition and go into the technical drawing

Ignacy Kraciuk, Mechanical Engineer at PIAP Space,
From In Orbit Robotics to Lunar Colonisation by PIAP Space

Ignacy is developing the Multipurpose Gripper for In Orbit Servicing. The device is intended to be mounted as end effector on a robotic manipulator and provides main activities needed for satellite repairs. The gripper is equipped with gripping claws and set of interchangeable end tools which increase the repair capabilities. The development is carried on under the project “Orbita” funded by The National Centre for Research and Development.

PIAP Space is an aerospace company dedicated to space-related industry activities that have been ESA contractor since its conception. Currently, the company specialises in development of robotic solutions for space applications, especially on-orbit satellite servicing, active debris removal and human-robot interaction. Its product portfolio includes manipulators, end- effectors, vision systems and mechanical ground support equipment. The development strategy aims also for lunar robotics. PIAP Space products verified and tested in orbit will be adapted to the planetary environment.

Areas mainly addressed: Maintenance and Inspection, Autonomy, Collaborative Robots and cloud robotics, Logistics and Urban Air Mobility applications 

Main questions to be answered: 

· Which are the main challenges that prevent the increment of long-range applications with aerial robots? 

· Which are the main aerial robotics technologies that could have a major impact in long range applications? 

· What is preventing to already have more autonomous aerial robots in real applications? 

WS Description: Recent drone market studies highlight that long-range applications are the ones that will growth more in the future. For these long-range applications, autonomy is a relevant technology, not only from the business case point of view, but also to increase the safety level of the operations. Then, this workshop will be focused on how aerial robotics technologies can support the development of long-range applications. For that reason, we count with three highly technological European SMEs that will explain their experience with highly autonomous drones and long-range operations. Also, the workshop will include interaction with end-users to understand the real needs from this new sector. Finally, it is important that the workshop is promoted by the Aerial Robotics TG and its content and conclusions will be disseminated to all their members. 

Intended outcome: Workshop covering material new to ERF that the Robotics community should engage with, Workshop on recent developments in technology or applications, Workshop discussion topics of common interest, success stories, use cases, etc 

Approach: 00:00-00:05 Introduction by the moderator (Antidio Viguria –CATEC) of the challenges of highly autonomous aerial robots and long range applications 

00:05-00:20 Donecle (Matthieu Claybrough) will explain their novel close range inspection applications with fully autonomous aerial robots 

00:20-00:35 Fuvex (Carlos Matilla) will explain current long range operations for powerline inspections 

00:35-00:50 FlyingBasket (Miguel Ladrón) will present their experience in longe range applications in urban areas 

00:50-01:20 Round table, moderated by Anibal Ollero (USE) with all the speakers about the use of aerial robotics in long range applications (including questions from the audience). 

Contributors: In this workshop we count with three highly technological European SME focused on aerial robotics. 

Matthieu Claybrough (Donecle) 

Carlos Matilla (Fuvex) 

Miguel Ladrón (FlyingBasket) 

The three of them have confirmed their presence. 

Organisers: 

· Antidio Viguria, aviguria@catec.aero, CATEC

· Anibal Ollero, aollero@us.es, University of Seville

Areas mainly addressed: Maintenance and Inspection, Robotics and AI/Big Data Value, Autonomy, Collaborative Robots and cloud robotics 

Main questions to be answered: 

· How marine robotics is and will be able to improve operations in the energy sector? 

· Which are the most promising technologies in this field? 

· Which are the most difficult challenges to be solved? 

WS Description: Oceans represent a huge source of energy. Offshore oil and gas extraction account for 37 per and 28 per cent of global production, respectively. Novel energy production methods, such as wind turbines, have been rapidly deployed. 

Robotics has been widely used to support these activities. Traditionally, remotely operated vehicles have been employed in Gas&Oil plants, for inspection and maintenance tasks. 

Current advances suggest the use of novel, smart robots for different tasks, such as monitoring, intervention and maintenance. 

In this workshop we will describe the opportunities and challenges of using marine robots in energy plants. We will discuss how new technologies, such as the resident-autonomy paradigm, advanced perception and machine learning can boost the use of such robotic systems in a plethora of new missions. 

We will also report the activity of the Marine Robotics TG. 

Intended outcome: Workshops engaging non-roboticists to understand needs/goals (policy, commercial, technical), Workshop on recent developments in technology or applications, Workshop discussion topics of common interest, success stories, use cases, etc 

Approach: Approach: 0:00-00:10 Introduction and report on TG activities by TG Coordinators 

00:10-00:20 – Y. Petillot – Heriot Watt University (UK), “Marine robotics for offshore renewable energy: towards remote inspection and maintenance”, 

Abstract: 

In this talk, we will present our recent developments in inspection of offshore wind farms. We will focus on the technical and human challenges for the deployment of robotics solutions and their adoption by end-users and operators. Remote inspection requires embedded autonomy for two reasons; one, remote tele-operation is often not an option because of bandwidth limitation and second, we need to have embedded operational safety when the remote link becomes 

unstable or unavailable. The ability for a robotic system to build an accurate 3D model of the environment in real time and use this model for safe navigation, inspection and maintenance is therefore critical. We have developed an ‘autonomy in a box’ solution which integrates into any standard ROV and can build 3D models of the world and navigate these models autonomously whilst ensuring safety. This system is now integrated on an ROV that can be deployed from an autonomous surface vehicle, hence paving the way for fully remote, low carbon inspection and maintenance of offshore energy assets. We have also embarked on a new program for autonomous intervention which will be present briefly. 

00:20-00:30 – W. Caharija – Siemens Energy (Norway), “Offshore electrification and autonomy: challenges and opportunities for robotization” 

Abstract: 

This talk will present (1) some of Siemens Energy’s key solutions for future unmanned and autonomous offshore energy installation, and (2) the challenges encountered when shifting towards an autonomy and IT dominated energy industry. 

00:30-00:40 – A. Martins – INESC (Portugal), “Marine robotics in the context of multi-source offshore energy parks – the EU-SCOREs case” 

Abstract: 

In this presentation the opportunities and role of marine robotic systems in wind, solar and wave offshore energy parks is presented and discussed. This work is framed under the context of the EU-SCORES a large scale EU funded project aiming at the developing of large scale hybrid source energy offshore parks in Europe combining wind generation with floating solar and wave energy. 

Aerial autonomous robots and underwater robots and systems such as AUVs and robotic landers are considered for O&M (Operations and Maintenance) and environmental monitoring tasks. 

A discussion is presented on the role of robotic systems in future offshore energy production. 

00:40-00:75 – Round Table. 

Round table with speakers, subject matter experts and TG Coordinators. Discussion will focus on the challenges and opportunities of using marine robots in offshore and deep-water plants. The discussion will explore how 

new technologies, such as advanced perception, machine learning and new resident-autonomy paradigms can impact the market. Public will be invited to participate in the discussion. 

0:75-0:80 – Conclusion by the TG Coordinators 

Contributors: 

Gabriele Ferri, CMRE, TG Coordinator 

Enrico Simetti, University of Genova , TG Coordinator (Italy) 

Yvan Petillot, Heriot-Watt University (UK) 

Walter Caharija, Siemens Energy (Norway) 

Alfredo Martins, INESC (Portugal) 

Further information: https://sparc-robotics-portal.eu/web/marine-robotics/wiki 

Organisers: 

· Gabriele Ferri, gabriele.ferri@cmre.nato.int, CMRE

· Simetti Enrico, enrico.simetti@unige.it, University of Genova

HumanTech: https://humantech-horizon.eu/ 

Beeyonders: https://www.beeyonders.eu/ 

Areas mainly addressed: Maintenance and Inspection, Robotics and AI/Big Data Value, Autonomy, Collaborative Robots and cloud robotics 

Main questions to be answered: 

· What are the most important applications for AI and Robotics in Construction and which are the main technological challenges that need to be addressed in this scope? 

· Most important benefits of AI and Robotics in Construction? Is the future full robotic automation or human-robot collaboration? 

· How can AI and Robotics solutions in construction be acceptable from both construction companies and workers? What needs to be done in the next years to this end? 

WS Description: The aim of the workshop is to highlight the potential benefits of AI and robotics in achieving automation in construction, on the basis of R&D activities that are performed within ongoing Horizon Europe projects. The workshop is organized by the projects Robetarme, HumanTech and Beeyonders, which were granted in the 2021 call “HORIZON-CL4-2021-TWIN-TRANSITION-01-12”. After briefly presenting the three projects, key aspects within the overarching topic of construction automation will be addressed, such as benefits and challenges of integrating diverse AI and robotics technologies in construction sites, the impact on efficiency, reduction of waste and emissions, the increase in safety and workforce well-being, under the scope of human-robot collaboration. Together with industrial project partners and the workshop audience, the latest advances and market possibilities will be discussed. 

Intended outcome: Workshop discussion topics of common interest, success stories, use cases, etc, Workshop on recent developments in technology or applications 

Approach: The workshop will comprise two parts. The first will include a series of speeches, focusing on recent research efforts funded by the EC, in the context of the Horizon Europe Robetarme, HumanTech and Beeyonders projects, as well as speeches from the industry, focusing on the end user view on AI and Robotics in Construction. The second, interactive part, will include a panel discussion, as well as feedback rounds with attendees, elaborating further on the key questions and aims of the workshop. More specifically: 

Part I 

00 – 02 min: Workshop introduction and overview 

02 – 10 min: Insights on the EC aims in the scope of AI and Robotics in Construction; speaker: Dr. Dimitrios Biliouris, Project Adviser · European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) 

10 – 18 min: AI and Robotics in Shotcreting activities – the Robetarme project case; speaker: Dr. Dimitrios Giakoumis, RobetArme project Coordinator 

18 – 25 min: HumanTech project overview; speaker: Dr. Jason Rambach, HumanTech project Coordinator 

25 – 33 min: Beeyonders project overview, speaker: Antonio Alonso Cepeda, Beeyonders project Coordinator 

33 – 55 min: Opportunities and challenges for AI and robotics in construction from the end user’s point of view, 3 speakers, 8–min speech each: 

• Jonas Bentzen (Christiansen & Essenbæk A/S, Project Manager) 

• Fernando Sigchos Jiménez (European Builders Confederation, Secretary General) 

• Patrick Roth (Implenia, New Business and Innovation Manager) 

Part II 

55-70 min: Round table 

Participants: 

• Mads Essenbaek (Christiansen & Essenbæk A/S, Project Leader) 

• Dr. Bharath Sankaran (Scaled Robotics) 

• Dr. Gabor Sziebig (SINTEF) 

• Mr. José Carlos Jiménez Fernández (Tecnalia) 

• Dr. Antidio Viguria Jiménez (FADA CATEC) 

70-80 min: Feedback round with attendees 

Contributors: Speakers: 

• Jonas Bentzen (CEAS, Project Manager) 

• Fernando Sigchos Jiménez (EBC – European Builders Confederation, Secretary General) 

• Patrick Roth (Implenia, New Business and Innovation Manager) 

Round table participants: 

• Mads Essenbaek (CEAS, Project Leader) 

• Dr. Bharath Sankaran (Scaled Robotics, CTO & Co-founder) 

• Dr. Gabor Sziebig (SINTEF, Research Manager) 

• Mr. José Carlos Jiménez Fernández (Tecnalia, Civil Engineer) 

• Dr. Antidio Viguria Jiménez (FADA CATEC, Head of Perception and AI) 

Organisers: 

· Dimitrios Giakoumis, dgiakoum@iti.gr, CERTH-ITI (Centre for Research and Technology Hellas – Information Technologies Institute)

· Jason Rambach, Jason_Raphael.Rambach@dfki.de, DFKI 

· AntonioAlonso Cepeda, antonio.alonso.cepeda@acciona.com, ACCIONA 

· Christian Schlette, chsch@mmmi.sdu.dk, SDU

Main questions to be answered:

· What are the principle challenges faced by robotics for in-orbit manufacturing and servicing to ensure both cost and operational effectiveness?

· What synergies exist between these challenges and those found in other market domains and how can these be leveraged?

· How can the European robotics community leverage its expertise and knowledge to support the development of a new economy in the harsh environment of space?

WS Description: It is only recently that we have begun to realise the commercial opportunities that the space environment provides us to service existing spacecraft and manufacture products in ways we cannot on earth. But space is an unforgiving and extremely hostile to humans. To enable these new opportunities, the use of robotics must increase. But whilst the use of robotics in space is not new, true commercialisation of space will require cost effective solutions that work autonomously or alongside humans.

With in-orbit servicing and manufacturing alone expected to be globally worth some $4.4 billion by the end of the decade the opportunity for European companies is great.

In this interactive workshop, developers and end users will discuss the challenges of operating in space allowing the European robotics community to develop an understanding of the challenges and opportunities of in-orbit robotics.

Intended outcome: Workshops engaging non-roboticists to understand needs/goals (policy, commercial, technical), Workshop expected to create a roadmap or white paper, Workshop covering material new to ERF that the Robotics community should engage with

Approach: Short introduction to the rationale and application of robotics for in-orbit (on-orbit) servicing, manufacturing and assembly. (10 mins)

Invited speakers to present their specific challenges. These will be satellite operators and manufacturers who recognise the need for robotics to enable servicing and manufacturing. They will be asked to focus on both the technical and commercial challenges they are faces with. (3 speakers, each 5 minutes)

Contributors: Name TBC, Robotics Development Group – Airbus Defence & Space UK – Invited – R&D speaker

Name TBC – Robotics Development – PIAP Space Poland – Invited – R&D speaker

Name TBC – Systems Integration & Mission Operator – Lift Me Off – Invited – end user spea

Name TBC – Systems Integration & Mission Operator – TBC – end user speaker

Organisers:

· Jeremy Hadall, jeremy.hadall@sa.catapult.org.uk, Satellite Applications Catapult Member Yes, Research Organisation (RTO),

· Esther Rayssiguie, esther.rayssiguie@sa.catapult.org.uk, Satellite Applications Catapult