The challenges and opportunities offered by robotic and automation solutions in industry were the subject of analysis and debate at one of the round-table discussions held at the CEA Symposium on Robotics, Bioengineering, Computer Vision and Marine Automation, organised by the School of Engineering in Bilbao (EHU), which took place on 11 June.
Moderated by the director of the Basque Association of Robotics and Automation, Leire Balzategui, the panel entitled ‘From research to the factory: Challenges and realities of robotics and automation in the Basque Country’, brought together the directors and technical managers in these areas from four organisations associated with Robotekin – Carlos Calleja, (Ikerlan); Eneko Ugalde, (Tekniker); Jorge Rodríguez, (Aldakin) ; and Erik Pérez, (Michelin) – as well as Professor Francisco Campa from the University of the Basque Country (EHU).
During the discussion, the journey of these robotic and automation solutions was addressed, from basic research with low levels of technological readiness (low TRL) to their implementation and scaling in real-world environments (high TRL). The round table served to present real-world experiences that helped identify technical, economic and organisational barriers, as well as the various strategies that can be adopted to overcome them.
The event highlighted the key role of collaboration between end users, engineering firms, technology centres and universities as an essential tool for facilitating an effective transition from
research to industrial application.
Over the three days of the Symposium, the Bilbao School of Engineering became a key venue for the exchange of knowledge in fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, bioengineering, computer vision, autonomous systems and marine automation.
The Symposium provided an opportunity for the Basque Association of Robotics and Automation, as a Golden Partner, to set up a stand to attract talent to the ecosystem, and also for another Robotekin partner, Bravo Robots, to showcase its SO-101 robotic arms.
“This type of event offers us the chance to exchange experiences, interact with the various stakeholders involved in robotics and automation, and explore new avenues for collaboration in the short,
medium and long term”, said Robotekin’s director, Leire Balzategui.
Getting Together
