Can you tell us a bit about your company and its core mission?
Robotnik is a leading European mobile service robotics company.
Our activity is focused on the development, manufacture and commercialization of autonomous mobile robots and manipulators for different applications in both industrial and academic fields: inspection and maintenance, logistics, industry, agriculture or manufacturing.
Since 2002, Robotnik has sold more than 5,000 robots in 50 countries around the world and has participated in more than 60 European R&D projects.
Our company has its own R&D department in mobile service robotics and a multidisciplinary engineering team qualified in various fields such as industrial engineering, mechanics, and software development.
What specific role does your company play in the TRACE project?
Robotnik brings mobile robotics know-how and experience to the project. Robotnik is leading Task 3.6, in which the platform will be tested and validated, and Work Package 6, which concerns large-scale demonstration activities.
In the TRACE project, Robotnik’s RB-VOGUI robot will be tested outdoors for last mile deliveries in pedestrian areas, which will be an important step towards the automation of urban logistics. Sensors and communication devices become essential tools for the robot to safely navigate its environment, sense its surroundings, interact with other urban actors and connect to the TRACE platform.
RB-VOGUI is an autonomous mobile robot designed mainly for outdoor transport and logistics tasks, making it ideal for last mile delivery tasks in pedestrian areas.
What is your long-term vision for the TRACE project?
Our long-term vision for the TRACE project is to significantly enhance the efficiency, transparency, and sustainability of the logistics industry. By leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing, the project aims to address key challenges facing the industry, such as resource optimization and environmental impact reduction.
Robotnik is very focused on further improving logistics processes not only in indoor environments (which are more advanced) but also in outdoor environments. Bridging the gap between indoor and outdoor logistics is important to make the work easier for the logistics and manufacturing companies.
How has the collaboration with other partners in the TRACE project been so far?
The communication with our partners has been highly fruitful for the project’s development, as it has enabled us to exchange ideas, developments, and pursue a joint course of action capable of aligning the capabilities and objectives of all participants
One of the main advantages of these European projects is that it gives the opportunity to work with a multidisciplinary team of partners, bringing together great professionals with expertise in different areas. I think everyone’s contributions add up to very interesting results.
In your opinion, what are the most important values that the TRACE project embodies?
In my opinion, the most important values embodied by the TRACE project are innovation, collaboration, efficiency, and sustainability. The project demonstrates a commitment to innovation by integrating cutting-edge technologies to improve logistics operations. Collaboration is evident through the involvement of numerous partners from different countries. Efficiency is a core value, as the project aims to streamline processes and optimize logistics operations. Lastly, sustainability is a central focus, with efforts directed towards reducing environmental impact and promoting eco-friendly practices within the logistics industry.
What are the next steps for your company within the TRACE project?
Currently, our company is in the process of developing the RB-VOGUI robot, specifically configured for Trace while simultaneously collaborating with our partners to define the necessary interconnections for its integration into the TRACE platform. This effort sets the stage for the initiation of preliminary pilot tests.
How do you stay motivated and inspired in your work with the TRACE project?
I find that setting clear goals and objectives helps keep me focused and driven. Additionally, I draw inspiration from the innovative nature of the project and the opportunity it presents to make a meaningful impact. Collaborating with professional partners and leveraging their expertise also fuels my motivation.
