Complex, expensive and difficult to program: this is how many companies still perceive industrial robots. The MOBOT 2.0 project, bringing together INESC TEC and Europneumaq, aims to change this paradigm and will develop a new generation of intelligent mobile manipulator robots capable of addressing real industrial needs.
Today, many robots require advanced programming skills and are limited to closed ecosystems, which hinders their adoption by companies that do not have specialised teams. INESC TEC researcher Rafael Arrais explained how MOBOT 2.0 can overcome these obstacles: “the goal is to create a solution that any operator can use, without the need for advanced technical knowledge, enabling greater democratisation of robotics in industry.”
The project focuses on developing a robot capable of adapting to different industrial environments and performing tasks autonomously, particularly in intralogistics contexts. To achieve this, INESC TEC is developing a set of technologies that make interaction with the robot more intuitive and efficient. Among these is the use of Artificial Intelligence to enable the robot to recognise and manipulate different objects without the need for constant reprogramming.
Another solution involves an Augmented Reality-based interface that will allow operators to “teach” new tasks to the robot in a visual way, using devices such as smart glasses (HoloLens), simplifying the programming process. The use of the Open Scalable Production System (OSPS), a software platform based on Robot Operating System (ROS), is also planned, ensuring compatibility with different robot brands and avoiding dependence on a single supplier.
In addition to the operational component, the project also integrates cybersecurity and cyber-resilience mechanisms for industrial environments, ensuring protection against cyberattacks and continuity of operations.
The robotic solution will be co-developed with the company Europneumaq and tested in real-world scenarios, towards demonstrating the maturity for market deployment.
“Beyond facilitating the adoption of robotics by companies, the project will also strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy in this area, reducing dependence on external technological solutions,” the researcher stated.
With total funding of around €1.5M and a duration of three years, the project positions INESC TEC at the forefront of collaborative robotics in Portugal.
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