INESC TEC attended the European Robotics Forum (ERF) 2026, Europe’s leading event dedicated to robotics. Held annually, the forum brings together researchers, companies and policymakers from across the continent to share ideas, technologies and opportunities for collaboration. This year’s edition took place in Stavanger, Norway, from 23 to 27 March.
The Institute was represented by a large team of researchers from the Robotics domain, with a dedicated stand showcasing some of the most relevant projects in robotics, automation, and the green and digital transitions to the international community.
Highlighted projects included iBot4CRMs, which develops autonomous robots using machine learning to support waste valorisation and the recovery of critical raw materials, and SEAGUARD, focused on unmanned robotic technology for maritime border control. In the fields of mobility and industry, the projects PRODUTECH R3, the GreenAuto Agenda, and Hi-Rev presented solutions aimed at reindustrialisation and the transition to low-emission vehicles. Meanwhile, the BEAT project introduced innovations in textile waste sorting, and NEXUS, Drivolution, NetTag+ and Nautilus demonstrated advanced capabilities in solar panel inspection, indoor drone logistics, environmental impact management in fishing, and autonomous underwater surveillance.
According to Manuel Silva, INESC TEC researcher in Robotics and coordinator of the industrial robotics area, “our participation in ERF 2026 reinforced INESC TEC’s position as a leading player in the European robotics and AI ecosystem, while paving the way for new international partnerships”.
In addition to the stand, INESC TEC presented eight posters, delivered three contributions in the scientific track, and featured Filipe Neves dos Santos as a speaker in the workshop Affordable Robotics for Permanent Woody Crops: the TribeLab@INESC TEC Journey.
The INESC TEC team included, alongside Manuel Silva: Luís Freitas Rocha, Nuno Cruz, Alfredo Martins, Marcelo Petry, André Dias, Ana Paula Lima, Manuel Couto, Artur Cordeiro, Pedro Afonso Dias, João Jacob Martins, Daniele Caldana, José Pedro Costa, and Filipe Neves dos Santos.
The researchers mentioned in this news piece are associated with INESC TEC, IPP-ISEP and the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP)
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