Spoke 3 and Spoke 4 of RAISE brought new energy to Palazzo Ducale with a morning dedicated to innovation and marine exploration. On Friday, 5 December 2025, four lower and upper secondary schools took part in the workshops “Ecorobotica: Twenty Thousand Leagues into the Future”, an initiative developed through the collaboration between RAISE, Palazzo Ducale and the Impararte educational programme, in dialogue with the exhibition Moby Dick – The Whale.
The activities took place in the “Kids in the City” area, which created a dynamic and welcoming atmosphere. Students experienced an immersive journey through science, technology and sustainability. From the very beginning, the groups met researchers who introduced the RAISE project and the potential of marine eco-robotics. They observed how new exploration tools have expanded the ability to collect precise environmental data and to present the marine world through interactive experiences.
During the first part of the workshop, the classes explored the relationship between robotics, sensing technologies and artificial intelligence, discovering how these systems support the monitoring of marine ecosystems and the protection of biodiversity. Participants interacted with prototypes and applied-research solutions, gaining first-hand experience of how technology contributes to the preservation of coastal environments.
The stations curated by CNR-IAS offered particularly engaging moments. Students observed marine organisms under the microscope and experimented with AI-based early-warning systems. Another station focused on the phenomenon of biofouling, illustrating how robotics and AI contribute to its management and to the development of strategies for addressing environmental challenges at sea.
The workshop highlighted both the richness and the vulnerability of the Ligurian Sea. The activities showed how artificial intelligence enhances the analysis of the movements of very small marine organisms, such as larvae and invertebrates, which are essential for understanding water quality and the ecosystem’s overall health. The students gained new awareness of the connections between scientific research, emerging technologies and a sustainable future.
The programme expanded through the activities led by Outdoor Portofino within the Be.Ci.S Outdoor project, part of the initiative supported by RAISE Liguria for the development of integrated environmental monitoring systems. The groups tried out tools such as ENVlogger and Meteo-Tracker, sensors designed to measure key environmental parameters during outdoor activities. Kayaks, paddleboards and other watercraft turned scientific observation into a concrete experience in which technology, nature and movement worked together seamlessly.
The classes explored the system used to collect georeferenced data on air quality, weather conditions and water characteristics. The activities showed how citizen science can engage outdoor enthusiasts and how the data collected becomes accessible through intuitive applications. Students also discovered the future directions of Be.Ci.S, which aim to include new measurements such as salinity and the presence of CO₂ or SO₂ in marine environments.
The day ended with a sense of enthusiasm and curiosity. The technologies presented offered a tangible view of the future of marine exploration and protection, while the active participation of the schools enriched the ongoing dialogue between research, education and scientific citizenship.
