Spoke 3 Eng Archives - RAISE Innovation Ecosystem

Automated distribution of biostimulants in vineyards: ecorobotics and agronomic research within Spoke 3

Posted on 16 December 202516 December 2025 by admin

In the summer of 2025, a vineyard field trial was carried out as part of the PNRR RAISE project, with the aim of integrating autonomous robotics solutions, IoT sensor technologies, and agronomic research for precision viticulture.

The autonomous rover MOLIRIS, developed by Info Solution and made available free of charge for this agronomic experimentation, operated fully autonomously between the vine rows, distributing an innovative biostimulant in a controlled manner.

The biostimulant was developed by the Mycology Laboratory of the University of Genoa from microorganisms isolated directly from vineyard soil, with the goal of promoting plant growth and increasing resilience to pathogens and the effects of climate change. The final product has zero biological impact. The use of native microorganisms provides a natural and sustainable means of stimulating crop growth. The high microbial concentration, combined with a tailored production process, ensures maximum effectiveness for the target area.

Alongside this activity, the Multimedia Networks Laboratory of the DITEN Department at the University of Genoa designed and installed a network of sensor nodes based on the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm, capable of monitoring environmental parameters and the chemical–physical properties of the soil in real time. The collected data provide essential support for evaluating treatment effectiveness and for correlating pedoclimatic conditions with the effects of biostimulants on grapevines.

Thanks to the autonomous navigation system developed by Info Solution, the MOLIRIS rover demonstrated its ability to operate safely between vine rows, ensuring targeted and repeatable application of the treatment.

Distribuzione automatizzata di biostimolanti in vigneto: ecorobotica e ricerca agronomica nell’ambito di Spoke 3 — Author (video frame): Marco Penco (Info Solution, Spoke 3) | Credits: UniGe and RAISE

The combination of advanced robotics, biotechnologies, and environmental sensing represents a multidisciplinary approach aligned with the mission of Spoke 3, which focuses on ecorobotics and sustainable agriculture solutions.

This experimentation represents a concrete step toward Viticulture 4.0 through ecorobotics, capable of integrating innovative technologies to improve productivity, quality, and sustainability.

Special thanks go to the Durin winery, which hosted the trial in its vineyards and made these activities possible.

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Author (video frame): Marco Penco (Info Solution, Spoke 3)
Credits: UniGe and RAISE

Sicily’s underwater treasures in the USA: technology and culture serving underwater archaeological heritage

Posted on 3 December 20253 December 2025 by admin

From the depths of the Capistello shipwreck in Lipari, in the Aeolian Islands, to museums in the United States: the NEPTUNE™ project, selected and funded through a RAISE ecosystem call, represents an outstanding achievement in underwater archaeology, combining technological innovation with the cultural promotion of Sicily’s submerged heritage.

The exhibition “Sunken Treasures, Ancient Seas” is making its U.S. debut in two stages: from October 4, 2025 to January 11, 2026 at the Fernbank Museum in Atlanta, and from January to May 2026 at the History Museum in Mobile, Alabama. The exhibition offers American audiences an immersive journey through ancient shipwrecks, archaeological finds, and historical evidence, integrating innovative technologies and multimedia storytelling to allow visitors to “virtually travel” beneath the surface of Sicilian waters.

The NEPTUNE™ project – coordinated by the Ligurian startup Mywai S.r.l. with partners Ubica S.r.l., Immersea S.r.l., Next Vision S.r.l., and the Italian Institute of Welding, and supported by the Sicilian Region – Superintendency of the Sea, the Ministry of the Environment – Portofino Marine Protected Area, and OceanHis – demonstrates how technology, research, and cultural enhancement can make Sicily’s underwater treasures accessible and appreciable on an international scale.

The Ligurian innovation ecosystem RAISE is funded by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) through investment 1.5 (M4C2) of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). The plan aims to create and strengthen innovation ecosystems in technological fields aligned with the industrial and research vocations of each region, while promoting collaboration among the research system, industry, and local institutions. The ecosystem includes 27 partners from academia, research institutions, public bodies, and industry, coordinated by the University of Genoa (UNIGE), the National Research Council (CNR), and the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT).

The NEPTUNE™ project’s operational activities took place in Lipari, in the Aeolian Islands, at the renowned Capistello shipwreck, a cargo vessel dating to the 4th century BC. Technical and scientific dives were conducted using innovative underwater propulsion systems developed to ensure highly precise data geolocation even without GPS. Tracking was integrated with a waterproof 8K camera mounted on the vehicle, capable of capturing ultra-high-resolution imagery of the site, and with an OceanHis multiparametric probe designed to continuously monitor key environmental parameters such as temperature, salinity, pH, and conductivity.

Thanks to the NEPTUNE™ system, it was possible to create 3D digital models of the shipwrecks, integrate optical, environmental, and navigation data, and automatically identify objects and anomalies using artificial intelligence. This approach enabled predictive site monitoring and dynamic management of underwater cultural heritage.

Artifacts on display include: rams from the Battle of the Egadi, helmets recovered off Levanzo, lead ingots from Capo Passero, Punic coins from Pantelleria, orichalcum ingots from Gela, amphorae from Cala Minnola, black-glazed ceramics from the Capistello wreck, finds from the Panarea III shipwreck located at a depth of 114 meters, tableware and jewelry from the Scauri wreck in Pantelleria, and artifacts from Marsala, Mazara del Vallo, Trapani, San Vito Lo Capo, Marausa, and Petrosino.

The artifacts on display were made available through the collaboration of several institutions: the Superintendency of the Sea of the Sicilian Region, the Archaeological Park of Selinunte, Cave di Cusa and Pantelleria, the Lilibeo Park of Marsala, the “Florio” Sicilian Sea and Navigation Museum Association, and the National Museum of Underwater Activities in Ravenna – The Historical Diving Society.

A special section of the exhibition is dedicated to the origins of modern diving and the development of underwater archaeology in Italy, thanks to the collaboration with the Historical Diving Society – National Museum of Underwater Activities in Ravenna, which is exhibiting historical instruments and equipment used by the pioneers of the discipline.

Ferdinando Maurici, Superintendent of the Sea – Sicilian Region, highlights: “An extraordinary opportunity to showcase millennia of Mediterranean history to the American public, while promoting cutting-edge technologies for the protection of our submerged cultural heritage.”
Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, Regional Councillor for Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity – Sicilian Region, adds: “The exhibition allows us to tell the ancient story of the Mediterranean and offer a new interpretation of underwater archaeology thanks to the integration of scientific research and technological innovation.”

Cristina Battaglia, Programme Manager of RAISE, remarks: “An extraordinary opportunity to highlight abroad the results of the RAISE ecosystem, achieved through collaboration among companies, research organizations, and local institutions.”
Marco Faimali, Coordinator of the RAISE Spoke ‘Protection and Care of the Environment,’ states: “A significant example of how the marine eco-robotics developed within the RAISE project can help export our country’s underwater history and culture beyond its borders.”

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AquaSense by Spoke 3: a new sensor for assessing coastal water quality

Posted on 20 November 202520 November 2025 by admin

In the Gulf of Tigullio, between Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure, a research team from the Institute of Biophysics (CNR-IBF) has carried out the first operational tests of an innovative fluorescence sensor designed to measure organic matter in seawater.

The sensor was developed within the framework of Spoke 3 of the RAISE project, in collaboration with the company Dielectrik S.r.l., and represents a significant step forward in monitoring coastal water quality.

The organic molecules detected by the sensor can have both natural and anthropogenic origins. Their concentration results from all the biological processes occurring in the sea, and can therefore be considered a synthetic indicator of water quality and the health of the coastal ecosystem.

The field test was conducted in collaboration with the research group led by Prof. Paolo Povero from DISTAV at the University of Genoa. During navigation in the Gulf of Tigullio, the sensor collected real-time data, which were later compared with water samples taken for laboratory analyses.

The choice of Santa Margherita Ligure was not accidental: the area hosts an LTER (Long Term Ecological Research) site located within a marine protected area that has been studied for years by the University of Genoa. It is also a particularly dynamic environment, influenced by various sources of organic matter from the nearby Entella River, small harbors, aquaculture facilities in Lavagna, and urban discharges.

The goal of this first operational test is to verify the sensor’s performance under real conditions and to integrate the obtained measurements with other chemical, physical, biological, and satellite parameters. All these data will then be fed into artificial intelligence platforms developed within the RAISE project, in order to create early warning systems for the protection and sustainable management of the coastal environment.

This test represents a first step toward technology serving the coastal environment within the field of marine ecorobotics.

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Photo author (video frame): Bluframe and RAISE
Credits: RAISE

VERO, the RAISE robot showcased at Ecomondo 2025

Posted on 10 November 202510 November 2025 by admin

From 4 to 7 November 2025, the Rimini Expo Centre hosted the 28th edition of Ecomondo – The Green Technology Expo, Europe’s leading event dedicated to ecological transition and the circular economy.

Within this setting, RAISE presented VERO, a robot developed within the Ecosystem’s Spoke 3, which captured the attention of visitors and professionals thanks to its innovative capabilities and its vision of a future where technology supports both people and the environment.

VERO (Vacuum-cleaner Equipped RObot) was developed by the Dynamic Legged Systems (DLS) group at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), coordinated by Claudio Semini. Angelo Bratta and Gabriel Fischer Abati representing RAISE Spoke 3, introduced this cutting-edge robotic system to the public and industry experts. The project embodies years of research and experimentation in mobile robotics and artificial intelligence.

Designed to collaborate with humans in waste collection and removal, VERO combines agility, autonomy, and perceptual intelligence. Its dynamic structure and adaptability to diverse operational contexts make it a valuable ally for cleaning tasks in complex, urban, and natural environments. By integrating advanced sensors and machine learning algorithms, the robot can recognize objects and obstacles, plan efficient paths, and interact safely with human operators.

Throughout the Ecomondo exhibition, VERO demonstrated the potential of robotics for environmental sustainability, showing how the synergy between artificial intelligence and bio-inspired design can lead to more efficient waste management and contribute to the protection of natural ecosystems. The project is part of the activities carried out by RAISE Spoke 3, dedicated to the development of robots that promote environmental care and social well-being, and reflects the broader philosophy of the RAISE Ecosystem: combining scientific excellence, technological transfer, and a tangible positive impact on society.

Angelo Bratta highlighted how RAISE’s approach encourages the creation of collaborative and responsible technologies, capable of addressing the challenges of ecological transition through concrete and measurable results. Participation in Ecomondo provided an opportunity to share achievements, foster dialogue, and strengthen connections between research, industry, and institutions, in a setting that continues to represent an international benchmark for the green economy and sustainable innovation.

With more than twenty-eight years of history, Ecomondo has confirmed its role as a laboratory of ideas and a meeting point for disciplines, experiences, and visions. The 2025 edition has consolidated Italy’s position as a strategic hub for environmental innovation in Europe, bringing together companies, start-ups, researchers, and policymakers to explore solutions that align progress with responsibility.

In this context, the presence of VERO offered a tangible example of how robotics can serve as a catalyst for the circular economy, transforming technology into a tool for environmental care and planetary regeneration.

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TEC-SOS put the sea at the heart of innovation

Posted on 5 November 20255 November 2025 by admin

On October 8, 2025, the University of Palermo hosted the closing event of the TEC-SOS project – Sustainable Technologies for Monitoring in Marine Protected Areas of the Lower Tyrrhenian Sea – an initiative within the RAISE innovation ecosystem (Robotics and AI for Socio-Economic Empowerment).

The project brought together scientific research, technology, and civic participation to develop and test advanced solutions for monitoring and protecting marine ecosystems.

The event took place at the Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM) and gathered researchers, students, professionals, institutional representatives, and citizens. Rector Massimo Midiri, Vice-Rector for Research Andrea Pace, and DiSTeM Director Attilio Sulli opened the meeting with institutional greetings, highlighting the strategic importance of initiatives that link technological innovation with environmental sustainability.

During the morning session, participants attended presentations of the project’s results and a roundtable discussion dedicated to RAISE’s key action lines, which promote robotics and artificial intelligence in service of society and the environment. Elisa Costa (CNR-IAS, Genoa) outlined the role of Spoke 3 within the RAISE ecosystem, focused on sustainable technologies for marine protection. The discussion then featured contributions from Gianluca Sarà, Attilio Sulli, Maria Giovanna Parisi – scientific coordinator of the TEC-SOS project – Adriano Fagiolini, Maria Cristina Mangano, Maria Maisano, Davide Bruno, and Valeria Pizziol, who shared insights, outcomes, and research perspectives.

“With TEC-SOS, we wanted to build a bridge between science and local communities, putting technology at the service of the sea and of those who live it every day,” said Prof. Maria Giovanna Parisi. “Innovation is not an end in itself: it helps us better understand ecosystems, protect them, and increase our collective awareness of the natural heritage surrounding us.”

Through an integrated approach, the TEC-SOS project tested next-generation sensors in real marine environments to measure physical, chemical, and biological parameters in Marine Protected Areas of the Lower Tyrrhenian Sea. The activities also involved divers and local communities in citizen science initiatives aimed at collecting georeferenced data on non-native species, mortality events, marine litter accumulation, and ghost nets.

The combination of field observations and scientific measurements provided new insights into the causes and dynamics of complex ecological phenomena, supporting more effective management and conservation strategies.

During the event, participants visited the laboratories that contributed to the project, including the MIB Lab of Marine Immunobiology, the e-LAB of Marine Ecology, the Geomorphology and Applied Geology Lab, the Electronics and Robotics Engineering Lab, and the Ecotoxicology Lab at the University of Messina. The Altamarea Diving Center and the Ustica Island Marine Protected Area presented real-world applications of the developed technologies.

Through practical demonstrations and interactive activities, the event turned research into a direct experience, offering the public the chance to explore tools, methods, and concrete applications for marine protection.

With TEC-SOS, technological innovation found in the Mediterranean a natural laboratory where science, education, and community came together to build a more sustainable future.

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Christ of the Abyss meets Artificial Intelligence: MYWAI celebrates 71 years of the iconic underwater statue with a 5D digital twin in the NEPTUNE™ platform

Posted on 10 September 202511 September 2025 by admin

On the occasion of the 71st anniversary of the placement of the Christ of the Abyss in the waters of San Fruttuoso Bay, MYWAI Srl, an italian AI startup based in the prestigious Baia del Silenzio in Sestri Levante, in the North West Riviera between Portofino and Cinqueterre, proudly announces the integration of the iconic statue into the 5D Digital Twin collection of its NEPTUNE™ platform — the first European system combining Artificial Intelligence and IoT to create digital twins for Underwater Data Awareness (UDA). This system enables the collection of data from robots, devices, machinery, and sensors during underwater inspections of archaeological, touristic, biomarine, and industrial sites.

The digital model of the Christ of the Abyss, created by partner IMMERSEA using advanced photogrammetry techniques, has been enhanced by MYWAI with AI-based neural rendering technologies such as NeRF and Gaussian Splatting, applied to underwater video footage.

The result is a high-fidelity 3D digital twin, integrated into MYWAI’s Underwater AIoT platform, which collects and geolocates environmental data from the seabed. This model allows for 4D temporal monitoring and 5D semantic enrichment through AI agents powered by LLM-based language models, similar to ChatGPT, but designed to operate locally in a secure and privacy-preserving manner. These agents provide insights into the artifact and its surrounding environment while ensuring protection of sensitive scientific data and controlled sharing.

Placed in 1954 at a depth of 17 meters, the Christ of the Abyss has long been a symbol of peace and remembrance for divers and visitors from around the world. Today, thanks to the NEPTUNE™ project, funded by Spoke 5 of RAISE – the innovation ecosystem for AI and Robotics, coordinated by the Italian Institute of Technology, University of Genoa, CNR, and Regione Liguria – this cultural treasure enters the digital age.

The NEPTUNE™ system, based on patented technology by MYWAI, enables real-time management of environmental data from ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) and reconstructs underwater environments on remote screens, where researchers and university students can study and interact with digital twins in an immersive and intelligent way.

The video of the Christ of the Abyss and the NEPTUNE™ model will be featured in the outreach materials being prepared by RAISE for the upcoming “Festival della Scienza”, offering the public a unique experience of enhanced underwater exploration.

Ecosistema RAISE - Cristo degli Abissi - NEPTUNE MYWAI Spoke 2 — Digital Twin 5D Christ of the Abyss on NEPTUNE™ | Author: NEPTUNE™ | Credits: NEPTUNE™ and RAISE

“Winning the RAISE project and bringing NEPTUNE™ to life on such an iconic site for our Ligurian region is a milestone for MYWAI” , stated Fabrizio Cardinali, Co-CEO & Co-Founder of MYWAI, “ It marks the birth of Italy’s first underwater AI system for data awareness, where heritage meets innovation.”

“NEPTUNE™ is an extremely flexible solution,” added Marco Faimali, CNR-IAS director, Spoke 3 coordinator, “which, in collaboration with MYWAI and other partners, we are beginning to apply to Underwater Data Awareness and ecorobotics across multiple sectors — from intelligent biofouling management in industrial and dual-use scenarios to environmental DNA analysis in marine contexts.”

“NEPTUNE™ is a clear success story of our program,” concluded Cristina Battaglia, Program Manager RAISE, “providing tangible evidence of our commitment to applying Artificial Intelligence and Robotics to marine science through open innovation and collaboration with sector-focused startups.”

The NEPTUNE™ partnership is composed of MYWAI SRL, UBICA SRL, IMMERSEA SRL, NEXT VISION SRL, IIS – ITALIAN INSTITUTE OF WELDING and UNIVERSITY OF CATANIA, with the participation of the SICILIAN REGION – Soprintendenza del Mare, MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT – Portofino Marine Protected Area and OCEANHIS.

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Homepage Christ of the Abyss on NEPTUNE™
Author: NEPTUNE™
Credits: NEPTUNE™ and RAISE

Be.Ci.S and Spoke 3: sensors for citizen science

Posted on 17 July 202517 July 2025 by admin

The experimentation activities within the Be.Ci.S – Be a Citizen Scientist project, part of the Spoke 3 program, continue in Bogliasco. The project aims to develop and validate an integrated environmental monitoring system based on a participatory approach that actively involves citizens.

As part of the planned activities, Outdoor Portofino, the lead partner of the Be.Ci.S project – which participates in the RAISE ecosystem thanks to funding obtained through cascading calls from Spoke 5 related to Spoke 3 themes – has launched a new testing phase of sensors developed by IoTopon S.r.l., focusing particularly on detecting environmental parameters in marine and coastal areas.

The tests took place along the Bogliasco coastline, using sensors installed on light watercraft during kayaking and stand-up paddle excursions. The experiment demonstrated the device’s extreme ease of use, even for non-expert citizens, confirming the project’s goal to make scientific monitoring accessible to amateur athletes and nature enthusiasts alike.

Currently, the sensor can detect over 20 environmental parameters related to weather, air quality, and water quality. Each measurement is georeferenced and automatically mapped, accessible via an app or remotely from a PC. Data flows into a centralized database supporting research initiatives, scientific outreach, and educational activities. Particular attention is given to analyzing climate change and the contribution a network of active citizens can provide in large-scale data collection.

One of the project’s distinctive features is the sensor’s versatility, designed for use in diverse outdoor contexts – from cycling to aquatic activities. Its compactness, light weight, and adaptability make it ideal for daily and spontaneous use, enabling anyone to collect valuable data for science.

Confirming the project’s participatory approach, a citizen engagement program has been launched, selecting a group of ambassadors. These volunteers actively participate in the testing phase, collecting marine data that are sent and validated daily. This is a concrete example of the value of citizen science and the potential contribution of each individual to environmental research.

Future sensor developments will include new functions, such as measuring water salinity and concentrations of carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide in marine environments. These advancements will require a broad and accurate database that only a widespread network of active citizens can provide.

The Be.Ci.S project thus confirms itself as an innovative platform for participatory science, combining technology, sustainability, and active public involvement in environmental protection.

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SIMBA presented at IAS 2025 in Genoa

Posted on 4 July 20255 July 2025 by admin

During the 19th edition of the International Conference on Intelligent Autonomous Systems (IAS), currently underway in Genoa until July 4, the SIMBA project – Integrated Systems for Biological and Environmental Monitoring – was officially presented.

Matteo Baldoni, Modeling & Simulation Engineer at Spindox S.p.A., shared the project’s goals and results during a dedicated session on the application of artificial intelligence to autonomous systems for environmental monitoring.

SIMBA is a collaborative research project funded by the RAISE program under Spoke 3 and led by a consortium of five partners: OnAIR (project leader), Spindox, FOS, Ecotox LDS and A-Sign.

The initiative aims to develop autonomous environmental monitoring systems based on artificial intelligence and edge computing, capable of operating in real time directly in situ through low-power devices.

During the presentation, four demonstrators developed by the consortium were introduced, each addressing different aspects of aquatic environmental monitoring.

The Smart Subsea Observatory monitors phytoplankton blooms using a configurable network of sensors. It integrates an edge platform based on Raspberry Pi with microcontroller-based power management and employs AI models to detect anomalies in multivariate environmental data.
The Portable Ecotoxicology Kit analyzes water samples by observing the locomotor behavior of aquatic organisms, such as Artemia, through speed tracking and swim pattern analysis. The kit is built on the Jetson platform, equipped with an infrared camera and a customized graphical interface.
The Barnacles Behavior Tracker monitors barnacles by analyzing cirral extension and oral opening. Artificial intelligence identifies behavioral and morphological changes, enabling the system to function as a natural biosensor for detecting pollution and environmental stress.
The Riverbed Mapping via Satellite AI processes Sentinel-2 satellite images and aerial photographs to segment riverbeds and extract morphodynamic features. This approach utilizes foundation models such as SAM2 for segmentation and SATLAS for super-resolution.

All demonstrators have already passed an initial field validation phase, showing significant potential to improve the accuracy and scalability of environmental monitoring. The results suggest promising directions for supporting environmental policy and achieving sustainable development goals.

“I personally believe strongly in the dialogue between industrial and academic research,” commented Matteo Baldoni at the end of his presentation. “Academic research tends to abstract problems and seek general solutions, while industrial research is inevitably constrained by the limits and demands of real-world applications. It is often from this confrontation that innovative solutions emerge, some of which we’ve successfully adapted to meet our clients’ specific needs.”

The IAS 2025 conference, focused on the theme “Ethical, Responsible, and Inclusive Robotics”, is providing an important platform for exchange among researchers, companies, and institutions, enabling the sharing of innovative approaches in robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems. Within this context, the presentation of the SIMBA project offered a significant contribution to current challenges in intelligent environmental monitoring.

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W-Mission project presented in Genoa: wireless underwater communication for autonomous robotic networks

Posted on 4 July 20254 July 2025 by admin

On July 2, 2025, during the 19th edition of the International Conference on Intelligent Autonomous Systems (IAS), currently taking place in Genoa until July 4, the W-Mission – Wireless Coordination for Underwater Robot Networks project, part of Spoke 3 of the RAISE program, was officially presented. The initiative was introduced by Cosimo Palmisano and Luca Iezzi.

W-Mission aims to carry out a feasibility study for the development of an underwater monitoring network, consisting of static sensors and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs).

The proposed infrastructure is based on WSense technology, an acoustic communication platform that “gives voice to the ocean”, enabling continuous, high-density, large-scale collection of environmental data from the sea. Over 2 million data points have already been collected through interconnected wireless sensors.

The fixed network, built with WNodes, serves as an underwater communication infrastructure (UCI), enabling both the integration of heterogeneous sensors and the real-time exchange of data and commands. ROVs/AUVs, equipped with miniaturized WNodes, are able to receive instructions while underwater and adapt their missions based on context and environmental conditions, thanks to bidirectional multihop wireless communication.

During the presentation, the main work packages of the project were illustrated. WP1 described an operational scenario in which the vehicle initially followed a predefined route and, upon entering the acoustic range of one or more WNodes, received mission packets containing the target position, WNode coordinates, and environmental parameters to be measured. The vehicle then abandoned the initial route and moved toward the designated area of interest, following a circular path to collect data.

In WP2, a physical simulator was developed to test interactions between WNodes and ROVs/AUVs, based on the ROS platform, in order to evaluate performance metrics such as localization accuracy, mission duration, and system lifespan.

The next step, announced during the presentation, will be the launch of field testing campaigns in Sicily, coordinated by ArenaSub. Suitable sites will be selected, and topo-bathymetric surveys will be conducted using oceanographic units equipped with Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT) devices.

The project demonstrates wide application potential, including: defense and critical infrastructure, offshore energy, smart cables and pipelines, hydroelectric basins, environmental monitoring, seismic and volcanic events, and desalination plants.

Cosimo Palmisano commented: “The participation of WSense in Spoke 3 of the RAISE project has represented a strategic step in the development of our solution for the coordination of autonomous underwater vehicles via wireless communication. Thanks to RAISE and the W-Mission project, we can accelerate the transition to market with concrete solutions for the digitalization of the marine environment. The Ligurian innovation ecosystem is an essential catalyst for enhancing deeptech technologies and enabling a sustainable and connected blue economy.”

The IAS 2025 conference, this year dedicated to the theme “Ethical, Responsible, and Inclusive Robotics”, has offered an important opportunity for dialogue among the scientific community, businesses, and institutions, highlighting the crucial role of autonomous technologies in building a more equitable and sustainable future.

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UBICA at the SIBM Congress: progress in monitoring gorgonian forests

Posted on 29 June 202529 June 2025 by admin

In June, in Naples, UBICA, partner of the NEPTUNE™ project (Neural Rendering & Edge AI Platform for 4D synthetic Twins generation during Underwater Navigation & Exploration) of Spoke 3, participated in the SIBM conference.

In this context, marine biologist Ilaria Rossodivita (UBICA, NEPTUNE™, Spoke 3) presented a poster entitled “MULTI-PARAMETRIC SURVEYS AS FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF UNDERWATER HABITAT MONITORING: THE CASE STUDY SECCA ISUELA AT PORTOFINO MPA ON THE P. CLAVATA FOREST”.

The poster summarizes innovative aspects of the research underway within the project.

In order to monitor the current status of gorgonian forests (Paramuricea clavata), whose presence is correlated with increased biodiversity in the Mediterranean, the authors of the poster highlight how NEPTUNE™ has developed a 4D system to enrich 3D models with environmental data from the water column.

This result was achieved using a custom-made open source probe developed within the OCEAN-PULSE project (an open source conductivity, temperature and depth (CTD) system integrated with a pulse-width modulation (PAM) fluorimeter), funded as an exploratory activity by the European Commission.

The sensors were integrated into a remotely operated data collection vehicle and tested at Secca Isuela in the Portofino Marine Protected Area (Italy).

UBICA al Congresso SIBM - RAISE poster_UBICA_rossodivita — Ilaria Rossodivita (UBICA, Spoke3) presents at the SIBM conference | Author: UBICA (Spoke 3) | Credits: UBICA and RAISE

Real-time data on temperature, pH, salinity and dissolved oxygen, together with videos recorded at 6K resolution, were transmitted online to a server and archived on a multilayer timeline.

The data were then processed to generate 3D reconstructions of the scanned area, integrated with the monitored water column parameters.

The density of P. clavata and the morphometric characteristics of each detected colony (e.g., maximum height, surface area) were calculated and compared with data from the underwater photogrammetric scan at the same site in 2021.

The Spoke 3 NEPTUNE™ project is therefore not only producing innovative results from the point of view of technology transfer in the field of 3D/4D and eco-robotics, but is also producing research results, from the point of view of environmental monitoring of gorgonian forests in Liguria.

UBICA al Congresso SIBM - RAISE SIBM_poster_UBICA_marco_palma — Poster authors: I. ROSSODIVITA (UBICA) , A. DECAMILLI (UBICA), L. TRICERRI (UBICA), E. CANUTI (European Commission – Joint Research Centre, Ispra VA), U. PANTALEO (UBICA), F. CARDINALI (MYWAI), V. CAPPANERA (Consorzio di Gestione Area Marina Protetta Portofino) , M. PALMA (UBICA)

NEPTUNE™, coordinated by the Ligurian start-up MYWAI, is one of the winners of the cascade call for Industrial Research and Experimental Development projects in the domains of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics of RAISE Spoke 5, and is affiliated with Spoke 3, whose objective is the protection and care of the environment thanks to ecorobotics.

Cover Image
Gorgonian forest in Portofino Marine Protected Area, Liguria and underwater robot
Author: Marzio Cardellini, Bluframe
Credits: NEPTUNE™ and RAISE