Spoke 3 Eng Archives - RAISE Innovation Ecosystem

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.

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

VERO robot cleans the Nervi Marina

Posted on 20 June 202520 June 2025 by admin

On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the Nervi Marina hosted the environmental awareness event “The Sea Begins Here”, dedicated to collecting cigarette butts and solid waste scattered along the coastal environment.

The initiative, promoted by students from the International School of Genoa (ISG) in collaboration with the sports center SAL, AMIU Genova and the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), involved numerous volunteers and local citizens.

For the second time, the VERO quadruped robot (Vacuum-cleaner Equipped RObot), developed at the Dynamic Legged Systems (DLS) lab of IIT as part of Spoke 3 “Environmental Protection and Care” within the RAISE project, actively participated in the collection of cigarette butts.

Equipped with artificial vision and robotic intelligence, the system demonstrated its ability to move on uneven terrain and performed selective suction of cigarette butts without disturbing the surrounding environment.

From 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, students and volunteers gathered and sorted solid waste, separating paper, plastic, metals, and cigarette butts. Water samples collected in the port area underwent initial chemical analysis aimed at monitoring the quality of the marine environment.

The event attracted the attention of many families, children, and local residents, who were not only interested in the environmental issue but also in the innovative presence of VERO, a concrete example of integrating scientific research with environmental protection. The field test allowed researchers to gather valuable technical information and listen to suggestions and feedback from the participants.

The initiative highlighted the urgency of addressing cigarette butt pollution, which, according to recent scientific studies, can contaminate up to 1,000 liters of water per individual butt. Cigarette butts are among the most widespread and toxic plastic wastes globally.

The participation of the VERO robot represented a significant milestone for testing the technological solutions developed within the RAISE project, aimed at providing innovative tools for environmental safeguarding. The event also promoted proposals for recycling cigarette butts within a circular economy framework, thanks to collaboration with local organizations and companies specialized in transforming this type of waste into new usable materials.

“Today we brought VERO, the quadruped robot that collects cigarette butts, here to the Nervi Marina to participate in this initiative organized by the International School of Genoa, which often promotes activities focused on cleaning the environment from cigarette butts. For us, this was a valuable opportunity to test the robot in a real environment, with people already sensitive to these issues — but also to see how the public reacts to a robot working for a positive environmental cause. The goal is twofold: on one hand, to let people know what we are doing and explain the project; on the other, to conduct a real field test that provides us with useful feedback on how our technology performs. We’ve already noticed some critical points — for example, intense sunlight can interfere with the cameras — all practical experiences that we’ll bring back to the lab to improve the system. And how did people react? Well, most were very surprised and impressed — it’s not every day you see a robot doing this kind of environmental task. Many great conversations started, and we also received interesting suggestions on what the robot could or could not do in the future. So yes, it was truly useful and stimulating!” commented Claudio Semini, head of the Dynamic Legged Systems unit at the Italian Institute of Technology.

The event was held under the patronage of Municipio IX Levante, the City of Genoa, AMIU, UNESCO, and UNICEF, with support from the Genoa Aquarium and the European ProBleu project.

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EcoMonitoring and RAISE officially presented at the Chamber of Deputies

Posted on 13 June 202513 June 2025 by admin

On May 29, 2025, the official presentation of the project EcoMonitoring: Innovation for Coastal and Lake Environmental Monitoring took place at the Press Room of the Italian Chamber of Deputies. The initiative, of national relevance, is part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.5 “Creation and strengthening of innovation ecosystems – Building territorial R&D leaders”.

The event was organized at the initiative of the Hon. Salvatore Deidda, President of the IX Parliamentary Committee on Transport, Post and Telecommunications.

Speakers included representatives from public institutions, research centers and innovative companies: Hon. Salvatore Deidda, Roberto Minerdo (President of ONTM), Michele P. Boella (CEO of NeMeA Sistemi Srl), Amir Topalović (CEO of Aisma Srl), and Mariella Sole (CEO of Hedya Srl).

During the event, the EcoMonitoring project was introduced as a cutting-edge tool for environmental monitoring in complex areas such as ports. It combines surface water drones and micro sentinel buoys capable of collecting real-time data on water quality without disrupting port operations.

The system enables early detection of environmental and industrial risks, monitors water cycles and currents, and protects infrastructure through predictive analytics and ongoing mapping, significantly enhancing port management and sustainability.

The event also highlighted the scientific and technological contribution of RAISE, specifically through the activities of Spoke 3 of the Ecosystem, which focuses on environmental protection through advanced robotics and artificial intelligence.

RAISE representatives emphasized that the initiative is a concrete example of an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to the preservation of natural ecosystems, particularly marine and freshwater environments.

In their address, RAISE underlined the importance of ethical and intelligent data processing as a strategic driver in creating new services for society, cities, and environmental protection. Through the synergy of autonomous robotic platforms, innovative sensors, and AI algorithms, the project enables continuous environmental monitoring, real-time analysis of marine and lake conditions, and the rapid activation of alert systems in the event of anomalies or risks.

The presentation introduced the concept of Ecorobotics, an emerging discipline that blends technological and scientific expertise for the active protection of ecosystems. The experimental area of Spoke 3, based in Liguria, serves as a pilot for a scalable model intended to be replicated at national and international levels.

RAISE reaffirmed the need to promote a conscious, inclusive, and sustainable technological transition capable of harmonizing scientific progress with ecological balance. The importance of collaboration between universities, research institutions, and enterprises in building innovative and competitive territorial ecosystems was also emphasized, in line with the goals of the NRRP.

The event concluded with the shared hope that technology may increasingly serve as a tool for care, connection, and enhancement of both the environment and local communities, for the benefit of present and future generations.

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Author: Michele Boella, NeMeA Systems
Credits: NeMeA Systems and RAISE

Spoke 3 at the forefront of underwater archaeology and ecorobotics with the NEPTUNE™ project in the Aeolian Islands

Posted on 10 June 202510 June 2025 by admin

During the spring of 2025, operational tests for the NEPTUNE™ project – an innovative initiative in the field of underwater archaeology focused on the digitalization and intelligent monitoring of submerged sites – were conducted in Lipari, in the Aeolian Islands.

The archaeological site chosen for these activities was the wreck of Capistello, an important late-Classical (4th century BCE) merchant ship resting at a depth of approximately 60 meters.

Discovered in the 1990s, the wreck holds a remarkable cargo of Greco-Italic amphorae and represents a unique testimony to ancient Mediterranean trade routes.

The underwater operations were carried out under the scientific and administrative supervision of the Soprintendenza del Mare – Department of Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity of the Sicilian Region – which ensured the site’s protection and compliance with current regulations on submerged cultural heritage.

The operational team consisted of highly specialized scientific-technical divers trained in deep-sea operations and equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Spoke 3 avanguardia nel campo dell’archeologia subacquea e dell’ecorobotica con il progetto NEPTUNE alle Eolie - Preparazione equipaggiamento Lipari — Preparazione dell’equipaggiamento | Autore: Immersea (NEPTUNE™, Spoke 3) | Crediti: NEPTUNE™ e RAISE

Each dive was conducted using the SUEX Gemini underwater propulsion system, paired with the SINAPSI underwater navigation and positioning system, designed to ensure high-precision data localization even in the absence of GPS references. The tracking system was integrated with an 8K waterproof camera mounted on the vehicle to capture ultra-high-resolution images of the site, and with the Oceanhis multiparameter probe, which continuously monitored key environmental parameters such as temperature, salinity, pH, and conductivity.

The test protocol included a series of progressive dives aimed at validating the entire operational workflow:
– visual and environmental data acquisition;
– georeferencing of the surveys;
– data transfer to the NEPTUNE platform;
– and subsequent processing.

The NEPTUNE system, the project’s innovative core, was developed to integrate digitalization, artificial intelligence, and 4D Digital Twin models to enable dynamic and predictive management of submerged sites.

Spoke 3 avanguardia nel campo dell’archeologia subacquea e dell’ecorobotica con il progetto NEPTUNE alle Eolie - Piattaforma mywai bianca — Piattaforma di MYWAI, NEPTUNE™ |Autore: MYWAI (NEPTUNE™, Spoke 3) | Crediti: NEPTUNE™ e RAISE

During the tests, the collected data were processed in near real-time, enabling the creation of a preliminary digital model of the Capistello wreck along with a three-dimensional environmental map. The acquired information—including variations in environmental parameters based on depth and location—was used to test the reliability of the digital model and the system’s ability to detect changes that could be critical to site preservation.

The results demonstrated NEPTUNE™’s effectiveness as a tool for underwater archaeology: the quality of the optical surveys and the accuracy of the positioning exceeded initial expectations, while the system’s ability to aggregate heterogeneous data (optical, environmental, and navigational) into a single platform enabled an integrated view of the site.

Additionally, the use of artificial intelligence allowed for the automatic identification of objects and anomalies, supporting the work of archaeologists.

The Capistello test represents a milestone in underwater research and shows how emerging technologies, integrated through eco-robotics, can revolutionize the monitoring and enhancement of submerged cultural heritage.

Spoke 3 avanguardia nel campo dell’archeologia subacquea e dell’ecorobotica con il progetto NEPTUNE alle Eolie - Rilievo 3D Lipari ancora — Rilievo a Lipari per NEPTUNE™ | Autore: Immersea (NEPTUNE™, Spoke 3) | Crediti: NEPTUNE™ e RAISE

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Capistello wreck
Author: Immersea (NEPTUNE™, Spoke 3)
Credits: NEPTUNE™ and RAISE

RAISE’s Spoke 3 to participate in the European Digital Ocean Pavilion at the 3rd UN Ocean Conference

Posted on 22 May 202522 May 2025 by admin

From June 2nd to 13th, 2025, Spoke 3 of the RAISE project will take part in the European Digital Ocean Pavilion, set up in the Green Zone – The Whale, on the occasion of the 3rd UN Ocean Conference (UNOC 3).

The initiative will serve as an important showcase for the European Union’s commitment to ocean knowledge, monitoring, and innovation, offering an immersive and interactive experience for visitors from around the world.

The European Digital Ocean Pavilion, promoted by the European Commission under the coordination of the Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS), in close collaboration with DG MARE, DG RTD, and DG INTPA, will be implemented by Mercator Ocean International.

The Pavilion will be divided into three thematic areas – INSPIRE, ENGAGE and DECIDE – designed to present European digital resources dedicated to marine sustainability.
Spoke 3 of RAISE will be involved in the ENGAGE section and also in the INSPIRE section, where the project will be presented with a TEDx-like talk by Antonio Novellino from ETT, during the “Ocean In Situ session” titled “Nature meets AI and robotics: a new era of environmental protection”.
The agenda for the day can be found at this link.

Through multimedia installations, predictive models, and interactive scenarios, participants will be able to explore the Digital Twin of the Ocean, a digital model that integrates satellite data and in-situ observations, artificial intelligence, and advanced modeling, offering a dynamic and three-dimensional view of the oceans—from the past to the future.

Participation in the European Digital Ocean Pavilion will mark an important recognition for the research and development activities of Spoke 3, which had already received approval in July 2024 for its Decade Action Proposal No. 34.4: “Sustainable technologies for ocean care and protection”. The initiative is now part of the official program of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021–2030.

UNOC 3, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, will bring together key international actors in Nice – including UN member states, heads of state and government, international agencies, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, and donors—to promote the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.

Through this participation, RAISE’s Spoke 3 will once again contribute to strengthening Italy’s role in technological innovation for the protection of the marine environment, continuing its mission in support of ecological transition and sustainability.

More information on the event and the Pavilion at this link.

Spoke 3 RAISE: soft robotics for agri-food at RoboSoft 2025

Posted on 2 May 20252 May 2025 by admin

As part of the activities of Spoke 3 of RAISE, dedicated to the development of bioinspired solutions for sustainability, Chengjin Du, student fellow in the Soft BioRobotics Perception research line at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), participated as a speaker in the workshop Emerging Paradigms in Soft Manipulation.

The event took place on April 23, 2025, in Lausanne, Switzerland, during the RoboSoft 2025 – 8th IEEE-RAS International Conference on Soft Robotics. In his talk, entitled Sensorizing Soft Actuators Enabling Intelligent Grasping and Fruit Evaluation, Chengjin Du presented the most significant results of the project Soft Gripper for Fruit Monitoring and Sorting, developed within Project 5 of Spoke 3 under the supervision of Lucia Beccai, Principal Investigator of the Soft BioRobotics Perception Lab at IIT.

The project addresses one of the key challenges in the agri-food sector: the automated handling and monitoring of post-harvest fruit and vegetable products using intelligent soft robotic technologies.

The developed system, known as the SoftMag Gripper, is a fully integrated soft end-effector that combines pneumatic actuation with magnetic-based tactile sensors. It enables adaptive grasping and real-time evaluation of fruit firmness. During the presentation, Du illustrated the entire development process of the device, from materials and system design to the integration of sensing and actuation, and the application of machine learning algorithms for tactile data interpretation.

The workshop brought together researchers and industry representatives working to bridge the gap between laboratory-developed experimental solutions and their real-world applications. Special attention was given to identifying best practices for technology transfer in the field of soft robotic manipulation, with a focus on operational efficiency and adaptability to complex production environments.

Chengjin Du’s presentation highlighted how the integrated approach adopted by Spoke 3 of RAISE provides a tangible contribution to the development of intelligent tools for sustainable automation. The ability of the SoftMag Gripper to adapt to deformable objects and provide real-time perceptual data opens new perspectives for the adoption of advanced robotics in agricultural and food processing contexts.

Participation in RoboSoft 2025 reaffirms the active role of RAISE and Spoke 3 in promoting technological innovation by enhancing the expertise of young researchers and fostering dialogue within the international scientific community.

At Euroflora 2025 the VINUM project: robotics and innovation for the viticulture of the future

Posted on 28 April 202528 April 2025 by admin

During the international event Euroflora 2025, held in the regenerated spaces of Genoa’s Waterfront, the VINUM project was presented. It was developed within Spoke 3 of the RAISE ecosystem.

The initiative took place in a highly significant setting focused on biodiversity, sustainability, and enhancing the relationship between humans and nature, in line with the founding principles of the exhibition.

VINUM is the result of a collaboration between the Dynamic Legged Systems (DLS) unit of the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Faculty of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore – Piacenza Campus.

Its main goal is the development of an advanced robotic solution for automating winter vine pruning, a crucial process for wine production quality, but one that is highly labor-intensive and requires specific skills.

Two events were dedicated to the project, held on April 24 and 27, and curated by Claudio Semini and Angelo Bratta, respectively coordinator and researcher of the IIT DLS unit. On both occasions, a live demonstration of the robot was offered, drawing significant interest from professionals and the general public.

The modular robotic system integrates a mechanical arm and a complex multi-modal artificial vision system – including stereoscopic vision – that enables precise vine recognition and autonomous cutting. A state machine drives the robot through its various operational phases, ensuring continuity and efficiency in the task.

Thanks to the use of technologies such as Detectron2 for image segmentation and visual odometry techniques for building point clouds, the robot is capable of “understanding” its environment and autonomously making decisions on the most suitable pruning points.

VINUM was also conceived to address the growing difficulty in finding skilled labor for complex agricultural tasks, offering a technological alternative that can support human intervention in the most demanding scenarios.

The prototype’s performance will be tested in the upcoming winter season directly in vineyards, with a comparative evaluation against manual pruning. The analysis will include factors such as cutting effectiveness, adaptability to different terrains, and the impact on the plant’s vegetative characteristics.

VINUM’s participation in Euroflora confirmed RAISE’s and its partners’ commitment to promoting cutting-edge technological solutions that can concretely contribute to the digital and sustainable transition of Italian agriculture.

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Eco-Robotics and bioinspired innovation: RAISE’s Spoke 3 at RoboSoft 2025

Posted on 28 April 202528 April 2025 by admin

From April 24 to 26, 2025, the eighth edition of the IEEE-RAS International Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft 2025) took place in Lausanne, Switzerland. This globally renowned event is a key reference in the field of soft robotics. This year’s edition focused on interdisciplinarity and expanding the frontiers of research and development in advanced robotic technologies.

During the opening day of the conference, Barbara Mazzolai, Principal Investigator of the Bioinspired Soft Robotics research line at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) and representative of Spoke 3 of the RAISE project, took the stage. Professor Mazzolai delivered one of the Plenary Talks, titled “Soft Robotics Meets Biodiversity: Nature-Inspired Paths to Innovation”.

In her talk, Mazzolai illustrated how biodiversity can serve as a strategic and sustainable model for the design and creation of soft robots, directly inspired by mechanisms and forms found in nature. She emphasized how biological variety, in both movement and distributed intelligence, offers practical solutions for the development of robotic systems that are more adaptable, efficient, and environmentally friendly.

A key focus of the presentation was eco-robotics, an innovative vision that merges robotic engineering with ecological and biological principles. In this context, several achievements from the RAISE project were showcased, including bioinspired artificial seeds designed for applications in environmental monitoring and reforestation. These robotic devices take inspiration from the plant and animal kingdoms and are capable of responding to environmental stimuli, moving, and adapting autonomously.

RoboSoft 2025 brought together researchers, industry experts, and students from around the world, providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration on emerging technologies. The program featured presentations, workshops, live demonstrations, artistic exhibits, and roundtables on cutting-edge topics.

The participation of RAISE’s Spoke 3 confirmed the prominent role Italian research plays on the international soft robotics stage.
Barbara Mazzolai’s talk highlighted how an interdisciplinary approach is essential not only to develop nature-inspired robots but also to ensure that such technologies actively contribute to environmental conservation.

Eco-robotics, therefore, emerged not just as a promising scientific field but also as a tangible opportunity for a more sustainable future.