Spoke 3 Eng Archives - RAISE Innovation Ecosystem

Ecorobotics and earthquakes: new frontiers in the detection of damage to churches

Posted on 7 April 20257 April 2025 by admin

Italy is the country with the highest concentration of UNESCO sites: this immense heritage, consisting of many valuable buildings, represents a cultural and economic resource, but is at significant risk due to earthquakes as demonstrated by many events that have hit our territory. Their high seismic vulnerability makes it essential to invest in research and exploit the potential offered by new technologies.

In this direction, in Spoke 3 of RAISE, ecorobotics is applied with a multidisciplinary approach in a specific project aimed at developing innovative strategies for the detection of seismic damage in churches. The initiative arises from the over thirty-year experience of researchers at the University of Genoa and from the awareness of the importance of these buildings both for society and for the artistic-cultural heritage.

The project focuses on four key objectives:
– Safety, to protect operators during survey operations;
– Protection, to contribute to the safeguarding of monumental assets during seismic emergencies;
– Timeliness, to optimize the damage survey phases and accelerate the acquisition of information (photos, geometric data, etc.);
– Effectiveness, to support subsequent safety and damage reduction actions.

Innovative technologies for seismic damage survey
The Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering (DICCA) of the University of Genoa, through the research groups in Seismic Engineering and Geomatics, has developed a methodology based on Laser scanner technology and drone photogrammetry to safely acquire both the internal geometry of churches and the presence and position of lesions, using an Artificial Intelligence model for automatic damage identification.

The system involves the integrated use of a flying drone and a terrestrial robot, addressing the complexity of autonomous navigation in closed environments. The drone takes off from the robot at predefined points mapped autonomously and acquires data from above before landing and continuing the analysis with the terrestrial vehicle.

Info Solution’s contribution with MOLIRIS
A key element of the project is the autonomous navigation system of the terrestrial robot, developed by Info Solution through its MOLIRIS product. The robot, thanks to a sophisticated obstacle detection and advanced mapping technology, is able to move safely among rubble, collapses and damaged pavements, supporting post-seismic inspection and preventive monitoring operations. MOLIRIS guarantees high precision in autonomous navigation, allowing to explore critical areas where human access would be risky or impossible.

An integrated system for safety and conservation
In the first months of 2025, a pilot test of the system was conducted at the Church of San Giovanni Battista in Aggio (Genoa) with the primary objective of verifying in the field the combined use of the flying drone and the Info Solution terrestrial robot and evaluating the effectiveness of the integration between the two platforms. The test gave positive results, providing valuable operational indications for the subsequent phases of research and technology transfer.
Thanks to the collaboration between experts from different sectors, the project presents itself as a model of innovation for the management of seismic risk and the protection of cultural heritage.

Thanks to: Don Matteo Conte, for his availability to carry out the field tests; the Curia of the Archdiocese of Genoa, for the support in identifying some case studies and the availability demonstrated; Eng. Stefano Cunietti (PhD student at the University of Genoa at DICCA) for the support provided in piloting the drone during the field tests.

Proect working group: University of Genoa (DICCA): Prof. Serena Cattari (project leader), Prof. Bianca Federici, Eng. Mohamed Mustafa Omeribrahim Eid (DICCA research fellow until 2024), Eng. Matteo Bozzano (PhD student) – Info Solution: Dr. Marco Penco – IIT: Eng. Claudio Semini (head of the Dynamic Legged Systems (DLS) laboratory) and Eng. Angelo Bratta (Post Doc)

Spoke 3 marine ecorobotics in action with NEPTUNE™: the story of the second mission in the Portofino Marine Protected Area

Posted on 27 February 202528 February 2025 by admin

On February 20, the NEPTUNE™ project achieved an important project advancement, within the “second mission” in Liguria, after a first mission in the summer 2024 in Sicily.
The aim of the activity was to acquire marine data, videos and photos, testing the effectiveness of the instrumentation developed in the field of marine ecorobotics.

The instrumentation used in underwater explorations was entirely produced by Ubica srl and its collaborators, with the aim of generating low-cost equipment for marine environmental monitoring, which returns high-resolution results.

The experimentation not only allowed the acquisition of marine environmental data and images, but also the direct integration with the AIoT platform for U-EaaS (Underwater Equipment as a Service) NEPTUNE™, created by MYWAI, both on board the ship and then in the post-acquisition phase in the laboratory.

Specifically, the activity took place at the Secca dell’Isuela, in the Portofino Marine Protected Area, between 30 and 45 m deep, where there is a dense forest of gorgonians, mainly consisting of the species Paramuricea clavata and Eunicella cavolini.

As the marine biologist of the UBICA team, Ilaria Rossodivita, explained, gorgonians: “(…) are a sort of coral, which give a high biodiversity to the environment and are very characteristic of the Mediterranean area”.

During the field activity, the ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) equipped with a full-frame 6K resolution camera and a multi-parameter probe, with sensors for environmental variables, were tested: temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll A (microalgae concentration).

The ROV moved along a defined path before the diving phase and its movement was monitored by the operators on board the vessel.

The surveys were georeferenced using a USBL system for underwater acoustic positioning. The video data and environmental parameters were synchronized via satellite clock together with the vehicle position data during the operations and sent in streaming to the receiving server on the U-EaaS NEPTUNE platform.

As a next step of this second mission, the videos and recorded data will be reprocessed by the software of the lead partner MYWAI, to generate a 5D reconstruction of the seabed.

We start from the 3D environmental format, to then produce a 4D model of the data, on a spatial and temporal basis of the trend of the environmental parameters, and finally an optional 5D integration is added, with the semantic information associated with the reconstruction.

The technical-scientific manager of the project, Fabrizio Cardinali (MYWAI, Spoke 3), commented as follows, at the end of the day: “the next phases of NEPTUNE™ include explorations in Sicily, in Lipari, of archaeological shipwrecks and submersed industrial structures. The project is attracting great interest both at a scientific level and at a market level”.

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.

Spoke 3 of RAISE at the “Pontos – Euromediterranean in Dialogue” festival

Posted on 23 January 202523 January 2025 by admin

On January 15, as part of the “Pontos – Euromediterranean in Dialogue” festival, the panel “Protection of the seas and inter-Mediterranean cooperation” took place at Palazzo Ducale in Genoa, in the Sala del Maggior Consiglio, with the following program:
– Monica Montefalcone (UniGe): The changing Mediterranean. A look at marine ecosystems;
– Paolo Prati (UniGe and INFN): A look at atmospheric pollution;
– Marco Faimali (CNR-IAS, coordinator of Spoke 3, RAISE): The Mare nostrum, a great natural capital to be preserved: the technologies of the RAISE project for the protection of the Mediterranean marine environment;
– Nicola Rasore (Coldiretti): Fishing in the Mediterranean Sea: people, sailors and fish. So similar, so different;
– Raffaella Bruzzone (Chamber of Commerce): The role of the chamber system in supporting sustainable development in the Mediterranean.

The director of CNR-IAS and coordinator of Spoke 3, Marco Faimali, with his presentation “The Mare Nostrum, a great natural capital to be preserved: the technologies of the RAISE project for the protection of the Mediterranean marine environment”, introduced the ecorobotics activities of RAISE, starting from an initial question addressed to an intercultural audience, with a majority of young people, and a reflection on the relationship between human beings and the environment.
Faimali then illustrated the concept of “anthropocene”, highlighting the acceleration of the anthropic impact on planet Earth, which has occurred since 1950. This impact includes the exploitation and pollution of air, soil and sea.
The coordinator of Spoke 3 then focused on the fundamental role of the oceans, both as a thermostat (“without oceans, we would have a temperature of 36 degrees”), and as a “blue lung”: 50% of oxygen is produced by the sea.
The Mediterranean, central theme for the Pontos festival, represents 1% of the seas, but is in itself a precious and irreplaceable natural treasure chest: it contains 10% of the planet’s biodiversity.

Lo spoke 3 di RAISE al Festival Pontos Euromediterraneo in dialogo — Marco Faimali (CNR-IAS) a Palazzo Ducale per Pontos | Autore: Nderim Kaceli (Pontos) Crediti: Pontos, foto gentilmente ad uso gratuito di RAISE

The coordinator of Spoke 3 then highlighted some of RAISE’s important results in the field of ecorobotics, showing images of future scenarios, created for Roma Fotografia Future and videos of RAISE projects, with prototypes of robots already built and under development.
Director Faimali commented: “I am grateful and satisfied for this invitation from the Pontos festival, as an opportunity to disseminate the RAISE ecosystem and new meetings for future collaborations, both scientific and artistic”.

The panel was therefore an opportunity to involve a young audience on the themes of RAISE spoke 3 and to dialogue between experts on the themes of biodiversity, monitoring and care of the environment, with a focus on the Mediterranean Sea.

Cover Image
Marco Faimali (CNR-IAS) at the Ducal Palace for Pontos
Author: Nderim Kaceli (Pontos)
Credit: Pontos, photo courtesy of RAISE

Info Solution presents MOLIRIS at NSE 2024: autonomous robots and advanced navigation at NSE 2024

Posted on 18 December 20249 January 2025 by admin

Info Solution participated in the sixth edition of the New Space Economy (NSE) 2024 fair, which took place from December 16 to 18 at Fiera Roma. The event was a strategic opportunity to present MOLIRIS, the fleet of autonomous robots with reliable and versatile autonomous navigation solutions. Info Solution also showcased a specific application developed within the RAISE project, demonstrating how autonomous technologies can adapt to real operational scenarios.

Info Solution brings its expertise in autonomous vehicle technologies with MOLIRIS, a versatile solution that optimizes complex operations such as surveillance, industrial monitoring, fire prevention, and precision agriculture. Thanks to autonomous navigation systems and advanced perception technologies, MOLIRIS ensures high precision, safety, and reliability, improving the efficiency of operations in critical environments. During the fair, a video was also presented showing an application developed within the context of the RAISE project, as an example of the advanced capabilities of our autonomous vehicles.

While automation in agriculture and environmental monitoring are areas of interest, at NSE 2024, Info Solution presented solutions focused on industrial, urban, and security contexts. The versatility of MOLIRIS allows adaptation to various applications, such as monitoring critical infrastructure and the timely detection of anomalies in complex environments.

These technologies, refined within the RAISE project in collaboration with leading research institutions such as the Italian Institute of Technology and the University of Genoa, demonstrate Info Solution’s commitment to innovation and the creation of reliable and secure tools to address real challenges in complex contexts.

Participation in NSE 2024 represented an important opportunity for Info Solution to explore new markets, consolidate strategic collaborations, and contribute to the development of cutting-edge technological applications. This year’s theme, “Our Future, Our Daily Life”, fully reflected the company’s mission: to make technology a useful and accessible tool capable of improving daily life and tackling future challenges.

Info Solution welcomed industry professionals at stand E23, Pavilion 2, presenting MOLIRIS and its innovative autonomous navigation solutions. This system serves as a concrete example of how technology can address the needs of efficiency, safety, and sustainability, improving the management of complex operations across various sectors.

Spoke 3 at the AICAT 2024 Congress: analysis on flexible piezoelectric films

Posted on 17 December 202419 December 2024 by admin

From December 9 to 11, 2024, the 45th National AICAT Congress took place in Caserta, focusing on calorimetry, thermal analysis, and applied thermodynamics.

The event brought together scientists from across Italy and Europe, offering an opportunity to discuss the latest research in the field.

Among the presentations, Marco Fortunato, a researcher at CNR-ICMATE and a member of Spoke 3, delivered a talk titled “The Influence of Preparation Methods on the Properties of Flexible Piezoelectric Composite Films”.

The research presented by Fortunato was conducted as part of Spoke 3 of the RAISE initiative, aimed at developing advanced technological solutions for energy and sustainability.

Marco Fortunato showcased a study on flexible piezoelectric materials capable of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. These materials hold promise for the development of autonomous energy systems and contribute to reducing fossil fuel consumption. Specifically, the research focused on composites made from polymers such as PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) and inorganic fillers like BaTiO3 (barium titanate). These composites are valued for their flexibility and resistance to high electric fields—key qualities for renewable energy applications.

At the AICAT 2024 Congress Fortunato explained how different preparation methods affect the uniform distribution of filler particles within the polymer and the material’s thermal stability. Through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the temperature at which PVDF begins to degrade was evaluated, while techniques like differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy were used to identify the crystalline variants of PVDF and their impact on piezoelectric properties.

This research highlighted how the choice of manufacturing technique can enhance material performance, contributing to the development of new solutions for sustainable energy.

Fortunato’s analysis provided a significant technical contribution, sparking discussions among participants about potential applications and future collaborations.

RAISE Spoke 3 at the #EU4Ocean Webinar

Posted on 16 December 202417 December 2024 by admin

On December 12, 2024, the online webinar in the #EU4Ocean series, “Where Ocean Literacy Meets EU Business”, took place, focusing on the role of Ocean Literacy in the development of technologies, data management, and digital solutions.

The event, organized by EurOcean in support of the #EU4Ocean platform, featured two sector experts: Giulia Dapueto from ETT S.p.A. and Arne Johan Hestnes from Kongsberg Discovery.

During her presentation, Dapueto provided an overview of ETT’s activities, emphasizing the company’s contribution to achieving strategic goals in the field. She highlighted the importance of data management and analysis, data harmonization, and their application to models supported by advanced information systems. Among the projects discussed, special attention was given to those aligning with the vision of RAISE Spoke 3, showcasing how innovative technological solutions can support the protection of marine ecosystems.

The webinar offered an opportunity to explore the role of Ocean Literacy in the technology and digital sectors, highlighting the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, from businesses to NGOs, in promoting innovation and sustainability.

The participation of RAISE Spoke 3 underscored the value of integrated and multidisciplinary approaches to tackling today’s environmental challenges.

The event, which also featured a contribution from the Norwegian representative of Kongsberg Discovery, will be available as a recorded session on the EurOcean YouTube channel, providing an opportunity to delve deeper into the topics covered.

EcoMonitoring: innovation and sustainability for environmental monitoring

Posted on 5 December 20246 December 2024 by admin

In March 2024, NeMeA, in collaboration with partners AISMA and HEDYA, and contributors from Link University of Rome, the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Cagliari, and ONTM (National Observatory for the Protection of the Sea), officially launched the EcoMonitoring project, winners of the Cascade Call funded by Spoke 5 as part of the Spoke 3 themes of the RAISE project.

EcoMonitoring received positive evaluations thanks to its ability to address strategic challenges in the fields of artificial intelligence and robotics and tackles three specific challenges:
– AI solutions for environmental monitoring;
– Development of satellite and machine learning technologies to forecast extreme weather events and monitor riverbeds;
– Implementation of an EDGE computing network for the collection and distribution of data from complex environmental scenarios.

EcoMonitoring introduces a revolutionary system for monitoring marine, coastal, and lake environments. Data collection is entrusted to various sources, including RADAR/SAR satellite images from the COSMO Second Generation constellation of the Italian Space Agency, smart buoys, and autonomous electric-powered USV (Unmanned Surface Vessel) drones. This data is analyzed through deep learning algorithms and EDGE computing techniques, generating real-time alerts to prevent environmental threats.

The collected information is stored in a Data Lake, accessible through dashboards and geoportals for in-depth analysis and real-time visualization. This integrated approach allows for:
– Protecting marine and lake environments while promoting sustainability.
– Integrating diverse data sources to provide a comprehensive view of ecosystems.
– Developing autonomous technologies for data acquisition and transmission, ensuring near real-time communication via LoRa, 4G, and 5G networks.

The project is currently in a critical development phase. Prototypes of the USV HYDRA drones and the MoBI smart buoys are operational, though awaiting further optimizations. Field tests are imminent, with initial data already uploaded to the Data Lake platform, ready for preliminary analysis.

Emanuele Giorgi, Project Manager for the EcoMonitoring project, on EcoMonitoring and the RAISE ecosystem: “Participating in the RAISE innovation ecosystem is a crucial opportunity for NeMeA. With EcoMonitoring, we aim to develop advanced environmental monitoring technologies capable of providing accurate, validated real-time data and generating timely alerts to prevent critical situations. Thanks to the integration of predictive artificial intelligence and autonomous monitoring systems, the project contributes to protecting marine, lake, and coastal ecosystems, reducing negative environmental impact, and improving the management of natural resources and infrastructure. Moreover, EcoMonitoring aims to transform these innovations into cutting-edge environmental monitoring services with significant economic and social benefits. RAISE, with its collaborative environment among research, industry, and institutions, offers us the opportunity to accelerate this process, bringing concrete solutions for a more sustainable and secure future. We are convinced that our technological contribution can make a difference and create value both nationally and internationally”.

Ecotoxicology and Innovation: Spoke 3 at the ISPRA Study Days 2024

Posted on 2 December 20242 December 2024 by admin

From November 26 to 28, 2024, Livorno hosted the eleventh edition of the Study Days “Research and Application of Ecotoxicological Methodologies”, a biennial event promoted by ISPRA since 2006.

This event serves as a reference point for the Italian scientific community, regulatory bodies, private enterprises, and all stakeholders interested in ecotoxicology and its practical applications, with a focus on regulatory evolution and the sector’s new frontiers.

In a context marked by discussions on emerging contaminants, environmental health, waste management, and soil issues, Veronica Piazza, a researcher at CNR-IAS, presented the preliminary results of Spoke 3 of the RAISE program, titled “New Endpoints and Early Warning Systems for Environmental Monitoring”.

The project aims to develop innovative tools for the early detection of environmental contamination, offering concrete solutions to future ecotoxicological challenges. This goal aligns with the mission of Spoke 3, which is dedicated to creating advanced technologies for environmental monitoring and protection across various contexts, including water, air, and soil.

The core of the presentation focused on the importance of integrating new monitoring methodologies with early warning systems that use AI tools to detect risk signals in real time. These tools represent a crucial step in protecting ecosystems, enabling timely and targeted interventions. Although still in its preliminary phase, the project has already shown significant potential in improving environmental management, both locally and internationally.

The talk also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between the National Research Council (CNR-IAS), ON AIR Srl, and Spindox, within Spoke 3 of RAISE. This cooperation underscores how essential it is to combine diverse expertise in addressing complex problems like environmental contamination.

The Study Days provided an opportunity to share these new perspectives with an audience of experts, fostering an open dialogue about the possibilities offered by technological innovation in ecotoxicology.

The presented project fits within this trajectory, aiming to transform environmental monitoring from a reactive activity into a proactive practice capable of anticipating emergencies.

Early warning systems for marine monitoring: the results of Spoke 3 at IEEE MetroSea 2024

Posted on 11 November 202412 November 2024 by admin

Chiara Gambardella from CNR IAS, along with Elisa Costa and Francesca Garaventa, presented preliminary results from Project “Technologically Assisted Ecotoxicological Tools” – Spoke 3 of RAISE, at the IEEE MetroSea 2024 conference, held from October 14 to 16 in Portorož, Slovenia.

The event, dedicated to the development of measurement tools and methods for marine environments, gathered international experts in new technologies for marine environmental monitoring. Topics included the use of metrology in maritime industry production, measurement of ship components, marine sensors, and calibration techniques for marine electronic applications.
Within this context, Spoke 3 of RAISE is advancing the development of innovative technological solutions to protect marine ecosystems. Notably, three biological Early Warning Systems (EWS) are being tested, designed to monitor the health of the aquatic environment in real time by promptly detecting pollution or other environmental stressors.

These systems are based on key biological parameters, such as the electrochemical activity of biofilms, the movement of adult crustaceans, and the swimming behavior of planktonic organisms. The aim is to use these biological indicators as “natural sentinels” capable of signaling any alterations in the marine ecosystem.

The initial results, presented at the conference, stem from tests conducted on contaminants and polluted environmental samples. The data obtained are promising and could represent an important step toward more effective and timely monitoring of the impact of human activities on the marine environment. If validated, these early warning systems could become essential tools for ensuring water quality, with positive effects on biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

“It was important to present the results of RAISE at this international conference, focused on the development of marine measurement systems. This event offered a valuable opportunity for exchange and collaboration with colleagues and experts in the field of new technologies for marine monitoring. Participation in this congress also helped promote RAISE among partners for the next edition, which will take place in Genoa from October 8 to 10, 2025,” commented Chiara Gambardella at the end of the conference.

WMission: Robotics and IoT for underwater monitoring

Posted on 30 October 20247 November 2024 by admin

On october 29th from the stage of the talk area of the RAISE Village, Cosimo Palmisano, Head of Business Development of WSense presented a conference entitled “WMission: Robotics and IoT for underwater monitoring”.

The objective of the talk was to give an overview of the WMission project and its progress more than 6 months after its start. WMission, a Spoke 3 project, aims to create wireless coordination networks for the use of underwater robots.

The activities carried out with the industrial partner Arena Sub were illustrated to identify the application scenarios regarding the use of underwater robots, the system architecture and the integration interfaces between robots and WSense wireless communication.

A 3D simulation of the mission re-programming process was also presented aimed at recreating the operating conditions that will be implemented in the demonstrator in the coming months. The simulation allows us to recreate the operating conditions in which a robot, which follows a predetermined route (also called discovery route), receives new packets as soon as it is within range of one or more WNodes of the WSense wireless network.” mission” from WNodes within its acoustic communication range and reschedules its activities without having to surface.

“For WSense and for its partner Arena Sub, being part of this type of project like RAISE, in particular Spoke 3 dealing with robotics and AI, is very important because first of all it was born in an area like Liguria which makes the sea one of the main economic activities. This is a project that aims to optimize what is the Blue Economy and it is essential for us to have partners who allow us to have the possibility of carrying out operations and tests in areas that are used to develop with infrastructures. The more ability and possibility we have to operate at sea, in such innovative projects, the faster we will be in collecting data and providing information to those who then have to make decisions on the Blue Economy and the sustainability of the sea” commented Cosimo Palmisano at the end of his talk.

Special thanks to Michele Nati, Director Special Projects in WSense and Project Manager of the WMission project, Pippo Arena, CEO of Arena Sub supplier of underwater robots (partner of the project).