The official launch of the ROBOTA-SUDOE project took place during an online meeting on 26 February 2024, followed by an in-person meeting at CENTIMFE – Technology Centre for the Mould, Special Tools and Plastics Industry in Portugal, on 3 and 4 July 2024. These meetings marked the beginning of the first actions of this ambitious cross-border collaboration, providing an opportunity to discuss the objectives, challenges and innovative approach aimed at transforming SME growth.
A project to support SME growth
The ROBOTA-SUDOE project focuses on transforming small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through cutting-edge technological solutions. Targeting key sectors such as agri-food (particularly meat), toys and food products, the project aims to introduce collaborative robots for handling deformable products. The integration of advanced technologies such as automation, digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) will modernise industrial processes, improve productivity and enhance the global competitiveness of SMEs.
An international collaboration for shared innovation
The project brings together a consortium of partners from different countries in south-west Europe. The partners involved are:
CENTIMFE – Portugal
C-MAST – Portugal
Cerfundão – Portugal
AIJU – Spain
JUEMA S.L. – Spain
University of Santiago de Compostela – Spain
Meat Technology Centre of Galicia – Spain
Clermont Auvergne INP – France
CIMES Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes – France
Each partner will contribute its specific expertise to advance the project’s objectives, particularly in the design and integration of collaborative robots capable of handling sensitive products such as food and toys. AI and advanced perception systems will enhance these solutions, enabling SMEs to gain agility, precision and efficiency.
Cost reduction and quality improvement
The introduction of these technologies will not only reduce production costs and strengthen the competitiveness of participating companies, but also improve product quality. The automation of repetitive tasks and human-robot collaboration will allow greater flexibility in production lines while ensuring high standards of safety and quality.
A strategic project for the region and south-west Europe
The ROBOTA-SUDOE project represents a shared vision of cross-border innovation, strengthening ties between regions in south-west Europe. It is supported by European initiatives promoting the digital and technological transformation of traditional industries. Through this collaboration, SMEs will be able to leverage the latest advances in robotics and artificial intelligence to meet future challenges.
About the ROBOTA-SUDOE project
A cross-border partnership between academic institutions, research centres and companies specialising in robotics, automation and artificial intelligence. Its objective is to facilitate the adoption of advanced technologies by SMEs, particularly in the agri-food, meat and toy sectors, in order to enhance their competitiveness and growth.