Robotics for SMEs: second open call for project proposals

Date 16-09-2019 IK4-TEKNIKER Tags Automation and industrial robotics .

The ESMERA project consortium, in which IK4-TEKNIKER is also participating, has launched a second call to select innovative robotics projects involving European SMEs.

In order to further the innovative capabilities of European medium and middle-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the field of robotics, the consortium of companies that form part of the ESMERA project (European SMEs Robotics Applications), with IK4-TEKNIKER among them, has launched the second call for SMEs in the form proposals covering small research projects or experiments.

Consequently, the aim of the consortium is to encourage SMEs developing or using robotic technologies to propose and apply new technologies addressing real problems faced by different market sectors.

Specifications of the call

  • Organising work groups

SMEs can propose projects or experiments individually or via small consortiums comprising R&D bodies and other companies (not necessarily SMEs) that supplement their capabilities. In any event, the winners of each event will receive a maximum of 200,000 euros in direct financial aid.

  • Areas of application

Real industrial challenges that require innovative robotic solutions have been established for this second call.

These challenges, related to the energy, manufacturing, construction, farming, food, trade, health and emergencies sectors, have been selected based on their potential for innovation and because they will give SMEs the amount of freedom required to explore new proposals in terms of solutions.

A detailed description of all challenges

  • The selection process

This solution will be carried out in two stages, each one lasting nine months:

All proposals received for the first stage will be evaluated by expert, independent evaluators who will select twenty projects according to criteria related to “technical excellence”, “impact” and a “proposed working plan”. Each one will receive a maximum of 75,000 euros to carry out the project.

Once stage one concludes, the ten best projects will be selected to move on to stage two and provide additional support for the industrial development and business plan of the technological solution proposed. Each project will receive an additional amount of up to 125,000 euros for stage two.

  • The role played by the ESMERA team

On the one hand, four centres specialised in robotics and members of the ESMERA consortium will offer SMEs their knowledge, equipment and means of experimentation to bring research closer to industrial needs:

  • Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems and Automation (LMS), University of Patras
  • Commissarat à l´Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA)
  • Technische Universität München (TUM)
  • IK4-TEKNIKER

On the other, three companies, also members of the ESMERA consortium, will act as enablers by supporting SMEs in the development of a business model and "from an idea to the market" transition process.

  • Blue Ocean Robotics
  • COMAU
  • R.U. Robots
  • Deadlines and submission of proposals

SMEs can send in their free-call proposals via the the ESMERA project web site until December 2, 2019.

Details regarding the call can be found here. 

Please use the template and procedures described here to submit your proposals.