Objective
AdapTronics, a spin-off from the University of Bologna, develops and commercializes electro-adhesive robotic gripper interfaces enabling the versatile grasping of any object. Its proprietary Electro Active Adhesive Layer (EAAL) is a printed thin-film that generates controllable electrostatic adhesion on objects of any shape or material, while embedding AI-powered sensing for contact validation and safe force feedback.
For space, AdapTronics is advancing the SpacEAAL Powered Gripping Systems (PGS): a family of products based on a space-qualified EAAL, designed to revoluzionize in-orbit servicing, docking, debris removal, and Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPOs). Unlike today’s bulky, mission-specific docking mechanisms, electromagnets, or mechanical systems, SpacEAAL-PGS offers a lightweight, low-power, and versatile robotic solution able to grasp both cooperative and non-cooperative targets, including tumbling debris.
The project aims to accelerate this breakthrough, now at TRL 6, through an In-Orbit Validation (IOV) mission. The demonstration will validate SpacEAAL-PGS’s ability to capture and manipulate objects in realistic conditions, with support from 15+ customers already signing LOIs. This flight heritage will raise the system to TRL 9, de-risk adoption, and position it as a cornerstone for In-Orbit Servicing (IOS), Active Debris Removal (ADR), and In-Orbit Manufacturing (IOM).
With over 14k tonnes of orbital objects and more than 38k satellites expected by 2033, the EU faces rising risks of congestion, collisions, and asset loss. SpacEAAL-PGS directly addresses the EIC Accelerator Challenge on Innovative In-Space Servicing, Operations, Robotics and Technologies for Resilient EU Space Infrastructure by enabling repair, reconfiguration, debris capture, and resilient satellite operations. Developed entirely in the EU and backed by ESA and key partners, SpacEAAL-PGS strengthens Europe’s strategic autonomy while targeting the IOS/ADR/IOM
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering robotics
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-EIC-ACC - HORIZON EIC Accelerator
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2025-ACCELERATOR-02
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
20121 Milano
Italy
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.