Periodic Reporting for period 4 - RODIN (RObotics Digital Innovation Network)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2022-10-01 al 2023-10-31
RODIN addresses the CSA called for under DT-ICT-02-2018 b): Robotics – Digital Innovation Hubs (DIH). It addresses the need to support and cooperate with the five Digital Innovation Hub networks under DT-ICT-01-2018 a) to coordinate activities and develop synergy between the four Priority Area DIH networks thereby creating a network of networks.
RODIN aims at facilitating and simplifying the transmission to SMEs and slightly bigger companies of information concerning FSTP calls launched by the five robotics DIH-IAs (DIH2; Trinity; agROBOfood; RIMA; DIH-HERO).
The overall aim of RODIN is to coordinate activities within the different PAA Innovation Actions and support them by increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of their activities, and improve their cross-PAA collaboration.
Main objectives of the project are:
• Dissemination of best practices in the operation of robotics DIH networks;
• Collaboration between the DIH-IA networks;
• The delivery of communication and outreach activities representing the combined output from the DIH-IA networks;
• Assessment of DIH-IA networks on operation and performance and provide feedback to the consortia to improve their operation;
• Coordinate access to platforms, pilots and demonstrators;
• Coordinating and leading the exploration and development of operational strategies to address cross-PAA issues key to the successful implementation of robotics via Working Groups;
• The enabling of industry-led standards development;
RODIN also establishes and manages Working Groups that:
• sets the basis for cooperation with the IAs
• feeds back assessments of their performance and operation to the IAs
• delivers best practice information to the IAs
• develops models of sustainability for robotic DIH networks
RODIN aims at facilitating and simplifying the transmission to SMEs and slightly bigger companies of information concerning FSTP calls launched by the five robotics DIH-IAs (DIH2; Trinity; agROBOfood; RIMA; DIH-HERO).
The overall aim of RODIN is to coordinate activities within the different PAA Innovation Actions and support them by increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of their activities, and improve their cross-PAA collaboration.
Main objectives of the project are:
• Dissemination of best practices in the operation of robotics DIH networks;
• Collaboration between the DIH-IA networks;
• The delivery of communication and outreach activities representing the combined output from the DIH-IA networks;
• Assessment of DIH-IA networks on operation and performance and provide feedback to the consortia to improve their operation;
• Coordinate access to platforms, pilots and demonstrators;
• Coordinating and leading the exploration and development of operational strategies to address cross-PAA issues key to the successful implementation of robotics via Working Groups;
• The enabling of industry-led standards development;
RODIN also establishes and manages Working Groups that:
• sets the basis for cooperation with the IAs
• feeds back assessments of their performance and operation to the IAs
• delivers best practice information to the IAs
• develops models of sustainability for robotic DIH networks
Overview of the results
First, the post-project sustainability which has been seriously addressed in the EU community. We have produced the Green Paper “Post-project sustainability of European DIH Networks'' that can be found here.
Moreover, all projects are sustaining and continuing to work with euRobotics based on MoUs. As stated in the strategic development and sustainability section of this report, we have signed MoUs with all strategic areas of the project (Inspection and Maintenance, Healthcare, Agriculture and Agile Manufacturing). Since the end of the project (end of October 2023) we have had a kick-off meeting with the INs at Saclay in Paris and 3 regular calls.
Furthermore, the ongoing interconnectivity between IAs after the project. For instance, we have organised a special session that took place during the European Robotics Forum 2024 including all Innovation Actions in which, we counted with the presence of end-users and discuss testimonials, success stories and demands (Showcasing examples of existing products and future ones) addressing both technological and business needs and a discussion round (also with audience) to identify cross-cutting topics both in technology and business development.
Furthermore, excellent peer group exchanges during summer camps. As stated in the periodic report 3, the Summer Camps, and especially they being physical events, provided an opportunity for discussions and peer exchange among the participants. The pitching sessions and updates in the sessions (e.g. on post-project plans) facilitated the peer exchange. A lot of insights were also collected with regard to the thoughts from the IAs on the topics discussed. Lessons learned were collected as can be seen throughout this report mostly through the discussions. Unfortunately, the time was not enough to converge and agree towards recommendations. In several cases, it was agreed that further follow ups can be organised to continue the discussions – as deemed appropriate via the existing WGs, the bi-weekly meetings or if needed ad-hoc meetings.
Also, a comprehensive white paper on Repository-based Community Platform (RbCP). In which, nine initiatives are assessed on their organisation and how they are providing impact to the community; and seven observations and recommendations are provided. Also, this white paper emphasises the importance of user-centric design, effective information distribution, integration of functionalities, and sustainable strategies for the long-term viability and impact of Repository-based Community Platforms.
In addition, within Rodin, unique FSTP discussions have been maintained leading to concrete recommendations that were collected into the report “Considerations on the Future of FSTP Actions in Robotics” that can be found here.
Last but not least, we are proud of the collection of services that IAs will continue providing after the end of the project.
First, the post-project sustainability which has been seriously addressed in the EU community. We have produced the Green Paper “Post-project sustainability of European DIH Networks'' that can be found here.
Moreover, all projects are sustaining and continuing to work with euRobotics based on MoUs. As stated in the strategic development and sustainability section of this report, we have signed MoUs with all strategic areas of the project (Inspection and Maintenance, Healthcare, Agriculture and Agile Manufacturing). Since the end of the project (end of October 2023) we have had a kick-off meeting with the INs at Saclay in Paris and 3 regular calls.
Furthermore, the ongoing interconnectivity between IAs after the project. For instance, we have organised a special session that took place during the European Robotics Forum 2024 including all Innovation Actions in which, we counted with the presence of end-users and discuss testimonials, success stories and demands (Showcasing examples of existing products and future ones) addressing both technological and business needs and a discussion round (also with audience) to identify cross-cutting topics both in technology and business development.
Furthermore, excellent peer group exchanges during summer camps. As stated in the periodic report 3, the Summer Camps, and especially they being physical events, provided an opportunity for discussions and peer exchange among the participants. The pitching sessions and updates in the sessions (e.g. on post-project plans) facilitated the peer exchange. A lot of insights were also collected with regard to the thoughts from the IAs on the topics discussed. Lessons learned were collected as can be seen throughout this report mostly through the discussions. Unfortunately, the time was not enough to converge and agree towards recommendations. In several cases, it was agreed that further follow ups can be organised to continue the discussions – as deemed appropriate via the existing WGs, the bi-weekly meetings or if needed ad-hoc meetings.
Also, a comprehensive white paper on Repository-based Community Platform (RbCP). In which, nine initiatives are assessed on their organisation and how they are providing impact to the community; and seven observations and recommendations are provided. Also, this white paper emphasises the importance of user-centric design, effective information distribution, integration of functionalities, and sustainable strategies for the long-term viability and impact of Repository-based Community Platforms.
In addition, within Rodin, unique FSTP discussions have been maintained leading to concrete recommendations that were collected into the report “Considerations on the Future of FSTP Actions in Robotics” that can be found here.
Last but not least, we are proud of the collection of services that IAs will continue providing after the end of the project.
The impact of RODIN can be characterised into four separate areas each of which contributes to the impacts set out for DIHs in the work program:
- Improved connectivity
- Greater Market Awareness
- Improved DIH network operation
- Strategic Development and sustainability
After 5 years of implementing the project, we can claim that Rodin has a significant legacy. First, we should highlight the creation of a new community structure. The Innovation Networks as the result of the Rodin project are sustaining structures based on MoUs that are collaborating with each other and with euRobotics.
In addition, these MoU-based sustainable structures are leading to joint undertakings to promote growth in the networks as well as the creation of a common management structure with euRobotics. These structures are focused on building services that link end users with technology developers and enhancing the sector-specific innovation pathway with thought leadership.
Furthermore, Rodin has produced several white papers and green papers as reference documents that have been published as deliverables in the European Commission Funding and Tenders Portal or directly in the RI4EU platform. Also, a common umbrella brand that can be utilised to represent the collection of networks.
Finally, Rodin has allowed the stimulation of wider connectivity for the INs, for instance, the creation of Topic Groups under ADRA, connectivity to the EDIH and TEFs.
In relation to recommendations for the future, the experience gained during the project implementation has helped us to identify a series of recommendations. First, we recommend further development of the relationship with (E)DIHs and with EU Networks (including future ones with TEFs). Connection to the EDIH could add value to both the EDIH and the networks but this requires a formal connection mechanism. Value could be created through connectivity with cross-border SMEs, by sharing market connectivity and use cases as well as through direct training either of EDIH or of End Users in the impact of robotics.
In addition, we recommend taking onboard the recommendations (FSTP, White Paper…etc.) in a broader way in different areas, not limited to robotics. The Rodin project has produced several recommendations in different areas that are available in the deliverables as well as in other reports. For instance, the white paper on information repositories (deliverable 1.4) and the Considerations on the Future of FSTP Actions In Robotics (available at the RI4EU website).
- Improved connectivity
- Greater Market Awareness
- Improved DIH network operation
- Strategic Development and sustainability
After 5 years of implementing the project, we can claim that Rodin has a significant legacy. First, we should highlight the creation of a new community structure. The Innovation Networks as the result of the Rodin project are sustaining structures based on MoUs that are collaborating with each other and with euRobotics.
In addition, these MoU-based sustainable structures are leading to joint undertakings to promote growth in the networks as well as the creation of a common management structure with euRobotics. These structures are focused on building services that link end users with technology developers and enhancing the sector-specific innovation pathway with thought leadership.
Furthermore, Rodin has produced several white papers and green papers as reference documents that have been published as deliverables in the European Commission Funding and Tenders Portal or directly in the RI4EU platform. Also, a common umbrella brand that can be utilised to represent the collection of networks.
Finally, Rodin has allowed the stimulation of wider connectivity for the INs, for instance, the creation of Topic Groups under ADRA, connectivity to the EDIH and TEFs.
In relation to recommendations for the future, the experience gained during the project implementation has helped us to identify a series of recommendations. First, we recommend further development of the relationship with (E)DIHs and with EU Networks (including future ones with TEFs). Connection to the EDIH could add value to both the EDIH and the networks but this requires a formal connection mechanism. Value could be created through connectivity with cross-border SMEs, by sharing market connectivity and use cases as well as through direct training either of EDIH or of End Users in the impact of robotics.
In addition, we recommend taking onboard the recommendations (FSTP, White Paper…etc.) in a broader way in different areas, not limited to robotics. The Rodin project has produced several recommendations in different areas that are available in the deliverables as well as in other reports. For instance, the white paper on information repositories (deliverable 1.4) and the Considerations on the Future of FSTP Actions In Robotics (available at the RI4EU website).