Robust and trustworthy GenerativeAI for Robotics and industrial automation (RIA) (AI/Data/Robotics & Made in Europe Partnerships)

The main goal of this opportunity is to advance the use of Generative AI in robotics and industrial automation, helping EU industries become more productive and competitive. The focus is on developing advanced AI models that make robots more autonomous, adaptable, and reliable in different settings. Projects should demonstrate these models in real industrial automation scenarios. The initiative also aims to integrate AI, robotics, and advanced human interfaces to support sustainable, zero-carbon production and tackle challenges like supply chain disruptions and workforce shortages. Eligible applicants are from EU Member States and select associated countries.

• Projects must be led by legal entities established in eligible countries (EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, Canada, Israel, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, UK).
• Proposals must follow specific guidelines on format and length.
• At least EUR 10 million of the requested EU funding must be dedicated to financial support for third parties (FSTP), with up to EUR 2 million per use case.
• Projects must focus on Generative AI for robotics and industrial automation, demonstrating clear impacts in areas like productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness.
• Collaboration with existing initiatives and sharing results with the European R&D community is required.
• Projects must align with European values and address interoperability for data sharing using open standards.

Examples:

• A project that develops a general-purpose AI model for robotic arms used in car manufacturing, then tests it in several factories across Europe.
• A mini-project that uses Generative AI to automate quality control in electronics assembly, involving a small consortium of robotics companies.
• An initiative that partners with a national research center to pilot AI-driven robots in sustainable food processing plants, sharing results on a European platform.

• Development of advanced Generative AI models for robotics
• Data collection, preparation, and annotation for AI training
• Fine-tuning and validation of AI applications in industrial settings
• Purchase or rental of robotics hardware and sensors
• Integration of AI models with robotics and automation systems
• Deployment and testing of solutions in real-world scenarios
• Personnel costs related to research, development, and project management
• Costs for collaborating with external high-performance computing centers
• Dissemination and sharing of results with the European R&D community
• Compliance activities related to European values, principles, and standards

Restrictions: Only grants are allowed for financial support to third parties. The maximum amount per third party is EUR 500,000, and up to EUR 2 million per use case or consortium. Expenses must be directly related to the objectives and scope of the project.

• Budget for this Call: 85.000.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Maximum value per project: 45.000.000€
• Minimum value per project: 40.000.000€

• Applicants must be legal entities established in EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, Canada, Israel, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom.
• Entities controlled by non-eligible countries may only participate with guarantees ensuring no negative impact on EU interests, autonomy, or security.
• At least EUR 10 million of the requested EU funding must be dedicated to financial support for third parties (FSTP).
• Entities assessed as high-risk suppliers of mobile network equipment, or controlled by such suppliers, cannot participate.
• Proposals must follow specific requirements on financial and operational capacity.
• Applicants must comply with exclusion criteria and evaluation thresholds outlined in the call documents.
• Collaboration with existing initiatives and sharing results with the European R&D community is required.