Greece has a thriving robotics research scene, with numerous institutions and laboratories pushing the boundaries of innovation. Here’s an updated look at some of the top centers in the country:
1. Automation & Robotics Lab (ARL) – Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
The ARL at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki remains a powerhouse in robotics research. Their expertise spans mobile robotics, autonomous systems, SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping), navigation, and intelligent control systems. They’ve made significant contributions to the field with their PANDORA rescue robot, which has competed in international RoboCup competitions. The lab also focuses on advanced manipulation techniques, including grasping and handling with multi-fingered hands, and has expertise in working with flexible materials like textiles and leather.
The ARL boasts state-of-the-art equipment, including a range of robotic manipulators (both industrial and lightweight research models), robotic hands with advanced sensors, mobile robots, and simulation platforms. Their labs are designed to support research in physical human-robot interaction, object grasping and manipulation, and the control of complex robotic systems.
2. Institute of Robotics – Athena Research Center
Established in 2024 with support from the Greek Recovery and Resilience Fund, the Institute of Robotics at the Athena Research Center is quickly becoming a central hub for robotics innovation in Greece. The institute aims to foster collaboration across academia, industry, and research centers to advance robotics in the age of artificial intelligence. It emphasizes the development of Makerspaces to encourage hands-on learning and experimentation.
Newly established, the institute is rapidly developing its infrastructure. Key facilities include Makerspaces equipped with 3D printers, CNC machines, electronics workstations, and collaborative robotics platforms. These spaces are designed to foster a culture of innovation and hands-on experimentation for researchers and students alike.
3. Cognitive Systems Research Institute (CSRI)
CSRI continues to lead the way in cognitive robotics, emphasizing the integration of language, perception, and action in intelligent systems. Their research focuses on giving robots the ability to understand and use language to interact with the world around them. Projects like POETICON++ and PRAXICON explore how language can enhance robot cognition, perception, and learning.
CSRI’s labs are equipped with a variety of robotic platforms, sensors (including vision, auditory, and tactile), and computational resources for developing and testing cognitive robotics algorithms. They also have dedicated spaces for language processing research and human-robot interaction studies.
4. Control Systems Laboratory – National Technical University of Athens
The Control Systems Laboratory at the National Technical University of Athens remains a key player in robotics, control, and mechatronics. Their research spans a wide range of applications, including:
- Neurorobotics: Exploring teleoperation and control of anthropomorphic robotic systems.
- Mobile Robotics: Developing robots that can navigate complex environments, track objects, and monitor their surroundings.
- Underwater Robotics: Advancing semi-autonomous ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) and AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) technologies.
The lab houses a diverse range of robotic systems, including anthropomorphic robotic arms, mobile robots for ground and underwater environments, and specialized setups for teleoperation and manipulation research. They have testing areas for evaluating robot navigation, control algorithms, and human-robot interaction scenarios.
5. Robotics and Cognitive Systems Group – Democritus University of Thrace
The Democritus University of Thrace’s Robotics and Cognitive Systems Group excels in research on computer vision, multimodal integration, image analysis, visual surveillance, intelligent sensory networks, and sensor fusion. They have a strong track record of collaboration with industrial and academic partners on European projects.
The group has access to advanced computer vision labs with high-performance computing clusters for image and video processing. They also have specialized sensors for multimodal data collection and integration, as well as robotic platforms for testing visual surveillance and intelligent sensory network algorithms.
6. University of Patras
The University of Patras remains a center for robotics research with a strong focus on:
- Motion Planning and Control: Utilizing artificial intelligence, genetic algorithms, neural networks, and computational geometry to optimize robot movement and behavior.
- Mechatronics: Designing and controlling mechatronic systems for industrial and research purposes.
- Reconfigurable Robots: Developing robots that can adapt to different tasks and environments.
The university’s labs are equipped with industrial and research robots, mobile platforms, a wide array of sensors, and software tools for simulation and analysis. The university’s robotics labs are well-equipped with industrial robotic manipulators, lightweight research manipulators, mobile robots, and a mobile platform with a multi-DOF manipulator. They have a wide range of sensors, including force/torque, vision, tactile, infrared, position, and ultrasonic sensors, integrated into various robotic systems. The labs also offer robotic simulation platforms and software tools for research and education.
Additional Notable Labs:
- Intelligent Systems Laboratory – University of the Aegean: Focuses on machine learning, computer vision, and human-robot interaction. Features a range of robotic platforms, sensors, and virtual reality environments for studying human-robot interaction and machine learning in robotics.
- Hellenic Robotics Group: A non-profit organization that promotes robotics education and research in Greece. While primarily focused on education and outreach, the group has access to shared facilities and collaborates with research institutions for hands-on robotics projects.
With ongoing government initiatives like the Recovery and Resilience Fund, as well as strong academic and research institutions, Greece’s robotics sector is poised for continued growth. These centers of innovation are contributing to advancements in healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and environmental monitoring, making a positive impact on Greek society and beyond.
