The VOJEXT project aims at providing a favourable business and technological framework to enable matchmaking and encourage producers and adopters (mainly SMEs including small crafters) of cognitive autonomous systems for human-robot interaction (especially “cobots”) to dynamise technology-driven approaches for the European industry. For this purpose, VOJEXT will design, develop and validate affordable, market-oriented, agile, multipurpose and easy-to-repurpose, autonomous, mobile and dexterous robotic systems as the main component of a smart, agile and scalable cognitive CPS for industry.

VOJEXT addresses traditional and non-traditional areas of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Cognitive ICT developments, and will demonstrate its value by deploying the solution through a 42-months work plan. Starting with 5 experimental pilots (and 9 SMEs) in the plastic textile, electronics, automotive, construction and creative architecture for urban regeneration sectors, VOJEXT will scale to at least 5 additional different markets through 15 additional experimental pilots, integrating 20 more SMEs thanks to open calls. These open calls will foster scientific and business driven innovation together Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs): UPM-AIR4S (Spain), Fortiss (Germany), PIAP (Poland) and EMC2 (France). Moreover, the project will fund and support 2 S+T+ARTS residencies, that will allow artists to stimulate the creation of new products in different contexts.

TREE leads the development of vision systems, so the robots – consisting of a mobile platform and robotic hand and arm – can interact with the environment and workers in a safe and precise manner.