Apply AI: Robotics for Manufacturing: Advancing Core Skills through Technical Challenges (RIA) (Partnership in AI, Data and Robotics)

Overview

Funding for consortia developing advanced robotics skills using foundation models to enhance manufacturing adaptability, with a focus on automotive and other industrial sectors. The program includes a multi-stage competition to identify and scale innovative solutions, targeting SMEs, research organizations, and industry partners.

Who Can Apply

Consortia composed of legal entities established in EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, and associated countries (Canada, Israel, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom). User-industry partners from manufacturing (including automotive) must be core members. Entities controlled by non-eligible countries may participate only with approved guarantees ensuring no negative impact on EU strategic interests.

Funding Details

• Total budget: Up to €23,500,000.
• Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP):

- Stage 2: €200,000 per selected proposal (10 per technical challenge). - Stage 3: €1,000,000 per selected proposal (3 per technical challenge). - Maximum FSTP grant per third party: €1,200,000.

What Is Funded

• Development of advanced robotics skills (e.g., autonomous pick-and-place, human-robot collaboration) using foundation models and generative AI.
• Creation of a framework for flexible, industry-agnostic robotics solutions adaptable to manufacturing environments.
• Three technical challenges with defined evaluation metrics, including automotive as a key use case.
• Multi-stage competitions to refine and scale solutions, with industrial relevance and transferability.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Starting TRL: 2.
• Target TRL: 5 by project end.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-01-14.
• Deadline: 2026-04-14.

Application Process (High-Level)

Multi-stage process: 1. Stage 1: Open call for proposals; selection of 10 highest-ranked solutions per technical challenge. 2. Stage 2: Competition among Stage 1 winners, with €200,000 FSTP grants; selection of 3 finalists per challenge. 3. Stage 3: Grand finale among Stage 2 winners, with €1,000,000 FSTP grants; identification of best-performing solution. Submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal.

Post-Award Obligations

• Draft exploitation plan for FSTP recipients, including industrial uptake support.
• Progress assessment via qualitative/quantitative KPIs, benchmarking, and monitoring.
• Dissemination of results via the AI-on-demand platform and other relevant platforms.
• Cohesion activities with the European Partnership on AI, Data, and Robotics (ADRA).

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, and associated countries (Canada, Israel, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom).
• Language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must include three technical challenges with industrial relevance.
• Participation of entities controlled by non-eligible countries requires guarantees to protect EU strategic interests.
• High-risk suppliers of mobile network communication equipment (or entities controlled by them) are excluded unless exempted.