ShieldBot Co-organises its first Project Workshop at the European Robotics Forum 2026
ShieldBot hit a significant milestone at the European Robotics Forum 2026 (ERF 2026) hosted on 23-27 March 2026 in Stavanger, Norway, with the co-organisation of its first workshop titled “AI and Robotics in Construction: From Perception to Action”. Jointly organised with the Tech4EUConstruction Cluster, the workshop gathered seven experts from research and industry to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics can drive a more sustainable, digital future for the construction sector.
The workshop, held on the 24 of March, brought together three Tech4EUConstruction members: DISCOVER, RoBétArmé and BEEYONDERS, alongside ShieldBot, as well as two EU-funded projects: TARGET-X and XCAVE. These initiatives focus their research activities on robotics, automation, AI, and construction, developing solutions to face industry challenges and creating real-world applications.
Robotics in Construction: From Undeniable Potential to Real-World Implementation
The session attracted an engaged audience of over 70 participants, reflecting the growing interest in robotics and automation within the construction sector. After the project's presentations, Jason Rambach (DFKI), main organiser of the workshop and ShieldBot partner, moderated the panel discussion featuring the speakers, in which participants from the audience contributed actively to the conversation. Among the topics discussed were the construction areas with more potential for robotics, the main challenges for robots in construction, or the current funding landscape.
The experts sharing the various research activities developed within their projects were:
- Sigrid Brell-Cokcan (RWTH Aachen University) represented TARGET-X
- Dimitris Giakoumis (Centre for Research & Technology Hellas - CERTH) talked about RoBétArmé.
- Antonio Alonso Cepeda (ACCIONA) presented BEEYONDERS.
- David Caballero Flores (CDEI-UPC Centre de Disseny d'Equips Industrials - Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya) showcased DISCOVER.
- Viktor Wiberg (Algoryx) spoke about XSCAVE.
- Sara Mata (IDEKO) introduced ShieldBot.
They described the use of robotics in a wide range of scenarios in the construction industry, from buildings to maritime infrastructures. The use cases highlighted the capabilities of robots to perform a variety of tasks: from mapping, to maintenance or excavation, in a reliable and autonomous way.
The message was clear: the potential of robotics to transform the construction industry is undeniable, yet we need to go further to accelerate innovation, collaboration, and real-world implementation. The importance of embedding a human-centric approach and sustainability principles into the development of every solution was also remarked.
Jason Rambach (DFKI) reflected on the session:
“For the fourth year in a row at the ERF, the Workshop on AI and Robotics in Construction was a great success as shown by the number of attendants as well as their active participation in the interactive part of the workshop. We were able to witness how early concepts have turned into reality over these last years, and how construction robotics are transforming from a niche domain into a key robotic application area contributing to efficiency, sustainability and safety in the sector.” - Jason Rambach, Senior Researcher and Team Leader Spatial Sensing and Machine Perception at the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI)
ShieldBot at the Tech4EUConstruction Workshop at ERF 2026
The main objective of ShieldBot is to revolutionise the construction, renovation, and maintenance sectors with robotics.
During the Tech4EUConstruction workshop at ERF 2026, Sara Mata, Senior Researcher on Robotics for Manufacturing at IDEKO, the organisation coordinating the project, presented ShieldBot.
She explained how we are investigating and validating a new generation of robotic systems tailored to the industry’s unique challenges. These robotic systems will integrate groundbreaking advancements in robotic hardware, advanced control algorithms, eco-material applications, and AI-based dynamic modelling tools to enable thorough upfront planning and execution.
By addressing critical challenges such as environmental sustainability, resource inefficiency, and workforce limitations, ShieldBot will deliver adaptable, precise, and sustainable solutions that enhance productivity, quality, safety and environmental performance of construction, renovation and maintenance tasks.
ShieldBot at European Robotics Forum 2026
Beyond the workshop, ShieldBot partners from IDEKO, DFKI and AUSTRALO, actively engaged with the broader ERF community, attending workshops, sharing insights, exchanging ideas, and strengthening connections with stakeholders across academia and industry.
Humanoid robots that support cognitive stimulation tasks for seniors, drones to inspect offshore oil platforms, or robots to automate processes in manufacturing are only some examples of the cutting-edge technologies being developed to address the industry challenges.
But our partners also had the opportunity to learn more about designing robots for social acceptance, building sustainable and trustworthy cognitive robotics, and technology transfer and exploitation, especially in SMEs.
About European Robotics Forum 2026
The European Robotics Forum 2026 (ERF 2026) once again proved to be a cornerstone event for Europe’s robotics and AI community, bringing together over 1,000 researchers, industry leaders, and innovators to exchange ideas and showcase progress on the latest trends shaping the future of robotics in Europe.
About the Tech4EUConstruction Cluster
ShieldBot is a member of the Tech4EUconstruction Cluster. Funded in 2022 by BEEYONDERS, HumanTech, and RoBétArmé projects, and supported by the European Commission, the Cluster aims to develop and demonstrate new technologies to further digitalise and automatise the European construction sector, targeting to increase its safety and attractivity for workers.
The rest of the projects involved are: REINCARNATE, BIM2TWIN, InCUBE, HERON, DTERBIM, RECONMATIC and DISCOVER.
ShieldBot Joins the Conversation on Innovation in Robotics at BIEMH 2026 in Bilbao
ShieldBot participated in the Bienal Internacional de Máquina-Herramienta (International Machine-Tool Exhibition), BIEMH 2026, held at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre from 2 to 6 March 2026. The project was represented by our coordinator IDEKO at Stand E20 in Hall 1 and also took part in one of the fair’s innovation workshops.
Within the booth, IDEKO showcased the latest innovations and technologies developed at the research centre, creating a research corner highlighting several ongoing Research & Development (R&D) initiatives, including ShieldBot, which was presented to visitors throughout the event, screening the presentation that you can see below. This space enabled direct interactions and discussions with industry professionals interested in robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing solutions.
ShieldBot Participation in an Innovation Workshop on Robotics, Automation and Digitisation
Our coordinator also took part in a roundtable discussion organised by AER Automation, the Spanish association for robotics and industrial automation, on Thursday 5 March at 11:05h in Hall 6 - B-50 Speakers’ Corner by Bizkaiko Foru Aldundia / Diputación Foral de Bizkaia (Provincial Council of Bizkaia), as part of the Innovation Workshops on Robotics, Automation and Digitisation. The session was titled “De la I+D aplicada al impacto industrial: robótica y automatización para una fabricación inteligente y sostenible” (“From Applied R&D to Industrial Impact: Robotics and Automation for Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing”).
Asier Barrios, Researcher at IDEKO, contributed as a speaker, sharing IDEKO’s experience and perspectives on the role of robotics in enabling smarter and more sustainable manufacturing. His intervention helped to increase the visibility of the ShieldBot project among members of the industrial and automation community who attended BIEMH 2026.
The workshop gathered approximately 30 participants, mainly representatives from Basque industrial companies as well as researchers from regional technology centres. The discussion offered an opportunity to strengthen relationships with AER Automation and foster dialogue with potential end-users from the advanced manufacturing sector. It was moderated by Alfonso Muñoz Bisié, Business Development at AER Automation, who was joined by Emilio Sánchez Tapia, Researcher at Ceit Research Center; Urko Esnaola, Head of Robotics for Industrial Flexibility at TECNALIA; Ander Ansuategui, Researcher in the Autonomous and Intelligent Systems Unit at Tekniker, and the ShieldBot representative Asier Barrios.
Asier highlighted that Shieldbot is a clear example of IDEKO's evolution in the field of robotics, where we are exploring new applications to help shape a more sustainable construction sector, with a particular focus on improving building efficiency.
BIEMH 2026: The Leading International Trade Fair for Advanced Manufacturing
Participation in the event facilitated valuable exchanges with industrial companies, technology centres, and potential adopters of advanced robotic solutions. These interactions contributed to strengthening IDEKO’s outreach and opened new opportunities for collaboration and future exploitation pathways for the ShieldBot project.
ShieldBot at the European Robotics Forum 2026: Workshop on Robotics and AI with the Tech4EUConstruction Projects
The ShieldBot project will participate in the European Robotics Forum (ERF) 2026 in Stavanger, Norway, by contributing to a workshop organised by the Tech4EUConsutruction Cluster exploring the role of artificial intelligence and robotics in the construction sector. Titled “AI and Robotics in Construction: From Perception to Action” the session will take place on 24 March 2026 from 14:00h to 15:20h in Lysefjorden B, bringing together experts from research and industry to discuss the latest advances enabling autonomous and intelligent construction systems.
The organiser of the workshop is Jason Rambach (DFKI), with co-organisers David Caballero Flores (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya), Viktor Wiberg (Algoryx), Antonio Alonso Cepeda (ACCIONA), Dimitrios Giakoumis (CERTH-ITI), and Ali Muhammad (University of Southern Denmark).
The Tech4EUConstruction projects participating are RoBétArmé, BEEYONDERS, DISCOVER, and ShieldBot. Sara Mata, Senior Researcher on Robotics for Manufacturing at IDEKO, will represent us. Moreover, after the workshop introduction by Jason Rambach, there will be an invited talk with the project TARGET-X about climate-neutral and resource-efficient construction with Sigrid Brell-Cokcan (RWTH Aachen). XSCAVE will also join us as an invited project.
“AI and Robotics in Construction: From Perception to Action” - Agenda and Speakers
READ THE BROCHURE BELOW TO DISCOVER THE FULL WORKSHOP AGENDA AND SPEAKERS:
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The ShieldBot Consortium Holds the Project's First General Assembly at the University of Nottingham
The ShieldBot consortium reunited for its first General Assembly at the University of Nottingham (United Kingdom) on the 3rd and 4th of February 2026. Organised by Xin Dong, Associate Professor in Engineering Design for Manufacturing, Jung-Che Chang, Research Associate, and Dragos Axinte, Professor of Manufacturing Engineering, this two-day event brought together the ShieldBot partners to reflect on progress since the kick-off meeting in Elgoibar (Spain) in November 2025.
Held at the Jubilee Campus, the Assembly served to align future activities, strengthen cooperation among the project’s technical and management teams and drive forward innovative robotic solutions for a more sustainable and efficient built environment.
ShieldBot Management, KPIs, Dissemination and Exploitation
A welcome session and networking lunch opened the Assembly, providing partners with the opportunity to reconnect and to prepare for the upcoming discussions. The meeting started with Work Package 1 (WP1): ‘Management and Coordination Activities’, where our coordinator IDEKO presented the overall project work plan, including the updated Gantt chart, key milestones and deliverables. Partners also reviewed financial statements and administrative procedures and discussed best practices for effective project management to ensure smooth collaboration across the consortium for the upcoming three years.
In the afternoon, we reviewed the Work Package 2 (WP2): ‘Requirements and KPI Definition’, which plays a crucial role in establishing the key performance indicators (KPIs) and the specific technical requirements, set by our partner Bouygues Construction, that will guide the development of the project’s robotic solutions for the construction sector: InnerShieldBot, InspectionShieldBot and FaçadeShieldBot, complemented by EcoShield and DigiShield.
The day concluded with a session dedicated to Work Package 7 (WP7): ‘Dissemination and Exploitation’, during which partners reviewed the project’s communication strategy, including the development of the ShieldBot visual identity and new website launched in January 2026. The team also presented the dissemination work plan and outlined key actions planned for the next six months to increase visibility and engagement with industry stakeholders, researchers and policymakers. In the evening, the team met for a networking dinner where partners could interact in a more relaxed atmosphere.
The ShieldBot Technical Work: Disruptive Robotics Solutions for a Sustainable Built Environment
The second day focused on the project’s core technological work packages. Morning sessions began with Work Package 3 (WP3): 'Disruptive Robotic Solutions for a Sustainable Built Environment', where partners discussed the work plan, management structure and technical priorities for the coming months. This was followed by updates on Work Package 4 (WP4): 'Advanced Robot Functionalities for Construction and Renovation', highlighting ongoing developments in robotic capabilities designed to support safer and more efficient construction and renovation processes and sites.
Later in the day, partners reviewed progress within Work Package 5 (WP5): 'Advanced Construction Site Technologies', examining how innovative technologies can support the integration of robotic solutions into real construction environments. For each work package, leaders presented detailed plans and defined the key actions to be undertaken during the next six-month period.
The meeting concluded with a final session summarising the key outcomes, defining action points and confirming the schedule for upcoming meetings to make sure we are aligned to develop innovative robotic solutions that improve building efficiency, sustainability and safety across Europe.
A Tour around the University of Nottingham's Rolls-Royce UTC in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology Lab
In the afternoon, Xin Dong and Jung-Che Chang took us for a guided tour in the Advanced Manufacturing Building of the university -see our family picture in the Rolls-Royce UTC in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology laboratory with an engine for a Boeing 767. There we had the opportunity to meet researchers working with lasers, 3D printing and, of course, the snake robot that will be used in ShieldBot. In addition to the applications of the snake robot in medicine or nuclear plants, ShieldBot will explore its potential in the construction industry.
In words of Professor Dong:
"It was a great pleasure to host the fantastic ShieldBot team at Nottingham. We look forward to making a real impact in the construction sector through novel robotics technologies."
Thank you to the University of Nottingham, especially to Xin Dong, Jung-Che Chang and Dragos Axinte, for hosting us!
European Project ShieldBot Kicks Off to Pioneer Sustainable Robotics in Construction
The ShieldBot project – Next-Generation Robotics for Sustainable and Efficient Thermal Shielding of Buildings – officially launched with a kick-off meeting on 4-5 of November 2025 at the premises of IDEKO Research Centre, the project coordinator, in Elgoibar (Basque Country), Spain.
Funded by the Horizon Europe programme with EUR 4 million and set to run over three years, ShieldBot brings together 11 partners from six European countries. The consortium ambitions to revolutionise how buildings are constructed, renovated, and maintained through the use of advanced, sustainable robotics.
In response to Europe’s growing demand for energy-efficient and sustainable buildings, ShieldBot aims to bridge the gap between traditional construction methods and modern sustainability standards. The project will develop and validate a new generation of robotic systems specifically designed for the construction, renovation, and maintenance of buildings, enabling greater efficiency, safety, and environmental performance.
At its core, ShieldBot focuses on three key robotic platforms: InnerShieldBot, designed for internal construction work to enhance the thermal performance of walls and ceilings; InspectionShieldBot, equipped with advanced sensors to assess exteriors, identify structural or insulation needs, and ensure long-term building integrity, and FaçadeShieldBot, which installs thermal shielding on building façades to improve insulation and reduce energy consumption.
These robotic systems are supported by DigiShield, a digital twin platform that aggregates and analyses data from on-site operations, enabling real-time decision-making and precise project planning. Moreover, the use of EcoShield materials, innovative, eco-friendly insulation solutions, will further minimise the carbon footprint of construction activities.
“With ShieldBot, we are bringing smart robots into construction to help make buildings more sustainable and energy-efficient. By combining robotics with human expertise, we want to show how technology can work alongside people to make construction sites safer, greener, and more efficient. Our hope is that ShieldBot sets a new example for how robots and people can build a better future together”, explains Jokin Muñoa, Scientific Manager at IDEKO and Coordinator of ShieldBot.
Innovation through Collaboration
ShieldBot’s vision extends beyond automation. A strong emphasis is placed on human–robot collaboration, ensuring that technology complements human expertise rather than replacing it. This synergy will enhance workforce safety, productivity, and efficiency, while supporting the transition towards greener and smarter construction processes.
The project’s activities will be structured across three main research areas: disruptive robotic solutions for the construction industry, advanced robot functionalities for construction and renovation works, and advanced construction site technologies. In the context of these research areas, three demonstration cases will be carried out: interior wall and ceiling construction in office buildings, inspection and maintenance of exterior building façades, and exterior façade insulation of multi-family dwellings.
The ShieldBot consortium in charge of demonstrating the three use cases unites expertise from leading research institutions, universities, and industrial partners across Europe, coordinated by IDEKO (Spain). They are: Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Künstliche Intelligenz GmbH - DFKI (Germany), University of Nottingham – Rolls-Royce UTC (UK), Nantes Université (France), CNRS – LS2N Laboratory (France), Robotnik Automation SL (Spain), Bouygues Construction SA (France), Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität - RPTU (Germany), Neo-Eco Development (France), Neo-Eco Ukraine LLC (Ukraine), and MTÜ AUSTRALO Alpha Lab (Estonia).
By combining cutting-edge robotics, artificial intelligence, and sustainable materials, ShieldBot will set a new benchmark for efficiency and environmental responsibility in construction. The project’s outcomes are expected to contribute significantly to the European Green Deal’s objectives and the broader digital and green transformation of the built environment.
You can also download this press release on ShieldBot's Zenodo.
The ShieldBot Partners Launch the Project in Elgoibar to Advance Robotics for Optimal Building Efficiency
On the 4th and 5th of November 2025, the ShieldBot consortium gathered in person for the first time at the facilities of IDEKO, our coordinator, in Elgoibar, a picturesque town in the Basque Country (Spain) to kick-off the project. ShieldBot, “Next-Generation Robotics for Sustainable and Efficient Thermal Shielding of Buildings”, is set to revolutionise the construction industry by integrating advanced robotics with sustainable practices to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in building renovation and energy efficiency.
As the demand for energy-efficient buildings continues to grow, traditional construction methods often struggle to keep pace with modern sustainability standards. ShieldBot bridges this gap with three of innovative robotic solutions:
- InnerShieldBot applies internal thermal shielding to walls and ceilings, enhancing comfort and efficiency.
- InspectionShieldBot employs advanced sensors to assess building exteriors, identifying areas requiring repair or insulation upgrades.
- FaçadeShieldBot installs thermal shielding on façades to improve insulation and reduce energy consumption.
Complementing these systems, the DigiShield digital twin collects and analyses data from robot operations, enabling real-time decision-making and precise project planning, and the inclusion of EcoShield materials (eco-friendly, sustainable insulation options) further supports our mission to minimise the carbon footprint of modern construction. All under a human-robot collaboration approach, ensuring technology enhances, rather than replaces, human expertise, making on-site work safer, smarter, and more efficient.
The ShieldBot Consortium: 11 Partners from 6 European Countries
With 11 research and industrial partners from six European countries (including Ukraine and United Kingdom), the ShieldBot consortium is united by a shared vision to work together during the next three years: to set a new benchmark for sustainable construction and renovation, paving the way for a more efficient and environmentally responsible future in urban development.
Our kick-off meeting in Elgoibar started with a welcome and general project presentation led by Jokin Muñoa, Scientific Manager at IDEKO and ShieldBot Coordinator, in which he introduced ShieldBot and the robotic technologies that we will develop from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 to TLR5, highlighting our objectives, activity areas and demonstrators. He also focused on the ShieldBot work distribution, including our work plan, gantt chart, milestones, deliverables and expected results.
After Jokin Muñoa, Miren Zelaia, Project Manager at IDEKO, explained the Work Package (WP) 1: 'Management and Coordination Activities', focusing on the financial statements and administrative management. This first part of our kick-off meeting finished with the introduction of our Project Officer from the European Commission, Rebecca Kanellea, Project Manager at CINEA, the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency.
Then it was the turn for the ShieldBot partners, who introduced each of their organisations to present their background, expertise and activities: IDEKO, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Künstliche Intelligenz (DFKI), Rolls-Royce UTC in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology / University of Nottingham, Nantes Université, Laboratoire des Sciences du Numérique de Nantes (LS2N) / CNRS, Robotnik Automation, Bouygues Construction, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Neo-Eco, Neo-Eco Ukraine, and AUSTRALO.
The ShieldBot Work Packages
During the rest of the meeting, a discussion of each of our work packages was the central point of the agenda. We started with the WP2: 'Requirements and KPIs Definition', led by Bouygues Construction, followed by the WP3: 'Disruptive Robotic Solutions for Sustainable Built Environment', led by the University of Nottingham; the WP4: 'Advanced Robot Functionalities for Construction and Renovation', led by IDEKO; the WP5: 'Advanced Construction Site Technolgies', led by DFKI; the WP6: 'ShieldBot Demonstrators', led by Nantes Université, and last but not least, the WP7: 'Dissemination and Exploitation', managed by AUSTRALO.
But we not only presented each of our work packages, Bouygues Construction also hosted a workshop on WP2 in which all partners participated in a brainstorming session.
A Guided Tour of IDEKO, the ShieldBot Project Coordinator
The kick-off meeting is an inaugural gathering that formally launches a newly Horizon Europe funded project, in our case, ShieldBot, bringing together all members of the consortium for the first time in person.
This meeting provides an opportunity for partners to introduce themselves, begin building working relationships, and gain a clear understanding of each organisation’s role, responsibilities, and planned contributions. That is why during our kick-off, IDEKO offered us a guided tour around their facilities in Elgoibar to explain the research and innovation activities carried out there, specialised in advanced manufacturing technologies developed in four research groups: Dynamics and Control, Design and Precision Engineering, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Automation and Manufacturing Processes.
