The Aragon Institute for Engineering Research (I3A) has, since its creation in 2002, a decided international vocation. Its commitment to innovative science stands out, mainly based on international collaboration.

Its different research groups work and interact with groups and institutions around the world. Its participation in European projects, in consortia and programs whose objective is the advancement of the knowledge society stands out.

The I3A was the first Research Institute created by the University of Zaragoza, in 2002. On May 14, the Government of Aragon approved Decree 169/2002 that marked the beginning of a new stage and the commitment to science from University. Thus, the research capacity of a good part of the university groups of the School of Engineering and Architecture (EINA) was grouped together with others of the Faculty of Sciences, Economics and Business and Veterinary Medicine.

Today, the I3A is one of the research benchmarks in Aragon and the first in technological research with more than 500 professionals and 34 research groups in Biomedical Engineering, Information and Communication Technologies, Processes and Recycling and Industrial Technologies.

Website: i3a.unizar.es

Guided Lab Tour at I3A by Luis Montano Gella and Ana Cristina Murillo Arnal

Brief introduction of Robotics Lab (by Ana Murillo or Luis Montano)

Recent results Robotics, Perception, and Real-Time Group:

• DEMO in real scenario: Robust and high maneuverability Autonomous drone navigation in narrow rooms (around 5 min.)
• Demo-videos (25-35 min) presented by a involved researcher involved in the research:

1. CineMPC: Autonomous drone navigation for cinematography
2. Roboboat: A robotic boat for 3D mapping of partially flooded underground sites
3. Highlights about Foundational AI models for swarm formation and drone shows
4. Social rule based navigation in dynamic and crowded environments
5. AI for assistive surgery: mapping and perception inside the body
6. AI for prosthetic vision and assistive devices
7. Planning and mapping over semantic information

Dr. Luis Montano received his degree in industrial engineering in 1981 and his doctorate in 1987 from the University of Zaragoza, Spain. He is Full Professor at the University of Systems Engineering and Automation at the University of Zaragoza. He was Director of the Department of Computer Science and Systems Engineering and Deputy Director of the Aragon Engineering Research Institute of the University of Zaragoza. He is Principal Researcher of the Robotics, Perception and Real Time research Group of the Institute. His main research interests in robotics are: motion and navigation planning, navigation in dynamic environments, multi-robot deployment under communication constraints. He is the author of more than 130 publications and has participated in 45 research projects, 29 as Principal Researcher. He is Vice-President of the Spanish Society for Research and Development of Robotics (SEIDROB) and representative of the University of Zaragoza in euRobotics. 

Ana is associate professor at the University of Zaragoza, and one of the two coordinators of the Robotics, Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence Lab, where she leads a team of researchers in computer vision and machine learning. She obtained her PhD in Computer Science at the University of Zaragoza, about Visual Localization for Robotics, and since then she has been faculty at the University of Zaragoza and participated in numerous publications, research projects and consulting industry projects on the fields of computer vision, machine learning and robotics. 

Her current research topics include visual recognition and scene understanding for different robotics and healthcare applications, which present data and resource constrained environments and applications. For an up to date publication list see the scholar profile

The Aragon Institute of Technology (ITA) is dedicated to research, development, and technological innovation, providing advanced solutions in various industrial sectors. With a focus on collaboration with companies, the ITA works to enhance competitiveness and sustainability through technology transfer and the development of R&D projects. 

For more information about ITA’s services, please visit www.ita.es

Address: C/ María de Luna, nº 7-8, 50018, Zaragoza

The Tres Mares Restaurant is located in a privileged enclave in the heart of Zaragoza, next to the stone bridge, the Plaza del Pilar and the banks of the Ebro River.

Website: tresmareszaragoza.com

Address: P.º Echegaray y Caballero, 82, Casco Antiguo, 50003 Zaragoza

Reception at Restaurante Tres Mares with networking opportunities.

Welcoming speech by Mercedes Ruiz, Irene López de Vallejo

PHD in education and educational technology. A dreaming teacher, with stories that speak of contexts and people, because stories transform us,  people and we change the world.

If you don’t dream about science, no one will be able to design your dreams. I learn alongside others, often thanks to them. My work is in the field of cinema and education, with robotics and technology, with us all and for us all, always with questions and often very few answers. 

Twitter/X: @londones

Thesis: https://riuma.uma.es/xmlui/handle/10630/16253 

Irene brings a unique blend of skills, experience, and care to her mission of building fairer futures for all. A committed advocate for a sustainable and equitable economy, she challenges the status quo in both her work and life, driving innovations and policies that prioritize environmental stewardship, social justice, and economic inclusion.

With over 25 years of experience in public and private sectors across the UK and Europe, Irene has fostered technological innovation, built ecosystems, and applied tech solutions to address business and social challenges. Her expertise spans R&D, incubation, acceleration, public programs, strategy, and impact investment.

Irene’s strength lies in her ability to translate complex ideas into clear, actionable steps, inspiring diverse stakeholders to collaborate. Holding a PhD in Architecture, an MSc in European Affairs, and a BSc in Sociology, she is a lifelong learner deeply committed to the causes she cares about.

The Tres Mares Restaurant is located in a privileged enclave in the heart of Zaragoza, next to the stone bridge, the Plaza del Pilar and the banks of the Ebro River. A different space, which offers its visitors a panoramic design, with so much natural light that you will feel the force of nature with all your senses, to make those moments with your loved ones special.

THE KITCHEN. In our restaurant you can enjoy the beauty of the premises itself along with a menu of dishes that combines the tradition of Aragonese cuisine with avant-garde touches, always keeping in mind that the secret lies in the quality of the seasonal products. Our cuisine tries to be very faithful to the original flavours and so that each element of the dish has its function, achieving a surprising and harmonious taste. In addition to the menu, we offer our customers daily menus or weekend menus that make the most of seasonal products or those most characteristic of special dates.

THE SPACES. Tres Mares Restaurante Náutico offers you a unique place that adapts to all celebrations, always enjoying the unique light and views of one of the most privileged enclaves of Zaragoza. The restaurant, the cafeteria, the private lounges or the outdoor areas, any of our spaces offer you large glass areas so you don’t miss out on the views of the river and the Stone Bridge.

THE TEAM. To make your experience as pleasant as possible, we not only have quality cuisine, but also a team that works to take care of every detail. Tres Mares is a young, 100% Aragonese company run by professionals with a consolidated track record in the world of catering and hospitality. A restaurant that also supports new talent, thus giving young people the opportunity to gain experience in the world of work.

Website: tresmareszaragoza.com

Address: P.º Echegaray y Caballero, 82, Casco Antiguo, 50003 Zaragoza

Dietarian restrictions in the registration form have been forwarded and confirmed by the restaurant

Individual starter

Aragonese charcuterie and cheese board with an assortment of picos and regañas

First course

Creamy mushroom risotto with parmesan cheese slices

Second course

Roast shoulder of lamb with baked potatoes

Dessert

Tiramisù with vanilla ice cream

Drinks and complements

Mineral water, assortment of breads, coffee or infusion, wine P.D.O. Aragon.

Vegan menu

Individual starters

Assortment of gourmet croquettes ‘Boletus, Quinoa and Kale, Spinach’.

Salad of lamb’s lettuce, red onion, roasted pepper and black garlic and orange vinaigrette dressing.

Main course

Heura with sautéed vegetables.

Dessert

Coconut milk rice with Goyi berries.

Drinks and other complements

Mineral water, assortment of breads, coffee or infusion, wine P.D.O. Aragon.

Confirmed exhibitors:

• PAL Robotics
• Academia de Inventores
• Cartif
• Eurecat
• ABB
• UPTC
• Tekniker

Welcome by:

• Bernd Liepert, President euRobotics
• Jorgina Diaz Torres, President HispaRob
• Mar Vaquero, Vice President ITA · Instituto Tecnológico de Aragón

David Beamonte is a Telecommunications Engineer with a technical background in electronics and embedded software. After more than 20 years working as embedded software developer and Engineering Manager for an electronics vendor specialised in the design and manufacturing of fibre optic and IoT devices, David started working as Product Manager for IoT and embedded products at Canonical, mainly focused on driving Ubuntu Core, the embedded version of Ubuntu.

In 2022, he joined Arduino as Product Manager, where he is responsible for the Arduino Cloud, the Arduino platform that enables makers, educators, and enterprises to monitor and control IoT devices easily.

Dr. Liepert earned his diploma in mathematics in 1990 from the University of Augsburg and his honorary doctor degree from University of Magdeburg in 2011. 

From February 1990 until June 2019 Dr. Liepert has worked in changing positions for KUKA. From 1990 to 1996 he worked as mathematician and developer at KUKA Schweissanlagen + Roboter GmbH before he took charge as head of development of the newly founded company KUKA Roboter GmbH until 1997. From 1998-1999 he was a member of KUKA Roboter GmbH Board of Management, responsible for development and design. 

From 2000-2009 Dr. Liepert was the CEO of KUKA Roboter GmbH. 

From 2010 to January 2015 he was the CTO of KUKA AG, responsible for technology and development of the whole KUKA Group and from February 2015 until June 2019 Chief Innovation Officer of KUKA AG, being responsible for expanding innovations at KUKA where he was able to apply his vast robotics experience at the interface between technology and the market.

From 2008-2012 Dr. Liepert was President of EUROP, the European Robotics Technology Platform, and subsequently President of euRobotics AISBL – the European Robotics Association. euRobotics was founded in September 2012 and has become the private side of SPARC, the European Public-Private Partnership in Robotics in 2013.

As president of these associations Dr. Liepert has been leading the European robotics community and representing it at high political levels.

In July 2019 Dr. Liepert founded his own company Bernd Liepert more_about_robots GmbH.

Jorgina Díaz holds a degree in Telecommunications Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Madrid and an MBA from the School of Industrial Organisation. She began her professional career at Vodafone, where she was responsible for the management of the General State Administration. Subsequently, she worked in various companies as a project consultant for the Public Administration. In 2016 she joined Alisys, where she currently holds the position of Business Development Director in the robotics area. She also chairs the Spanish Robotics Technology Platform, HISPAROB. In 2023, she was recognised by the Women in Robotics community as one of the 50 most influential women in robotics worldwide.

(San Sebastian, 1970). Graduate in Law from the University of Zaragoza and, since 1995, a member of the Royal and Illustrious Law Association of Zaragoza, member of the Royal Law Association of Zaragoza since 1995.

Graduate in Labour Law and Social Security (CEF, Madrid) and Master’s Degree in Foreign Trade, Cooperation and International Relations (Euro’in UE).

Mayoress of María de Huerva from 2007 to 2019 and regional deputy of the Partido Popular since 2011. Spokesperson for the Partido Popular in the Spanish Parliament in Cortes de Aragón from 2016 to 2019 and from January 2022 until the end of the last legislature. Secretary General of the Partido Popular de Aragón from 2017 to 2021.

David Bisset is an independent robotics consultant and has worked in Robotics for over 30 years. He was an academic for 10 years and has extensive experience of working in both large and small companies and with related public sector organisations. He has contributed extensively to the strategic agenda for robotics in Europe and the UK. He is an Executive Director at the European Robotics Association (euRobotics) with responsibility for its strategic agenda. He was directly involved in setting up the robotics Digital Innovation Hub networks across Europe through the RODIN CSA and was closely involved in the formation of the AI, Data and Robotics European co-programmed Partnership. In the UK he is a member of the Robotics Growth Partnership, an advisory body to the Science and Technology ministry and acts as an advisor to various robotics related organisations.

Esther Borao, Industrial Engineering,  is the General Director of the Technological Institute of Aragon (ITA), a public center where they accompany companies in their processes and developments of technological innovation.

Previously, she has been the co-founder of several companies such as Innovart or the Academy of Inventors, with something in common, creativity and technology close to the citizens. She has also been involved in several associations such as MulleresTech to give visibility to women in technology.

She is one of the 30 young leaders in Europe and Africa to being selected by the US embassy in the IVLP program, “Women in Entrepreneurship” and also member of the 100 of COTEC,  as an expert in open innovation communities.

Pablo Urcola obtained my PhD in robotics in 2015 from the University of Zaragoza, where I researched topics such as autonomous navigation, path planning, and cooperative robotics. Since 2016, I have expanded my research focus by joining Bitbrain, a neurotechnology and neuroscience company based in Zaragoza. At Bitbrain, I have led research projects in rehabilitation, medical assistance, and human-robot interaction.

I’m an associate profesor at the University of Zaragoza. I’m also a member of the Robotics, Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence group at Instituto de Investigación en Ingeniería de Aragón (I3A) in Zaragoza. My research interests span machine learning, robotics, computer vision, assistive technologies and Bayesian optimization.

Previously, I was an advisor at SigOpt (acquired by Intel in 2020), a senior lecturer at the Centro Universitario de la Defensa (CUD) at Zaragoza, a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Systems and Robotics at the Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon and a visiting scholar at the Laboratory of Computational Intelligence, at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

You may want to read my publications, see the videos and results of some of my research or directly contact me.

Kelly Vigier is the Software Area Sales Manager at ABB Robotics, overseeing key regions including Spain, Italy, France, Turkey, Portugal, Mexico, and Central & South America. With over three years in ABB’s Robotics Software team, she has held various roles and collaborated across departments—from Product Management to R&D, Sales, and Marketing. Her deep, cross-functional experience gives her a unique perspective on the evolving power of software in automation, the development of new opportunities, and the increasing role of AI in driving innovative solutions. Passionate about the potential of digital solutions, Kelly supports customers to unlock the full capabilities of their production facilities.

“Juan Siegman is an uninspired film director who has seen better days. He is writing a science fiction script for his new movie with the help of Ian, an anthropomorphic robot programmed to write scripts and learn from its mistakes, that gives advice on narrative, structure, and life in general. Siegman is overtaken by the technological revolution, and wonders if he really is ready for it.”

• Jose Antonio Gabelas, Professor Audiovisual Communication and Advertising at University Zaragoza (video message)
• Eduardo Grojo, Director, Screenwriter and producer of movie CONVERSACIONES CON UN MONO. Professor of advertising creativity at the IE Business School
• Mercedes Ruiz, PhD in Education and Educational Technology
• Franziska Kirstein, Research And Development Specialist at Blue Ocean Robotics

PHD in education and educational technology. A dreaming teacher, with stories that speak of contexts and people, because stories transform us,  people and we change the world.

If you don’t dream about science, no one will be able to design your dreams. I learn alongside others, often thanks to them. My work is in the field of cinema and education, with robotics and technology, with us all and for us all, always with questions and often very few answers. 

twitter /X: @londones                       

Thesis: https://riuma.uma.es/xmlui/handle/10630/16253 

Professor of Audiovisual Communication and Advertising. PhD in Information Sciences. Graduate in Art History. Diploma in General Basic Education. Diploma in Cinematography. Coordinator of the Audiovisual Communication and Advertising area of the journalism degree at the University of Zaragoza. Director of the “Entremedios” platform for the journalism degree. Co-founder of GICID (Research Group on Digital Communication and Information). Co-creator of the TRIC (Technologies of Relation, Information and Communication) edu-communicative model. Editor since 2007 of the platform “El Factor Relacional”. He has published hundreds of research and dissemination articles related to education, communication and technology, as well as dozens of publications in publishing houses of great scientific impact. He has collaborated in different national and international research projects.

He has been dedicated to cinema and advertising for 30 years. Member of the Spanish Film Academy since 1997, he has written and directed a feature film, 8 shorts, and has shot more than a hundred advertisements for the best advertising agencies. With his films he has won numerous international awards, and has competed in prestigious festivals such as Berlin, Palm Springs or Cairo. He was nominated for GOYA, and a candidate a second time. Currently, he is a professor of advertising creativity at the IE Business School and of film scriptwriting at UNIR.

DEMO REEL: Grojo short reel

ASTI Foundaction/NTT DATA

Franziska Kirstein, R&D Specialist at Blue Ocean Robotics

Franziska has worked in interdisciplinary teams in the field of Human-Robot Interaction since 2012. Her work bridges the gap between the robotics industry and academic research, focusing on driving meaningful innovation and societal impact. Recently, her efforts have centered on advancing robotics in a way that contributes to a better future, specifically exploring how robots can actively support sustainability goals and be developed in ways that respect our planet. In 2021, Franziska was selected for the NGI Explorers program, and her work received the “Best Social Innovation Impact” award. She is a member of the euRobotics Board of Directors and co-leads the euRobotics Topic Group on Robotics for Sustainability.

More info about MEP Marcos Ros Sempere can be found by visiting this link

• Montserrat Grañeas, Director of the Equality Unit of the Ministry of Education
• Nieves Pavon, Professor of Systems Engineering and Automation at the Polytechnic University of Cartagena
• Pilar Mollá Ortigas, ASTI Foundaction/NTT DATA

Montserrat Grañeras Pastrana holds a degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, a degree in Psychology from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid and a PhD from the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, in the Department of Statistics and Operations Research.

She has been Head of the Studies and Research Department of the Centre for Educational Research and Documentation (CIDE) and Head of the Spanish Unit of Eurydice, a European network of information on education. The lines of research in which she has specialised are ‘inequalities in education’ and ‘education and gender’ inter alia. As a result of this specialisation, she has published numerous books and articles related to these areas, including her latest publication ‘Radiografía de la brecha de género STEAM en España’ (Radiography of the STEAM gender gap in Spain).

The last positions she has held have been Inspector of Services of the General State Administration (2013-2018), Deputy Director General of Academic Organisation in the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (2018-2021) Advisor to the Cabinet of the Secretary of State for Education (2021-2022) and Director of the Cabinet of the Secretary of State for Education (2022-2024). She is currently the Director of the Department of Artistic Education at the Ministry of Education and Head of the Ministry’s Equality Unit and of the STEAM Alliance for Female Talent project ‘Girls in Science’.

Nieves is currently a professor at the Polytechnic University of Cartagena (UPCT). She has previously taught at the University of Extremadura and the University of Huelva.

She studied Computer Engineering at the University of Extremadura. She obtained her PhD degree with International Mention at the University of Seville, in the PhD programme in Automatics, Robotics and Telematics. In addition, she holds a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics from the University of Murcia.

Moreover, she is the researcher in charge of the Neurotechnology, Control and Robotics (NEUROCOR) research group at UPCT. Her main lines of research are Mobile Robotics in different applications, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing and IoT.

Finally, she is currently CEO of the UPCT technology-based company JUNO Smart Digital Solutions, S.L., of which she is a founding partner.

Confirmed exhibitors:

• PAL Robotics
• Academia de Inventores
• Cartif
• Eurecat
• ABB
• UPTC
• Tekniker

The AI & Robotics 2024 (AIR2024) is the Central Event of the European Robotics Week (ERW2024). The event is organized by euRobotics in partnership with HispaRob and ITA. It will take place at Espacio Joven Fundación Ibercaja, Zaragoza, Spain, on 14 November, between 17:30 and 20:30 CET. It will feature various activities dedicated to the general public, especially kids and teenagers. The themes are Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Inclusive Technology, Robotics in daily live and Art. Free entry.

https://eu-robotics.net/erw2024/