The Institute of Robotics (I.RO.) of the Athena Research Center was formally established in 2023 as Greece’s first research institute dedicated specifically to robotics science and technology. It builds on the pre-existing Robot Perception and Interaction Unit and conducts research across robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, perception, human–robot interaction and intelligent control. Within the space ecosystem, I.RO.’s expertise is particularly relevant to autonomous navigation, robotic perception, manipulation, AI-enabled inspection and operation in unstructured or hazardous environments, supporting future applications in planetary exploration, orbital servicing, autonomous spacecraft systems and remote inspection.
