All Robotics & Autonomous Systems

The Control Systems Laboratory (CSL), which belongs to the School of Mechanical Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), has years of recognised experience in mechanisms, robotics, and automation systems, including space robotic systems. The NTUA-CSL was established in 1981, and over the years, its central theme has been expanded to cover advanced automation technologies, encapsulating the long prior expertise of its staff in leading academic and industrial institutions of the European Union, Canada, and the U.S. It is an internationally recognised centre for R&D in robotic technologies, with worldwide international contacts in industry, government, and the EU. Current projects and interests are in the areas of space systems and space robotics, quadruped legged all-terrain robots, soft robotics, microrobots and micromechanisms, design and development of novel mechatronic systems, modelling and control of complex dynamical systems, real-time control systems, haptic devices and prostheses, emulator and simulator technologies, and aerial and underwater robotics.

HTR-V is a Greek robotics engineering company specialising in advanced autonomous systems for demanding terrestrial and space applications. Building on decades of experience in field robotics, HTR focuses on two principal space domains: planetary exploration and in-orbit servicing, developing robotic platforms, mechanisms, actuation and control systems for operation in harsh and unstructured environments. Its capabilities include autonomous ground vehicles, robotic systems for satellite capture and servicing, terramechanics testing and advanced simulation tools. HTR has also developed and patented an all-metal, elastic variable-stiffness rover wheel for planetary mobility. The company has participated in numerous ESA and European R&D programmes, combining mechanical engineering, mechatronics, sensing, control and robotic autonomy to support next-generation exploration and orbital robotics missions.

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.

The Laboratory of Robotics & Automation of the Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH) focuses on advanced robotics and intelligent systems for industrial and environmental applications. Key areas include: Autonomous robot exploration; Place recognition; SLAM and Semantic mapping; Anomaly and Novelty detection; Human-Robot interaction; Machine learning; Robotic manipulation; UAVs; Embedded systems; Industrial automation.

SPACE MOBILITY pioneers the development of agile, energy-efficient mobile robots designed for navigating diverse terrains such as the Moon, Mars, and Earth. Its focus lies in creating legged and hybrid wheeled systems that boast motion capabilities equivalent to or surpassing those of the most agile animals and humans. Its overarching vision is to deliver robust transport systems capable of accessing hazardous locations with ease, including high-inclination slopes, cliffs, and craters that are currently inaccessible with existing technology. Its clients, comprising companies and agencies with payload or equipment transport requirements, can anticipate unparalleled agility and energy efficiency from its innovative actuation-centred designs. These designs not only offer lower mass, cost, and maintenance needs compared to existing solutions but also promise exceptional performance in challenging environments. At the helm of SPACE MOBILITY is a core team with years of expertise in academia and industry, specializing in space, legged, wheeled, soft, and medical robotics.