Smart robots, smart region

The right little plant

“Robots can manage perfectly well without AI,” says Chantal, “but then they remain limited to repetitive work. With AI, they become smart: they recognise, learn and adapt. In the agri-food sector, for example, they use robots as an alternative to chemical pesticides. They weed with a laser, but they need to know what is a weed and which plant should be left standing. That requires AI.”

The step into practice

The combination of Robotics and AI makes the cluster powerful and distinctive. “In Breda, we focus on the applied side of innovation: the so-called Technology Readiness Levels 4 through 8. This does not mean fundamental research, but rather the step towards practical application. Here, we build prototypes, test them, improve them, and look at business models and implementation.”

AI in action

There’s no shortage of practical applications, says Chantal. “We’re working on a toilet transfer robot that helps people remain independent at home for longer. Or take the Waste Shark, a robot that collects plastic waste in Breda’s canals. It uses AI to recognise what is plastic and where most of the waste is floating – for example, in good weather, in places that are busier then. That’s AI in action too.”

Robots lift me up

They are all applications that often have both social and economic impact, she continues. “In industry, we use cobots as the skilled worker’s ‘right-hand man’. Robots help with lifting, especially now that health and safety legislation is becoming increasingly stringent. In logistics, they move around independently. There is a new project in which drones transport samples from hospitals to laboratories. And with partners Hive and World Class Maintenance, we are exploring how robots can help the Ministry of Defence with maintenance and inspection, for example of the F-35s at Woensdrecht.”

Engaging residents

What makes the Innovation District unique is its proximity to residents. “With B’Robotics, we are right in the heart of the city. This makes it possible to actively involve residents. In co-creation sessions, residents, students and professionals contribute ideas and try out prototypes. This gives us a better understanding of the end user and increases the likelihood that the technology will genuinely be embraced. We also really notice that people enjoy taking part.”

Test without rules

Good locations for startups are of great importance, she emphasises. The arrival of the B’robotics Campus will contribute to this. “We are creating a place with event spaces, shared facilities and catering, where different groups come together. It will be a hybrid learning environment, where we share knowledge, machines and data. In our regulation-free indoor and outdoor test zone, we can safely experiment with autonomous robots and drones. And in the Demo & Experience Centre, visitors can experience what is already possible, and what is not yet.”

Smarter collaboration

Chantal strongly believes in collaboration. “The government is genuinely involved here – open, approachable and forward-looking. This suits Breda. Just as we involve the end user in robotics, we must also build the Innovation District together. There are plenty of parties within the clusters that can fulfil this role effectively; it is up to the district organisation to oversee this, ensure cohesion and respond to new developments.”