How can robotics improve safety in Rottterdam’s port operations, relieve pressure on a tight labor market, and take over the dangerous or repetitive tasks that many workers face every day?
The Rotterdam region is a natural place to find out. With its world-class port, strong industrial base, and real demand for smarter solutions in high-risk and routine work, it’s the ideal environment to put robotics to the test. Not just technically, but responsibly, in a way that works for people. That’s where Robodam NL comes in: bringing together innovators, policymakers, businesses, entrepreneurs, and citizens to shape the future of robotics in our region.
Driven by data and AI, robotics could help with some of our biggest societal challenges, from an aging workforce and unsafe working conditions to growing pressure on the people who keep our infrastructure running. But for this potential to be realized in a way that lasts, development must align with European values, put human impact first, and protect our digital sovereignty. Robodam strives for robots that are not only technically advanced but also understandable and trustworthy.
That’s why we’re happy to partner in this program and contribute in three ways:
- Helping grow a vibrant ecosystem around AI and robotics in the region. Within the program, we also draw on the robotics labs already available across the region.
- Connecting pilots to our data and AI infrastructure at the Erasmus Data Collaboratory | House of AI.
- Bringing in the expertise of the Erasmus University Rotterdam research community in human-centered design, and the ethical, legal, and societal (ELSA) perspective on responsible AI.
To us, this is more than a vision. It’s a living lab where ideas become reality, knowledge is shared openly, and new collaborations take root. One of the first pilots will be at the Erasmus MC. We are looking forward to the next steps and collaborating with the other partners involved.
