UC3M collaborates in the APTE Innovation Spaces Project
11/14/24
The Center for Innovation in Entrepreneurship and Artificial Intelligence (C3N-IA) at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) Science Park has participated in the Innovation Spaces Project by the Association of Science and Technology Parks of Spain (APTE), which aims to bring advanced R&D+i infrastructures and living labs closer to researchers, companies, civil society, and public administrations, highlighting their importance as drivers of scientific and technological development in Spain.
This initiative is carried out through the collaboration of 15 science and technology parks across 10 autonomous communities, which showcase 35 innovative spaces through guided visits. The two spaces from the UC3M Science Park selected for this project are laboratories focused on research in the areas of mechanical testing and robotics aimed at improving the well-being of elderly people and those with special needs.
IMPACTLAB
The Aerospace Structures Impact Laboratory (IMPACTLAB) is equipped with facilities for conducting mechanical tests (with specific experience in dynamic and impact testing) over a wide range of deformation speeds and temperatures. This laboratory has 6 pneumatic launchers (of various calibers) to perform high-speed impact tests across a broad range of energies. Additionally, it has expertise in modeling solid mechanics problems using proprietary tools and commercial numerical codes.
During the visit, the facilities and machinery used at IMPACTLAB to conduct impact tests on various types of structures and materials were showcased. These impact tests, along with the analysis of how structures and materials behave under impact, are applicable in various fields, such as aerospace, defense (military protective equipment), and safety (personal protective equipment), among others.
ASROB
The Assistive Robotics Laboratory (ASROB) develops and showcases advances in systems engineering and automation technologies that can be integrated into domestic environments with autonomous capabilities. These systems are based on environmental sensing or robotic elements, equipped with powerful AI algorithms to enhance the well-being of everyone, especially to improve the quality of life for elderly individuals and those with special needs.
During the second visit, different projects and applications being worked on at ASROB were presented, such as: the Pressmatic project (a control system for assistive devices used in tasks requiring gripping ability), the ASIBOT robot (a kind of "appliance" that can move through connectors placed anywhere in the home, performing various daily assistance tasks for disabled individuals), and the Tuina Physiotherapist Robot, which will soon be released on the market. They also presented their work on functional rehabilitation systems and progress monitoring through Serious Games, as well as systems for functional restoration and enhanced capabilities.
More Information:
Innovation Spaces APTE website:
