EU-funded project iBot4CRMs on Critical Raw Materials recovery will participate at the European Robotics Forum (ERF) 2026 in Stavanger, Norway from March 23-27. This will be the second year of participation at the annual forum for our Horizon Europe project which is developing AI-powered self-learning robots for high-performance waste valorisation and critical raw materials recovery. The project will actively contribute to the discussions on the latest trends and challenges shaping the confluence of AI and Robotics in Europe.
At the ERF, the ISWA on behalf of iBot4CRMs is organising a workshop on Sustainable and Smart Manufacturing along with NORCE Research, PROFACTOR, Three Robotics and Wood2Wood project on March 25 between 11.10-12.30 pm. This workshop will explore how European policies, industry needs, and circular economy goals intersect to shape a smarter, more sustainable production landscape in a rapidly changing geopolitical context. To this end, we have three speakers who will bring their domain expertise to discuss and debate circular strategies, industry view and research and innovation perspectives to ultimately formulate key strategic directions and policy recommendations for a resilient European industry.
Additionally, iBot4CRMs will also be present at ERF with a booth (number 8) next to the main registration desk. The booth presence will allow project representatives to interact with forum visitors who are interested to know about Critical Raw Materials recovery through urban mining using AI, Data and Robotics.
Each year, the forum brings together diverse stakeholders from the industry, academia, and the public sector for a solutions-oriented discussion on technologies, challenges and latest trends shaping the future of robotics in Europe.
Read more: iBot4CRMs Pilot Scenarios
Last year, iBot4CRMs consortium partner INESC TEC showcased the project at their booth and demonstrated to visitors our collaborative approach to develop and validate scalable, AI and Robotics systems for recovering and recycling critical raw materials (CRMs). The main objective is to create a cost-efficient secondary resource market for the supply of CRMs deemed essential to the manufacturing of sustainable technology products.
European Robotics Forum 2026 theme: Robotics for the blue economy and growth in space
The iBot4CRMs is well-positioned to support the EC’s action plan by maximising the recovery and recycling of CRMs from urban waste using AI-powered robotics. Thus, platforms such as the European Robotics Forum provide the impact and visibility that EU-funded projects like ours need. We are proud to participate in this year’s edition which will spotlight “Robotics for the blue economy and growth in space”.
Within this theme, our project will be part of a workshop on “Sustainable Manufacturing” practical, system-level solutions that could strengthen Europe’s industrial resilience and competitiveness.
📌 Workshop title: Rewriting the Smart Sustainable Manufacturing Playbook
Workshop number: 58
📅 Date: 25 March 2026
⏰ Time: 11.10–12.30 PM
📍 Venue: ERF 2026, Stavanger, Norway
Register here to attend: Register | ERF2026
Meanwhile, catch us at booth number 8 for all project-related information.
Information on the Sustainable Manufacturing workshop
This workshop on Sustainable Manufacturing examines how European policies, industry needs, and circular economy goals intersect to shape a smarter, more sustainable production landscape in a rapidly changing geopolitical context. So, expect a lively discussion between domain experts from the industry, research and innovation community and public sector at the European Robotics Forum this year.
More information will be announced soon, including speaker introductions and a detailed agenda.
If you are at ERF already, don’t forget to RSVP for our event on March 25, between 11.10- 12.30 pm!
Meanwhile, as for our project updates, we’ve curated a few videos recently from our Use Case Partners. This was possible thanks to our 3rd consortium meeting in Athens last year during which partners shared Work Package updates, the challenges and the path ahead.
Securing sustainable supply of CRMs: A high priority for EU
According to the European Commission, securing a sustainable supply of CRMs to decarbonise the EU economy is high priority for the bloc. The urgency to act now is based on two facts: First, the extraction of rare earth elements is concentrated in limited number of regions outside of the bloc, including China, parts of Africa and Latin America, among others, and second, the processing and production of many rare earth elements is also highly concentrated in China.
Read our article: Could China’s latest restrictions on rare earth exports disrupt global supply chains, including Europe’s?
That is why securing a sustainable supply of rare earth metals is complex given the dependencies on a limited number of suppliers and high risk of supply chain disruptions. Recent initiatives by the Commission such as the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) in 2024 and the RESourceEU Action Plan in 2025 will help the industry cushion geopolitical and price shocks and support partnerships with countries to minimise supply chain risks. In addition, the RESourceEU Action Plan will also fast-track projects that will help reduce EU’s dependencies by up to 50% by 2029.
Watch our Use Case videos by clicking here.
This will take you to our dedicated page on our website on Pilot Scenarios.
Visit us on our YouTube channel
Alternatively, you can visit us on our YouTube channel where we have uploaded a host of videos, from partner introductions to Use Case scenarios.