The 12th edition of the European Workshop on Marine Robotics and Applications (EMRA'26) took place on 23 and 24 June. The event was organized by Técnico through researchers from the Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR-Lisboa) and was held at Pavilhão do Conhecimento – Ciência Viva, in Lisbon's Parque das Nações. The annual workshop brings together researchers, companies and European institutions to foster collaboration in marine robotics and discuss the sector's current challenges. The programme featured keynote talks, presentations on European projects and contributions from industry.

During the opening session, Massimo Caccia (CNR-INM), one of EMRA's founders, reflected on the evolution of the field since the workshop's first edition in Rome twelve years ago. He highlighted that, over the years, "marine robotics has evolved from being regarded as merely an extension of marine biology to being recognized as an independent and highly innovative field," a transformation reflected in the projects presented at this year's event.

Among the researchers and industry representatives, the event also featured Miguel Miranda, Executive Director of the AIR Centre (Atlantic International Research Centre), who delivered a keynote lecture on maintaining and enhancing ocean observation. He argued that the ocean economy depends on an open and shared observation infrastructure, stressing that an "increasingly globalized world" still requires "local responses."

We need standardized measurement and information tools that anyone can use. If you can achieve that, you will change the world.

Miguel Miranda, AIR Centre (Atlantic International Research Centre)

The European Workshop on Marine Robotics and Applications is an initiative funded by the European Union. This year's edition was locally coordinated by David Cabecinhas, a faculty member at DEEC and researcher at ISR-Lisboa, together with António Pascoal, researcher at ISR-Lisboa. The event brought together around 80 participants.

Story by Técnico in collaboration with the Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR-Lisboa)

Photo: ISR