Since our last update, the PILLAR-Robots project has made significant strides in stakeholder engagement. The structured approach adopted by the consortium has proven effective in integrating valuable external perspectives, strengthening collaboration, and refining the technological applications within our three key domains: post-harvesting agri-food, edutainment, and SME industry and retail.

Advancing stakeholder participation

Over the past months, the stakeholder database has grown considerably, now encompassing a broad spectrum of intermediary users, technology integrators, and research institutions. These entities act as crucial bridges between emerging robotic solutions and their potential implementation in real-world scenarios. The increasing level of engagement highlights the project’s success in attracting organizations that can provide specialized expertise and facilitate the validation and deployment of PILLAR-Robots technology.

While the database is well advanced, there is still room to accommodate new organizations that meet the project’s eligibility criteria. This remains an open opportunity for stakeholders who wish to contribute to cutting-edge robotic innovation and gain early insights into its application across multiple sectors.

Key developments in stakeholder engagement

To enhance collaboration, the project has implemented a more structured methodology for stakeholder participation. This includes:

• A formalized tiered involvement system (Initial, Intermediary, and Advanced levels), ensuring progressive and meaningful participation.
• Clear guidelines on stakeholder roles across work packages (WP7-9, WP10, WP11), covering technology validation, impact assessment, and dissemination activities.
• Defined mechanisms for feedback collection through structured interviews, focus groups, surveys, and direct observation during project activities.

Strengthened strategic communication

Transparent and open communication has been a priority. Regular updates have been established to ensure that stakeholders remain actively involved. The ongoing engagement strategy fosters a collaborative ecosystem where stakeholders can share insights, challenges, and recommendations to shape the project’s direction effectively.

Regulatory and ethical considerations

The involvement of stakeholders has been pivotal in addressing the ethical and legal dimensions of PILLAR-Robots. Through discussions in WP10, valuable insights have been integrated into the project’s framework, ensuring that developments align with public expectations, regulatory compliance, and best practices in technology ethics.

Invitation to new stakeholders

As we continue to refine our approach and expand our network, we invite additional stakeholders to join us. Organizations that align with our criteria can still become part of this initiative, contributing to the co-development of innovative robotic solutions.

Stakeholders can engage at different levels based on their interest and capabilities:

• Initial Level  – Basic participation through consent to share organizational details.
• Intermediary Level  – Formalized interest through Letters of Intent, specifying areas of collaboration.
• Advanced Level  – Deeper involvement via Business and Collaborative Agreements.

By becoming part of PILLAR-Robots, stakeholders not only gain early access to cutting-edge robotics research but also actively shape its trajectory, ensuring that the technology meets real-world demands.

PILLAR-Robots remains committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive network, where stakeholders play an integral role in shaping the future of robotics. If your organization is interested in participating, now is the time to connect with us and become part of this transformative initiative.