Project objective
To transfer space-robotics solutions into everyday practice. Hierarchical task planning and execution, artificial intelligence, image recognition, object tracking and trajectory planning form a shared system architecture.
Space robotics. Earth applications.
An autonomous platform for work where precision matters.
MobiRobAI transfers solutions developed for planetary robotics to greenhouses and photovoltaic installations.
About the project
One modular autonomy system. Two demonstrators.
MobiRobAI – Prototype of an autonomous mobile manipulator for fruit harvesting and solar-panel cleaning (application no. BBPL0100046). The project is implemented under the Interreg VI A Brandenburg–Poland 2021–2027 Cooperation Programme. The Programme supports projects in the Brandenburg–Poland border region and is co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.
Project result
A modular mobile manipulator prototype for harvesting selected objects such as tomatoes, and an unmanned system for photovoltaic-panel inspection and assisted cleaning.
- Project number
- BBPL0100046
- Project duration
- 01.10.2024–31.03.2027
- Total budget
- EUR 822,101.04
- EU funding
- EUR 657,680.83 · 80%
Application areas
From autonomous navigation to precise manipulation
01 · Greenhouses
Mobile manipulator for fruit harvesting
The compact platform navigates narrow aisles and pipe-rail tracks. Its integrated 7-DoF arm, vision system and control algorithms prepare it to locate, grasp and transport fruit.
02 · Photovoltaics
Drone for PV-panel inspection
The hexacopter uses GPS RTK navigation together with HD and thermal imaging. It is designed to detect dirt and faults and then carry a cleaning module to the selected location.
News
Stage results and current activities
We publish information about completed stages and the most important activities and events. The stage entries reproduce information previously published for project reporting.
Previous stage
Subsystem integration
The demonstrators’ key hardware and software components were integrated.
Current stage
System testing and improvements
Laboratory and field testing and result-driven improvements continue until the end of September.
Next stage
Dissemination of project results and preparing the prototype for implementation
The final stage will disseminate the results and prepare the prototype for further use.
Architecture, scenarios and subsystem development
The second stage covering robot architecture, application scenarios, hardware and algorithms was completed.
Completed work
- Work began on a custom mobile platform because market solutions did not meet the project requirements.
- For photovoltaics, the team adopted a UAS concept for inspection and assisted cleaning.
- A greenhouse-tomato image database was created; neural networks, harvest planning, AI task management and object-pose estimation were developed.
- Information activities and preparations for PCC 2026 were carried out.
Subsystem integration
Equipment procurement, key algorithm development and hardware and software subsystem integration were completed.
Completed work
- Trajectory control for the platform and manipulator, the vision system and high-level supervision were developed.
- A simulator was prepared and kinematic and dynamic simulations were performed.
- A two-level UAS control system was integrated.
- Information activities, papers and two PCC 2026 special sessions were prepared.
Prototype ready for further testing
A compact platform for concrete floors and pipe rails was built, accommodating the drive, power supply, electronics and adjustable manipulator mount.
Drone prepared for functional tests
The drive units, flight controller, GPS RTK, telemetry and HD and thermal cameras were integrated. Verification confirmed readiness for flight trials.
Modular control and power architecture
Seven cooperating modules connect the platform, manipulator, sensors and ROS 2 onboard computer.
MobiRobAI at PCC 2026 in Poznań
Two special sessions of the Polish Control Conference 2026 were co-organised within the project and autonomous-platform results were presented.
Conference websiteInformation and promotion
Information and communication activities
In parallel, we promoted the project at scientific and regional events.
Technology gallery
Construction, integration and testing
Project team
Cooperation across borders
The project combines expertise in space robotics, control, microelectronics and artificial intelligence.
Lead partner
Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences
CBK PAN is responsible for robot control and navigation, hardware and software integration, and connecting the platform with the manipulator.
Visit website
Project partner
IHP GmbH – Leibniz Institute for High Performance Microelectronics
IHP develops image-recognition methods and an industrial implementation plan, working jointly on system integration and testing.
Visit websiteBTU
Associated partner
BTU Cottbus–Senftenberg
Brandenburg University of Technology strengthens the scientific base and engages early-career researchers in technology development and testing.
Visit websiteProject leaders
On the CBK PAN side, the project is carried out by the Satellite Manipulator Dynamics Laboratory at the Centre’s Zielona Góra branch.
CBK PAN
Prof. Marek Banaszkiewicz
M.Banaszkiewicz@cbk.waw.plIHP
Prof. Krzysztof Piotrowski
piotrowski@ihp-microelectronics.comConsultation and testing
Technology evaluated with future users
Industrial partners and horticultural farms help compare the project assumptions with real working conditions.
- Maścibroda Małgorzata and Mieczysław horticultural farmNowa SólPartner website
- Pawlak Arkadiusz vegetable farmWłoszakowice
- Research and Development Centres of the University of Zielona GóraSulechówPartner website
- PRECIMET H.C.E. Sp. z o.o.ŁódźPartner website
Funding
Co-funded by the European Union
MobiRobAI is implemented through the Interreg VI A Brandenburg–Poland 2021–2027 Cooperation Programme and co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
Interreg programme website
- Project budget
- 822 101,04 EUR
- Funding amount
- 657 680,83 EUR · 80%
- Project duration
- 01.10.2024–31.03.2027
Contact
Satellite Manipulator Dynamics Laboratory
Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences · Zielona Góra branch
ul. Nowy Kisielin–A. Wysockiego 1, 66-002 Zielona Góra, Poland
Phone+48 68 41 41 055
Fax+48 68 41 41 066
EmailLab_DMS@cbk.waw.pl
CBK PAN — project information