Prague, June 16, 2025 – On Monday, June 16, 2025, the Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics (CIIRC CTU) hosted the inaugural edition of CIIRC Tech Dating, a special open day for businesses offering a unique insight into advanced research and technologies. The event attracted representatives from dozens of Czech companies across the manufacturing, technology, and startup sectors, all seeking new ways to innovate and collaborate with research teams. Among the many innovators present, researchers from ROBOPROX contributed with their interactive stations demonstrating practical applications of AI, robotics, and process optimization in industry.
CIIRC opened its labs across the entire building, including both floors of the RICAIP Testbed Prague, and showcased more than 20 technology stations where over sixty researchers and experts demonstrated their research results and collaboration opportunities directly with machines and robots. Highlights included demonstrations of robotic 3D printing, intelligent robotic manipulation, digital twins, advanced production control systems, and mobile robotics for logistics. To help visitors better understand the full potential for collaboration with CIIRC and its broader ecosystem, a number of “non-technological” stations were also available, focusing on support, services, and funding opportunities in cooperation with initiatives such as NCP4.0, EDIH CTU, AI-MATTERS, and others.
“Our goal was to demonstrate as comprehensively as possible that CIIRC CTU is not just an academic institution, but a hub and a reliable partner for industrial companies with a real-world impact. CIIRC Tech Dating connected businesses with top research teams, and we hope that the contacts established here will help bridge the gap from idea to real solution,” said Ondřej Velek, Director of CIIRC CTU.
The day’s program kicked off with the Open Innovation Breakfast, organized in collaboration with RICAIP, EDIH CTU, AI-MATTERS, and colleagues from the Vienna branch of EIT Manufacturing IC East. Attendees had the chance to peek behind the curtain to see how these organizations support startups and what can be achieved together with industry. This part of the program also featured a workshop led by EIT Manufacturing IC East, offering guidance on finding the right partners, entering new markets, and turning ideas into commercial products.
The main part of the program continued in the RICAIP Testbed Prague, where an introductory session of presentations focused on innovation support, international collaboration, and particularly subsidized expert services for SMEs provided by EDIH CTU, AIRISE, and AI-MATTERS. From that point on, the event was in full swing — throughout the afternoon, visitors moved through the technology stations in small groups, engaging directly with researchers to discuss their specific needs. Researchers were ready not only to showcase state-of-the-art equipment and methods but also to explain real-world solutions based on existing success stories. The format of rapid consultations with CIIRC experts sparked many inspiring discussions and helped establish new connections, laying the groundwork for future projects and collaborative solutions.
The event concluded with a panel discussion focused on practical steps companies can take to benefit from the services and collaborations on offer. The discussion addressed current challenges in implementing artificial intelligence, automation, and efficient production management. There was also strong interest in the open call from the AIRISE project, aimed at deploying AI in manufacturing processes. Among the diverse showcases, researchers from ROBOPROX stood out by presenting three focused stations that brought their latest AI, robotics, and process optimization research to life.
Among the diverse showcases, researchers from ROBOPROX stood out by presenting three focused stations that brought their latest AI, robotics, and process optimization research to life. Přemysl Šůcha demonstrated how data-driven process optimization, leveraging AI, mathematical models, and simulation, is already helping industry leaders like Škoda Auto and Siemens Energy streamline operations. Lukáš Chrpa introduced intelligent planning and decision-making techniques that empower autonomous systems to navigate complex, ever-changing environments with precision. Meanwhile, Karla Štěpánová and Petr Vanc invited visitors to experience hands-on human-robot interaction, featuring voice and gesture control along with safety-aware execution modules developed in partnership with Bosch Research and Factorio Solutions.
CIIRC Tech Dating thus launched as a dynamic concept bringing together research, industry, and innovation. We believe that the personal meetings will lead to long-term partnerships that will help Czech (and more broadly European) companies face the challenges of digital transformation.
Photos from event
