Official call identifier: ROB4GREEN
Objective of the call
The objective of ROB4GREEN Open Call #1 is to support external pilots deploying AI-driven robotic solutions for greener dismantling, remanufacturing and recycling.
The call aims to validate and extend the ROB4GREEN framework by funding innovative pilots aligned with circular economy “R-strategies”, ensuring interoperability with the project’s digital architecture and demonstrating measurable environmental and industrial impact.
Scope of activities
Proposals must address one of four defined challenges and integrate one or two ROB4GREEN digital tools into the pilot solution.
Challenge #1 – AI, Data and Robotics for Life Extension (R4 Repair)
Projects must develop AI-enabled inspection and repair solutions supporting product life extension. Activities may include high-precision automated metrology, non-destructive diagnostics, AI-based defect classification linked to Digital Product Passport (DPP), digital twin-based condition assessment, adaptive robotic repair operations, and human-robot collaborative interfaces.
Challenge #2 – AI, Data and Robotics for Value Retention (R5–R7)
Projects must support refurbishing, remanufacturing or repurposing processes through AI-driven lifecycle tracking, automated sorting and decision-making, reconfigurable process planning, flexible robotic cleaning and reassembly, and automated quality verification.
Challenge #3 – AI, Data and Robotics for Parts Harvesting
Projects must enable intelligent identification, non-destructive assessment and selective robotic dismantling of high-value components. Activities may include multi-sensor AI identification, digital twin-guided localization, adaptive disassembly and intelligent sorting for reuse streams.
Challenge #4 – AI, Data and Robotics for Decommissioning and Recycling
Projects must develop robotic solutions for on-site decommissioning and material recovery. Activities may include autonomous cutting and preprocessing, environmental monitoring, AI-based material characterization, high-purity sorting and optimization of recycling processes. Energy recovery (incineration) is out of scope.
All projects must demonstrate the solution in a relevant environment, validate selected ROB4GREEN tools, include user involvement where applicable, and progress from TRL 4 to TRL 7.
Eligible applicants
Eligible applicants must apply as a consortium of 2–3 legal entities composed of:
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One SME or start-up acting as technology integrator/provider and pilot leader .
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Optional: one additional technology provider, mid-cap, research organisation or university
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One industrial end-user acting as technology adopter and validation site
All entities must be established in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries (excluding Switzerland), hold a valid VAT number and PIC number, and comply with Horizon Europe eligibility rules
Eligible costs
Funding is provided as a lump sum covering:
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Personnel costs (technical development, testing, piloting, management, communication)
Subcontracting is not eligible.
Funding conditions
Type of action:
Cascade funding (Financial Support to Third Parties – FSTP), Innovation Pilot
Funding rate:
100% lump sum
EU contribution per project:
Up to €300,000
Number of funded projects:
8 (targeted distribution across four challenges)
Project duration:
10 months
Technology Readiness Level (TRL):
Projects must start at minimum TRL 4 and reach TRL 7 by completion
Funding is performance-based. 50% pre-financing is paid at project start and 50% after successful validation and acceptance of deliverables.
*Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) describe the maturity of a technology, from basic research (TRL 1) to fully deployed, market-ready solutions (TRL 9).
Deadline for submission
8 April 2026