Applications are now open for the “Sustainability Leadership Recognition in Robotics” session at the European Robotics Forum (ERF) 2025. Join us to celebrate and recognize the transformative role of robotics in promoting sustainability. This session will honor organizations and teams that are making a significant impact through innovative robotic solutions focused on environmental, social, and economic sustainability. By showcasing these efforts, we aim to inspire further commitment to sustainability within the robotics community.
Sustainability Leadership Recognition in Robotics
Robots have significant potential to support sustainability, contributing to efforts such as combating climate change, improving recycling, reducing manufacturing waste, and transforming social applications. As demand for robotics grows, it becomes essential to ensure that their production and disposal are aligned with sustainable practices. Addressing the long-term sustainability of robotic technologies is complex and requires careful consideration to avoid negative environmental impacts. Sustainability, as defined by the 1987 Brundtland Report, emphasizes intergenerational equity—ensuring that current generations meet their needs without compromising future generations’ ability to do the same. It also stresses the importance of balancing three core elements: economic growth, environmental protection, and social inclusion. These principles are foundational to the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which address pressing global challenges and aim to create a more sustainable future for all. Integrating sustainability into robotics can drive innovation and contribute to a healthier planet and a more equitable society.
The "Sustainability Leadership Recognition in Robotics" initiative has been launched to highlight and celebrate sustainability efforts within the robotics community. This session aims to inspire others by recognizing innovations that address sustainability challenges through robotics and acknowledging those who are leading the way in integrating sustainable practices into the development and deployment of robotic technologies.
"Honoring organizations and teams leading the way with innovative solutions and transformative practices, showcasing their contributions to inspiring the global robotics community toward a sustainable tomorrow. "
Application Process
The “Sustainability Leadership Recognition in Robotics” honors outstanding contributions in the robotics community, showcasing inspiring stories and efforts that promote sustainability. The focus is on two key topics:
Robots for Sustainability: How can we use/deploy robots to support sustainability?
Sustainability of Robots: How can we make (and use) robots themselves sustainably?
The “Sustainability Leadership Recognition in Robotics” will not choose a single winner. Instead, among all applicants, a set of candidates will be shortlisted to acknowledge their efforts in robotics and sustainability.
Interested applicants can submit a proposal, which will be evaluated by a jury with expertise in the areas of robotics and sustainability. The candidates shortlisted by the jury will get the chance to present their sustainability journey at an ERF workshop. All applicants will be represented in a short video played at the beginning of the workshop.
Who can participate?
Candidates can apply if at least one of the following is fulfilled:
They are developing robots to support sustainability.
They use robots to support sustainability.
They have a specific focus or dedicated activities on developing/manufacturing robots more sustainable.
They support sustainability in robotics through a specific initiative e.g. at the workplace or in a local community.
The focus of the application should be on a specific effort or project reflecting the applicant's work towards sustainability. For more information on how to submit a proposal, see application guidelines.
Eligibility Criteria:
Organisations, teams, and individuals from within the EU and associated countries within the EU are invited to apply.
The submitted applications must demonstrate a clear commitment to sustainability.
Applicants can come from different organisations as long as they fulfill the above criteria:
SMEs, start-ups
EU-funded Projects
Research organisations
Large industry
End-user
Benefits from participation
Shortlisted candidates will present at an ERF 2025 workshop, becoming role models for sustainability. All applicants will be featured in a summary video at the workshop’s start. The ERF is a leading event in robotics and AI, attracting over 1,000 participants from across Europe and beyond, including engineers, academics, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers.
Shortlisted candidates will additionally receive extended coverage on ERF channels (newsletter article, social media posts) and receive a certificate at the euRobotics awards ceremony on March 26, 2025.
All qualified entrants will receive feedback on their submissions from the screening committee.
Empowering the Underrepresented in Robotics
Many talented individuals in robotics face barriers to participation due to financial constraints, limiting diversity and innovation in the field. This initiative supports underrepresented groups by providing opportunities to engage, contribute, and thrive in the robotics community. Thus, an exclusive opportunity awaits two applicants who can benefit from:
ARIA Travel Awards
Each of the two selected applicants will have the chance to receive a 500 Euro travel award supported by ARIA.
European Robotics Forum Access
The two applicants will also receive free access tickets (one each) to the European Robotics Forum 2025 supported by euRobotics.
Application Deadline and Timeline
The deadline for submitting applications is February 16 (23:59 CET).
An initial online screening of candidates will take place in week 9, with possible short online calls. Notifications of acceptance will be sent out around March 4.
Shortlisted candidates should submit their workshop presentation by March 21 in Google Slides or PDF format
Application Form
To be considered for the “Sustainability Leadership Recognition in Robotics”, please send an email to robotics4sustainability@gmail.com with the following information:
1: Contact details (Name, company/affiliation, email)
2: A short summary of your project and which sustainability aspects the project focuses on.
3: A presentation/your current pitch as an attachment in PDF format
Application Guidelines
The application form covers the following key areas:
About the Project
Title
Overview
Motivation for application
Focus area
Applicant information
Supporting Documentation (webpage, video, etc.)
PDF Attachment
The PDF Attachment should include a pitch presentation. In order to address the confidentiality issue, it is suggested that presentations be kept to information that can be displayed in the public domain.
Your presentation should not exceed 20 slides. Remember, balance is key. Make your presentation informative, visually appealing, and easy to follow. Consider incorporating visuals, infographics, or any other creative elements that enhance the overall appeal. We encourage you to be creative while ensuring the content remains clear and impactful.
You will be expected to answer the following questions:
What is your sustainability effort about?
What are the achieved/expected impacts of your project? It is important that applicants highlight their combined efforts across the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic growth, environmental protection, and social inclusion. We encourage all applicants to showcase the unique and compelling aspects of their work that can inspire and make a positive impact.
Please provide a detailed description of your roadmap and future plans for the project/initiative. Outline your strategic vision, key milestones, and goals you aim to achieve. Feel free to highlight any innovative approaches, partnerships, or key strategies that will contribute to the success of your roadmap.
Additionally, depending on the focus area of your sustainability effort, the presentation can include information on:
Your team (diversity, expertise across sustainability dimensions, etc.)
Technological Innovation (how innovatively you incorporate sustainability, how it creates a technological disruption).
Does your project engage with local communities and address community needs and concerns?
Business viability (how the project generates value/financial benefit to your company/organisation, the end-user/customer, etc.)
Scalability and Adaptability (e.g. how your project can grow, and adapt to changing requirements and technological advancements)
Energy Efficiency (how your robotics application ensures energy efficiency)
Resource Use: how your project minimises resource consumption, reduces waste, etc.)
Lifecycle Analysis (overview of lifecycle analysis, including carbon footprint and emissions data.
Product design towards circularity (recycling, repairing, re-using material)
End-of-Life Considerations (how your project handles end-of-life components and ensures environmentally responsible disposal)
Relevant environmental regulations and standards
Confirm compliance with relevant environmental regulations and standards.
Review and Selection Process
All applications will undergo a thorough review process by a panel of experts in robotics and sustainability. The organisers will ensure that no conflict of interest arises and/or take the necessary steps to immediately mitigate any conflict of interest that should arise in connection with the competition and the handling of company information.
Key evaluation parameters
Entrants will be judged based on these parameters:
Demonstrated efforts towards coherent sustainability commitment: applicants have incorporated innovative ideas/sustainability initiatives or have implemented their sustainability measures in an innovative way; or have made use of innovative methods to promote the importance of sustainability among the stakeholders.
Achieved and expected impact on one or more of the three dimensions of Sustainability: applicants have implemented/developed sustainability initiatives/ cases with proven positive impact on Economic, Social, and/or Environmental dimensions.
The evaluation will also include an emphasis on the inspirational aspect of each project. Presentations should motivate others to actively support sustainability in robotics. The power of inspiration is a driving force for innovation and creativity. Therefore, applicants will be assessed on the level of inspiration and motivation behind their projects.
Contact Information
For inquiries or further information, please contact
We look forward to receiving innovative and sustainable robotics applications and honouring the pioneers in the field of robotics for sustainability!
The Sustainability Leadership Recognition in Robotics at the ERF 2025 is supported by
The Sustainability Leadership Recognition in Robotics at the ERF 2025 is organized by
Topic Group for Sustainability
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