International Knowledge Exchange Visit to Genoa
We are pleased to announce a new international knowledge exchange visit to the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Genoa, Italy, offering Research Technical Professionals working in robotics the opportunity to explore world-class robotics facilities, engage with leading experts, and build valuable international connections.
🗓 Dates: 25th-28th January, 2027 (with travel either side)
📍 Location: Genoa, Italy
🤖 Event highlight: Exclusive access to world-class robotics research laboratories, platforms, facilities and experts at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT)
Eligibility
This opportunity is open only to Research Technical Professionals (RTPs) working in Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) at UK academic institutions or RTOs. It is not open to academics, researchers, postdoctoral researchers, students, or individuals working in industry. Previous participants in a UK RAS STEPS-funded international visit are also ineligible to apply.
The closing date for EOIs is midday on Wednesday 9th September (or whenever we reach a maximum of 30 applications).
Once the EOI period has closed, all applicants will receive a voting form containing anonymised expressions of interest. You will be invited to review the submissions and vote for the RTP you believe should be awarded this opportunity (please note that you cannot vote for yourself).
About the Visit
This immersive international visit will provide a unique opportunity for Research Technical Professionals (RTPs) working in Robotics and Autonomous Systems to gain first-hand insight into one of Europe’s most influential robotics ecosystems.
Participants will tour state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, meet leading researchers and technical experts, and learn about the infrastructure, platforms and technical capabilities supporting world-leading research in robotics, artificial intelligence, mechatronics, and human-robot interaction.
The programme will showcase IIT’s approach to delivering cutting-edge robotics research through shared facilities, advanced prototyping environments, and interdisciplinary collaboration between engineers, computer scientists and technical specialists.
Planned Visits and Engagements
Participants can expect to visit and engage with the following facilities and research groups (subject to confirmation):
The Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems is home to a diverse portfolio of research activities spanning humanoid robotics, AI, autonomous systems, robot learning, mechatronics and human-centred technologies. Participants will gain insight into how world-leading robotics research is translated into highly capable platforms and real-world applications.
The Centre for Human Technologies brings together expertise in robotics, neuroscience, rehabilitation technologies, wearable systems and assistive devices to develop technologies that enhance human capabilities and wellbeing. Participants will gain insight into how interdisciplinary teams work across engineering, life sciences and healthcare to create human-centred technologies with real-world impact.
The Centre for Convergent Technologies promotes collaboration across disciplines to tackle complex scientific and technological challenges. The visit will provide an opportunity to explore advanced research infrastructure, shared facilities, and innovation programmes that support the development of next-generation technologies spanning robotics, AI, materials, and bio-inspired systems.
Attendees will have the opportunity to see a range of internationally recognised robotics platforms, including:
- iCub humanoid robot
- HyQ quadruped robot
- MOCA
- STREAM
- CONCERT
The visit will explore how these platforms are supported through shared technical infrastructure, specialist workshops, prototyping environments and multidisciplinary technical teams.
Why Take Part?
This visit offers a unique opportunity to:
- Gain behind-the-scenes access to one of Europe’s leading robotics institutes
- Explore world-class robotics facilities, workshops and prototyping environments
- Build international collaborations with technical professionals and researchers
- Learn about the development and operation of advanced humanoid and autonomous robotic systems
- Understand how technical expertise enables cutting-edge research infrastructure
- Network with fellow UK RAS RTPs and leading robotics experts
- Bring new ideas, best practices and technical insights back to the UK RAS community
Travel Information
Please note that there are currently no direct flights from the UK to Genoa. Participants should expect to:
- Fly from a UK airport to Milan
- Travel onwards to Genoa by train (approximately 1.5 hours)
- Arrive on 23rd/24th January and depart on 29th January to allow for travel
Further travel guidance and booking arrangements will be provided to successful applicants.
How to Take Part
We’re accepting expressions of interest from up to 30 RTPs. Applicants must be a Robotics and Autonomous Systems-focused Research Technical Professional working within a UK university.
This opportunity is NOT available to academics, researchers, students, post-docs or those working in industry. Please see the International Visits Guidelines.
A peer-reviewed voting process will take place to select the final 10 attendees.
📧 To express interest in a visit, please complete this short form with your details and an expression of interest statement of no more than 200 words, explaining why the visit would be beneficial to your career and how your area of expertise is relevant.
The voting form will be circulated by Monday 14th September, and all votes must be submitted by 5pm on Friday 18th September.
Successful applicants will be notified during the week commencing 21st September and will be invited to attend an online briefing session at 11:00am on Thursday 24th September to discuss logistics and next steps.
Please note participation is subject to written confirmation from your line manager that they are happy for you to attend the visit.
