Smart Manufacturing at the Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering of Politecnico di Milano (DEIB) is based on the integration of cyber-physical systems, collaborative robotics, “physical” AI, quantum technologies, and advanced predictive maintenance techniques. This interdisciplinary approach aims to create smart factories in which humans and machines collaborate safely, contributing to the “Twin Transition”, which combines digitalization and sustainability.
The Department aims to move beyond the paradigm of the interconnected factory by developing autonomous and cognitive production systems. In this context, intelligent cobots and humanoid robots support complex activities, improving flexibility, resilience, and productivity. Research focuses on Agentic AI for autonomous planning and on industrial Copilots based on generative AI to assist operators in real time.
A key role is played by the Edge-First Revolution, which brings intelligence directly onto machines, together with low-latency communication technologies, advanced sensing, and human-condition monitoring for adaptive human-machine collaboration.
The complexity of these challenges requires a strong multidisciplinary approach and the consolidation of a critical mass of researchers, strengthening the Department’s role in European networks. Activities are supported by advanced infrastructures such as the Leonardo Robotics Labs, IOT-LAB, Simlab40, and AI-Tech Research Lab, also helping to reduce the industrial digital divide.