The University of Malta’s is spearheading a new research project titled 'Advancing Smart Manufacturing Process Innovation Research for Malta’s Economic Growth: A Case Study on Safe and Collaborative Robotics (ASPIRE).' The project, in the field of Smart Manufacturing, was announced by Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, the Hon. Keith Azzopardi Tanti, at a press conference held at Seifert Systems Ltd. on the 18th of February 2025.
ASPIRE aims to assess the combined impact of collaborative robotics (Cobots)—particularly human-centric and safe robotic environments—and smart manufacturing on Malta’s economy and labor market, an area that remains underexplored. The project will investigate how technologies such as Cobots, AI, and augmented reality are shaping Malta’s manufacturing landscape, with a focus on identifying strategies for leveraging these innovations. To demonstrate this impact, the project will develop a safe, human-centric collaborative robot application, enhancing workplace efficiency and safety while promoting seamless human-robot interaction.
Led by and , the project emphasises the role of academic research in fostering technological innovation and industrial transformation. Conducted in collaboration with the private sector, specifically ., it reflects the growing synergy between academia and industry in Malta’s economic development. By bridging academic expertise with industrial applications, the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering is positioning Malta as a hub for manufacturing research.
