VeriDream, as a one of the EIC Transition to Innovation Activities project, extends the outcomes of two projects previously supported under the Horizon 2020 Framework: DREAM (Deferred Restructuring of Experience in Autonomous Machines) and RobDream (Optimising Robot Performance while Dreaming).

The machine learning approaches developed in these projects enables self-learning in robots, which improves their efficiency, thus increasing the profitability of individual hardware platforms. By applying the requirements and constraints of the industry to select the most suitable methods, VeriDream could quickly improve their robustness by agile development on concrete use-cases and apply them in innovative SMEs.

Freek Stulp, coordinator of the VeriDream project says:

"Research and industry have different expectations and requirements when it comes to AI methods. In VeriDream, we aim at bridging this gap. Our experiences in bringing results from fundamental research projects to concrete industrial use cases should benefit all European SMEs."

VeriDream’s focus on robotics is important, especially in the context of European research and development market. The VeriDream team adds:

“Whereas the EU may not be considered a world leader in AI (yet), it most certainly is in robotics. Therefore, it is of strategic importance for the EU to build on its strengths in advanced robots to push artificial intelligence as a source of innovation for physical and autonomous systems. This embodied AI is the main focus of VeriDream.”

The 2-years project runs since October 2020. The coordinating institution is German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt). Other participants came from France (Sorbonne University, Association pour la Recherche et le Développement des Méthodes et Processus Industriels ARMINES), Germany (Magazino), Italy (Synesis) and Czechia (GOODAI).

Background information

FET-Open and FET Proactive are now part of the Enhanced European Innovation Council (EIC) Pilot (specifically the Pathfinder), the new home for deep-tech research and innovation in Horizon 2020, the EU funding programme for research and innovation.