From robotics for environmental monitoring to smart surfaces
Robotic technologies for studying the effects of climate change and 3D surfaces capable of sensing touch with millimetre precision. At the demonstration area of the RomeCup 2026, taking place in Rome from 28 to 30 April, the National Research Council (CNR) is presenting prototypes and research solutions that demonstrate how innovation can be applied in a wide variety of contexts, from the natural environment to human-machine interaction.
RomeCup, the multi-event promoted by the Fondazione Mondo Digitale ETS and titled this year “What’s next? Intelligence and talent in dialogue”, explores the future of education, research and business through dialogue between the humanities and computational sciences, with a focus on augmented languages. In the demonstration area, research centres and universities showcase technologies and prototypes to highlight the value of applied research.
Among these, the CNR is participating with projects developed across various institutes, offering a glimpse into some of the most cutting-edge frontiers of scientific research.
One of the prototypes on display is MARMOT, developed by the Institute of Marine Engineering (INM-CNR). It is a modular robotic platform designed for the exploration and monitoring of Alpine glacial lakes. The system is designed to operate in challenging and sensitive environments, thanks to a compact and transportable structure that allows researchers to reach even remote areas.
MARMOT incorporates sensors for measuring water depth and quality, providing useful data for studying the effects of climate change with minimal impact on the environment. The project is being developed as part of the PRIN 2022 programme and is funded by the PNRR (NextGenerationEU).
Alongside environmental monitoring, the CNR is also presenting advanced solutions in the field of human-machine interaction. The Institute of Information Science and Technology (ISTI-CNR) is bringing a system to RomeCup that enables capacitive sensing to be extended to complex 3D surfaces.
The technology uses an algorithm that optimally distributes a network of electrodes across three-dimensional objects, making it possible to transform 3D-printed surfaces into interactive interfaces. The prototypes on display demonstrate a multi-touch sensing system with a spatial accuracy of approximately 1 millimetre, opening up new possibilities for industrial design, collaborative robotics and smart devices.
