The RomeCup showcases the best artificial intelligence projects for well-being and care, designed by students from all over Italy
From 3D prostheses to smart exoskeletons, from robots for hostile environments to mobile voice assistants: HealthBot students are designing a future for healthcare in which technology and the human factor go hand in hand. Today, Thursday 8 May, saw the final stage of the HealthBot creative contest, promoted by the Fondazione Mondo Digitale ETS and Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine Italia, as part of the Fattore J project and within the framework of RomeCup 2025.
The educational contest is dedicated to the design of artificial intelligence solutions for health and involved schools from different Italian regions. Students worked on innovative prototypes, exploring the potential of AI and robotics to improve quality of life and support people's well-being.
Winning projects
1st place
AI Care4You by IIS Don Milani da Vinci, Bari
An advanced AI designed to support people with dementia and their caregivers. The system integrates machine learning, NLP and IoT devices to provide smart reminders, stimulate cognitive abilities and generate reports for doctors and family members. The interface is available in voice or mobile versions, with an intuitive dashboard.
2nd place
PachTech from the Maria Immacolata Institute, Gorgonzola (Milan)
The project has developed an experimental mechanical prosthesis, the Mk1 arm, 3D printed and equipped with electromyographic sensors, servomotors, a gyroscope and an Arduino microprocessor. Its functions include mirroring a functioning limb. It is a prototype with significant potential for clinical development.
3rd place
Robot Ranger 2025 by IIS Fermi, Bibbiena (Arezzo)
Exploration robot designed to operate in hostile or contaminated environments. Equipped with drive wheels, a camera, headlights, UV-C lamps and a disinfectant tank, it is capable of supporting first aid operations autonomously or remotely. It can be navigated by radio control or an autonomous ultrasound system.
A contest that educates about civil innovation
The HealthBot contest was presented on 8 May at RomeCup 2025 at Roma Tre University. Participating schools attended training sessions on emerging technologies and design methods, working on prototypes and presenting their solutions through an elevator pitch evaluated by a jury of experts according to criteria of originality, social impact, collaboration and clarity of presentation.
‘HealthBot represents a new form of civic education: a training ground for active citizenship, where technological innovation meets humanity. Young people are demonstrating that they can imagine a future in which health is a common good to be protected with intelligence, care and responsibility,’ explains Director General Mirta Michilli.
This brings to a close an extraordinary edition of HealthBot, which has once again shown how young people can be protagonists of people-centred innovation. Special thanks go to the students, teachers, jury, partners and everyone who followed the journey.
