Leading Robotics & AI Across Three Research Directions | Security Robotics

The HERON Center of Excellence is actively shaping the future of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, focusing on the development and application of advanced technologies across three research directions.

In the technology-focused news program Hi-Tech of Action 24, Prof. George Karras, Senior Researcher at HERON,  provided in-depth insights into Security Robotics.

In his interview, he highlighted the critical role of Security Robotics in securing human safety and preserving vital infrastructure.

Security Robotics focuses mainly on uncrewed Robotic Vehicles (Aerial, ground, and marine robots) used for

• Search and Rescue: Deploying robotic systems to locate and assist individuals in hazardous or inaccessible environments.
• Disaster Response: Providing rapid assessment and intervention capabilities to mitigate the effects of disasters.
• Infrastructure Monitoring: Continuously inspecting and safeguarding vital infrastructure.
• Environmental Measurements: Tracking pollution levels and monitoring environmental conditions.

Critical challenges in this field include:

• Operational Autonomy: Extending mission duration and capacity to support long and demanding operations.
• Perception Algorithms: Optimizing robotic systems to better understand their environment and predict their intentions.
• Collaborative Networks: Developing infrastructures that enable multiple robotic systems to work together.
• Cost Management: Reducing production and maintenance expenses for robotics.

In Greece, such systems are especially valuable for preventing fires and supporting rescue efforts both at sea and on the mountains.

👉 Watch the full interview here  Hi-Tech Episode 5.5.2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPNdkM7dwGo&list=PLFvgelOyziNmYjgUhWm3mj0FRAN4UXdDb&index=6

Across all domains, the continuous evolution of AI – an area in which HERON possesses deep expertise- is essential to increasing robotic autonomy and decision-making capabilities, always with a strong emphasis on safety and reliable human interaction.