The initiative positions ISR-Lisboa as a key scientific driver of the partnership, contributing expertise in robotics, autonomous systems, brain-computer interfaces, neuroimaging, and neuroengineering. The joint laboratory will focus on four priority domains: neurorehabilitation and digital therapies, embodied AI, social robotics, and biomimetic robotic systems. According to ISR-Lisboa president Pedro Lima, the shared experimental space is expected to “leverage multidisciplinary research” and elevate the impact of work on AI interacting with the physical world.
Beyond research, the collaboration is designed to deepen joint supervision of graduate students, develop collaborative projects, and promote advanced training programs. The agreement also sets a five-year initial horizon and foresees joint applications to national and European funding schemes, signalling an ambition for sustained growth and international competitiveness.
The signing day included an institutional tour of ISR-Lisboa laboratories at Técnico, highlighting research in cognitive, social, and intelligent robotics as well as biomedical engineering. The visit brought together senior leadership from both institutions, underlining the strategic importance of the partnership and ISR-Lisboa’s role at the intersection of neuroscience, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
