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On 15 May 2025, the AIT hosted an exclusive Demo Day at the Large-Scale Robotics Lab (LSRL) in Seibersdorf. Partners from industry, research and other stakeholders were given practical insights into the latest developments in autonomous machines for construction, forestry and logistics. With live demos, specialist presentations and an interactive exhibition, the AIT presented itself as a central innovation hub for outdoor large-scale robotics.
The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology recently opened the doors of its Large-Scale Robotics Lab (LSRL) in Seibersdorf and hosted an exclusive Demo Day. Partners from industry, research and other stakeholders were given a practical insight into the latest developments in autonomous machines for the construction, forestry and logistics sectors. As part of the varied programme with live demonstrations, specialist presentations and an interactive technology exhibition, AIT showcased state-of-the-art technologies and positioned itself as a central innovation hub for large-scale outdoor robotics.
"By pooling our expertise in the fields of image processing and artificial intelligence, optimised motion planning and control technology as well as cognitive decision-making systems, we are able to automate complex work processes in unstructured environments. This enables us to create the basis for further developing modern assistance systems, autonomous work machines and large-scale manipulators specifically for use in outdoor areas. The Large-Scale Robotics Lab serves as a realistic test environment," says Andreas Kugi, Scientific Director of the AIT.
Autonomous machines put to the test
The focus was on two fully automated systems: a timber loading crane mounted on a lorry and an autonomous forklift truck for outdoor use in logistics. Both machines mastered their complex tasks - such as loading tree trunks or transporting pallets, including loading and unloading onto a lorry - completely independently, safely and reliably - even though the weather conditions posed a particular challenge: Heavy rain and changing light conditions pushed the sensors and control technology to the limit. Thanks to intelligent sensor fusion, AI-supported algorithms and robust control systems, the machines mastered their tasks impressively and proved their operational capability even in difficult environmental conditions. During the live demonstration, AIT experts explained how neural networks and precise environmental perception contribute to reliable object recognition, navigation and manipulation - for example, when recognising the position of pallets or gripping irregular objects such as tree trunks.
Knowledge transfer and dialogue at eye level
In addition to the practical demonstrations, the Demo Day offered a varied supporting programme. In keynote speeches, lead partners PALFINGER and AGILOX provided insights into current trends - from smart lifting technology to mobile robotics for intralogistics. An accompanying technology exhibition presented ongoing AIT research projects and standardisation initiatives in cooperation with industry partners.
"The cooperation with the AIT helps us to better understand the key technologies of autonomous lifting solutions and to utilise them specifically for our applications. This will enable us to make our customers' work easier, more efficient and safer in the future," emphasises Sebastian Wimmer, ACES Program Leader at PALFINGER.
"The results from several years of collaboration with AIT have contributed greatly to AGILOX continuing to be recognised as one of the technology leaders and trendsetters in the field of autonomous mobile robots in intralogistics. Technologies such as digital twins and AI for environment perception or task planning will also have a significant influence on our future products," explains Wolfgang Pointner, AGILOX Team Lead Future Technologies
Central innovation hub for autonomous outdoor robotics
The combination of specialist presentations, live demonstrations and the interactive exhibition format created ideal conditions for professional dialogue and the initiation of new collaborations. Manufacturers, developers and suppliers took the opportunity to identify new innovation potential together with AIT and take a look into the future of autonomous working machines. AIT is thus consolidating its position as a leading technology partner for automated work machines and large-scale robotics in Europe.
More about the
Large-Scale Robotics Lab: www.ait.ac.at/lsrl