Εκδηλώσεις

The 89th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF 2025), marking its 100-year anniversary, became a landmark event for innovation and research. HERON in collaboration with the  Robotics Institute of Athena RC showcased a remarkable set of cutting-edge applications in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.

At the Ministry of Development Pavilion (Hall 7), visitors had the opportunity to explore interactive demonstrations, engage with leading researchers, and discover how technology is shaping the future.

Researchers & Demos presented at TIF 2025 (6-14 SEPTEMBER 2025):

• George Moustris: Demonstration of a “Haptic Telesurgical” system with live connection from Thessaloniki to Athens featuring realistic force feedback, highlighting the future of remote medicine.
• Nikos Leventakis: Demonstration of a Lower-Limb “Exoskeleton” system designed to support mobility rehabilitation, displayed on a dummy model.
• George Bolanakis: Presentation of a prototype “Soft Robotics arm” for mushroom harvesting, developed with NTUA’s Automatic Control Lab.
• Panagiotis Filntisis: Presentation of “Robots That See, Learn, and Adapt” focusing on AI-driven perceptual intelligence and emotional interaction in robotics.
• Athanasios Gkesoulis: “Underwater Robotic Vehicle” for automated waste collection and autonomous exploration systems for aerial and ground robots in search-and-rescue missions.

Collaboration & Acknowledgements

This impactful participation was made possible thanks to the coordinated efforts of researchers, academics, and partner organizations.

Special thanks to professors at NTUA (National Technical University of Athens):

• Petros Maragos, Director of HERON and Acting Director of Athena RC Robotics Institute
• Evangelos Papadopoulos, Deputy Director of HERON
• Costas Tzafestas, faculty collaborator with HERON and Athena RC
• Panagiotis Vartholomeos, faculty collaborator with HERON and Athena RC,

and professors George Karras & Charalampos Bechlioulis (adjunct Researchers with Athena RC and HERON),

for leading the Robotics and AI teams and coordinating their efforts, fostering excellence and advancing the impact of Robotics Research in Greece.

HERON remains committed to advancing knowledge and innovation, aspiring to establish the Center of Excellence in Robotics and AI — bridging research with society, education, and sustainable development.