PROJECT TYPE:

Institutional Research Project

PROJECT DURATION:

31.10.2025. – 31.10.2029.

PROJECT LEADER AND TEAM MEMBERS:

Principal Investigator:

• izv. prof. dr. sc. Darko Etinger

Collaborators

Faculty of Informatics Juraj Dobrila University of Pula:

• doc. dr. sc. Siniša Miličić
• doc. dr. sc. Ivan Lorencin
• doc. dr. sc. Sandi Baressi Šegota
• doc. dr. sc. Nikola Tanković
• pred. Gordan Krčelić, dipl. ing.
• dr. sc. Romeo Šajina
• asist. Luka Blašković, mag. Inf.

Faculty of Engineering – University of Rijeka

• doc. dr. sc. Nikola Anđelić

SHORT PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The META-KOLA-BOT project focuses on the development and application of advanced metaheuristic optimization algorithms in the field of collaborative robotics. Its main objective is to enhance the efficiency, adaptability, and safety of collaborative robotic manipulators through three core aspects: reducing energy consumption, shortening operation times, and enabling real-time fault detection. The project will establish an experimental setup consisting of a collaborative robot, measurement instruments, and computational infrastructure for data acquisition and analysis. Based on the collected data, accurate mathematical models and digital twins will be developed to support the optimization of robot motion and operation parameters using genetic, swarm, and memetic algorithms. These algorithms will also be evaluated on traditional industrial manipulators to verify their scalability and applicability across domains. Expected outcomes include high-impact scientific publications, development of software and algorithmic frameworks, and potential patentable innovations. The project will significantly contribute to the research infrastructure of Juraj Dobrila University of Pula and strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, enabling practical technology transfer and promoting sustainable and energy-efficient robotic automation.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

The main objective of the project is to develop and validate metaheuristic optimization algorithms designed to enhance the performance of collaborative robotic systems. The research aims to achieve three interrelated goals: improving energy efficiency, reducing operation time, and enhancing fault detection capabilities. These improvements will lead to higher reliability, safety, and productivity while minimizing energy consumption and operational costs. Specific objectives include creating digital twins and mathematical models describing the kinematic and dynamic behavior of manipulators, integrating these models into simulation environments, and applying optimization algorithms such as genetic, swarm, and memetic approaches. The project also involves establishing an experimental setup, performing real-world data collection, and benchmarking algorithm performance. Expected results comprise the implementation of optimized algorithms in robotic systems, publication of scientific papers, filing of a potential patent, and establishment of a long-term research infrastructure. In the long run, the project will strengthen research excellence in collaborative robotics and artificial intelligence, enhance the University’s capacity for applied research, and foster innovation and knowledge transfer between academia and industry.

PROJECT HOLDER: Juraj Dobrila University of Pula