ADRForum 2026 | Workshop: Operational Robotics for Quality Control, Inspection, and Assisted Maintenance for Defense

As AI and advanced robotics continue to evolve, their integration into inspection, maintenance and repair is opening new opportunities for more autonomous and resilient operations. At ADRF26 – AI, Data and Robotics Forum, dAIEDGE will contribute to this discussion through our partner AIR Institute, taking part in the workshop “Operational Robotics for Quality Control, Inspection, and Assisted Maintenance for Defense”.

The workshop will take place on 14 October at 16:45 in the Infante Room (Catalyst Marketplace), as part of ADRF26, which will be held on 13–14 October at the Alfândega Congress Centre in Porto, Portugal.

Rather than a traditional presentation, the session will bring together experts from different fields to discuss how Artificial Intelligence, advanced robotics, automated inspection, XR teleoperation and predictive maintenance can be integrated to address complex operational challenges.

The discussion will be supported by three demonstrators covering different scenarios: a drone inspection system combining 2D/3D inspection and Physical AI for predictive maintenance; a bimanual robotic cell for tactical equipment maintenance; and a mobile heavy field repair architecture combining a heavy-duty robot with an AGV satellite for structural interventions.

The multidisciplinary panel will bring together expertise in AI and machine learning, robotics and automation, computer vision, strategic innovation, technology transfer and R&D, including Mahmoud Abbasi from AIR Institute, alongside experts from AIJU, INESCOP, AITIIP and VICOMTECH. The session will be moderated by Ignacio Calleja.

Participants will also have the opportunity to bring real-world operational challenges to the discussion, creating an open environment for exploring potential solutions and opportunities for technology transfer across both defence and civil applications.