European companies are developing world-leading solutions based on artificial intelligence, data, and robotics for inspection and maintenance of critical infrastructure. However, bringing these technologies from prototype to market can be challenging due to fragmented access to testing and validation facilities across Europe.
The OPTIMI project addresses this challenge by helping technology developers, infrastructure owners and technology infrastructure providers work together more effectively. The project aims to improve visibility, accessibility and coordination of technology infrastructures that support the testing, validation, and deployment of innovative inspection and maintenance solutions.
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Why OPTIMI matters
Europe faces a growing need to maintain critical infrastructure in the energy, transport, and water sectors. At the same time, innovative digital technologies such as AI, data analytics, and robotics have the potential to make inspection and maintenance safer, more efficient and more cost-effective.
Many small and medium-sized enterprises struggle to identify suitable facilities where their solutions can be tested, validated, and demonstrated. Limited visibility of available services, inconsistent access conditions, and a lack of coordination between facilities can slow down innovation and market adoption.
OPTIMI will help overcome these barriers by creating a stronger European ecosystem for technology infrastructures relevant to inspection and maintenance.
What the project will deliver
OPTIMI will:
- Map and analyse technology infrastructures across Europe that support inspection and maintenance solutions.
- Identify user needs and barriers faced by technology developers, infrastructure owners, and technology infrastructure providers.
- Develop recommendations for improved services and business models.
- Create a strategic roadmap for future investments and coordination of technology infrastructures.
- Establish a European coordination network for technology infrastructures in inspection and maintenance.
- Launch a public online catalogue that makes it easier to identify relevant testing, validation and demonstration facilities across Europe.
A cross-sector approach
The project addresses a range of sectors, but focuses on three sectors with major inspection and maintenance needs:
- Energy
- Transport
- Water
Although these sectors operate different types of infrastructure, they often face similar challenges and can benefit from the same AI, data, and robotics technologies. By encouraging cross-sector collaboration, OPTIMI aims to accelerate innovation and avoid unnecessary duplication of investments.
SINTEF's role
SINTEF coordinates the project, lead tasks on understanding stakeholder perspectives, and establishing a project stakeholder group. SINTEF is also responsible for a range of activities including organizing stakeholder workshops and establishing a methodology for evaluating technology infrastructure services. The project builds on SINTEF's extensive experience and network in robotics and artificial intelligence-based inspection and maintenance technologies for critical infrastructure.
What is technology infrastructure?
The European Commission defines technology infrastructure as:
«Facilities, equipment, capabilities and resources required to develop, test, upscale and validate technology. They include, amongst others, test beds, pilot lines, pilot plants and demonstration facilities, cleanrooms, and living labs. Their primary purpose is to enable and accelerate technological innovations towards societal/market adoption, boosting industrial competitiveness.»