The initiative, result of an agreement with CITIC, IAT and CTAER, aims to improve the experiences already existing in this field, by using the latest development in new materials, microelectronics and robotics
CATEC has reached an agreement with three other Andalusian technology centres in order to joint their capabilities for developing a technological research project based on an unmanned solar aircraft. This initiative aims to improve the experiences already existing in this field, by using the latest developments in new materials, microelectronics, robotics, or management process analytical technology, in which these centres have been working, as a preliminary step for the development of possible applications in larger aircraft.
CATEC will develop this project with the Andalusian Centre of Innovation and Information Technology and Communications (CITIC), the Advanced Technology Centre for Renewable Energy (CTAER), and the Andalusian Institute of Technology (IAT) after signing the agreement the last 14th of February within the framework of the Foro Transfiere (European Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation). This is the first, but not the only, project in which these four technology centres will work jointly. Through this collaboration agreement, they seek to exploit the synergies of their different research lines. It includes not only the development of new projects of applied innovation like this, but also the carrying out of surveillance activities and technology transfer, the performing of training activities and workshops, and the information and mutual advice in common fields.
The agreement was signed by Antonio Valverde Ramos (president of FADA-CATEC), by Valeriano Ruíz Hernández (president of CTAER), by José Miguel Sánchez Jiménez (president of CITIC), and by José Luis Calvo Borrego (president of IAT). According to what the people in charge of the technology centres said, the possibilities for joint action are particularly important in industries such as the aerospace or the energy ones, where Europe is facing hard technological and environmental challenges for the coming years.
Therefore, unmanned flights are one of the areas of strategic interest, where there are opportunities of joint work for the companies, but it will be the first area where they begin, by taking the installed capacities and the experience and results achieved in Andalusia. In this sense, CATEC will provide leadership and experience at an international level in the field of UAVs, particularly in the coordination of projects such as ARCAS or EC-SAFEMOBIL, which belong to the Seventh Framework Programme of the EU.
