International projects

The project is co-financed by Swiss Financial Aid supporting the reduction of economic and social differences in the EU and from the state budget through the National Center for Research and Development.

Project Title: Robotic Automated Sustainable Coating System.

Project acronym: RASCOS

Role in the project: Leader

Competition: 2nd Swiss Polish Cooperation Program CALL 2025

Source of financing: Swiss Funds and NCBR (https://www.programszwajcarski.gov.pl)

Total project budget: PLN 4,481,621.42

Value of funding: PLN 3,876,136.12

Co-financing by Łukasiewicz – IMPIB: PLN 1,454,195.00

Implementation period: 01/01/2026 – 31/12/2028

Date of signing the co-financing agreement: March 5, 2026.

Project description:

The project aims to develop an innovative, sustainable coating system for hyperloop infrastructure, using advanced robotics for precise application, inspection and autonomous maintenance. The consortium combines competences in materials science, robotics and transportation engineering, using an iterative development and testing approach, ensuring adaptability and optimal system performance. The key goal is to develop a bio-based polymer coating with high air and water tightness, chemical resistance and durability in both atmospheric and vacuum conditions.

The Automated Modular Multi-Purpose Maintenance Vehicle (AMMMV) will perform precision surface inspections, defect detection and autonomous coating repairs, using advanced odometry and energy optimization to increase efficiency and reduce human exposure to hazardous work environments. System validation includes experimental setups reflecting operational conditions, including vacuum chambers and advanced material characterization techniques. In the final stage, the system will be tested on the EuroTube DemoTube hyperloop track, in accordance with rigorously defined performance indicators (KPIs).

An important element of the project is the development of competences – providing young researchers and PhD students with interdisciplinary training at the intersection of robotics, coating technology and transport infrastructure. This is intended to support the transfer of knowledge, building scientific independence and preparing highly qualified research staff.

Apart from the hyperloop sector, the innovations developed in the project can be used in railways, road infrastructure, industrial pipelines and the aviation sector. The developed coatings and robotic systems have the potential to reduce maintenance costs, extend the life cycle of infrastructure and reduce environmental impact through the use of bio-based materials and process automation. The project aims to set new standards for sustainable, efficient and safe infrastructure maintenance, while developing scientific knowledge and industrial practice in the field of next-generation transport. The project is carried out in cooperation with SPE Labs and EuroTube.

More information on the project website: www.rascos.eu