CLERMONT AUVERGNE INP

Their core work

Clermont Auvergne INP is a French engineering graduate school (part of Université Clermont Auvergne) with strong applied research in polymer science, robotics, and manufacturing. Their labs work on bio-based and biodegradable polymers, developing enzyme-triggered recycling solutions for multilayer plastic packaging. They also bring expertise in intelligent robotics — including AI-driven perception, dexterous gripping, and human-robot collaboration for industrial manufacturing. Their research sits at the intersection of materials engineering and smart production, making them a practical partner for projects that need both material innovation and automation know-how.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Their early H2020 work (2016–2019) centred on construction robotics and aerospace drilling, suggesting a broad engineering base without a sharp thematic focus. From 2019 onward, two clear pillars emerged: bio-based polymer recycling (TERMINUS, SEALIVE) and AI-driven robotic manufacturing (SOFTMANBOT, ACROBA). The recent addition of GREYDIENT signals a growing interest in reliability modelling and AI safety — potentially bridging their robotics and materials work with data-driven methods.

They are converging toward intelligent manufacturing systems that combine material science with AI-driven automation, positioning them well for Industry 5.0 calls.

How they like to work

Clermont Auvergne INP mostly joins consortia as a specialist partner (5 of 7 projects), but has demonstrated coordinator capability in two ambitious projects (TERMINUS and SOFTMANBOT), both with substantial budgets. With 93 unique partners across 24 countries, they build broad European networks rather than relying on a small circle of repeat collaborators. This makes them a flexible partner — capable of leading when the topic fits their core strengths, and comfortable contributing deep technical expertise in larger teams.

They have collaborated with 93 distinct partners across 24 countries, indicating a well-connected European network with no narrow geographic bias. Their partnerships span Western and Eastern Europe, with connections into China through the ECSASDPE drilling project.

What sets them apart

What sets Clermont Auvergne INP apart is the rare combination of polymer/materials science and intelligent robotics under one roof. Most partners in bio-plastics projects lack robotics capability, and most robotics labs lack deep materials expertise. This dual competence makes them especially valuable for projects where automated handling of novel materials is needed — a growing niche as manufacturing shifts toward bio-based and recyclable materials that behave differently from conventional plastics.

Highlights from their portfolio

• SOFTMANBOT
  Their largest project (EUR 1.06M) and a coordinator role — tackling the difficult problem of robotic manipulation of soft, deformable materials using AI vision and smart grippers.
• TERMINUS
  Coordinated an innovative approach to multilayer plastic recycling using built-in enzymes that activate at end-of-life — a creative solution to one of plastics recycling's hardest problems.
• SEALIVE
  Part of a large consortium addressing bio-based plastics pollution in both marine and land environments, connecting polymer science to circular economy policy.