The Horizon Europe Project DIRECT has Launched

18 September 2026

On September 14, 2026, the kick-off meeting for the AI Department’s new scientific project, “DIRECT: Distributed Intelligence for Resilient Robot Collaboration in Extreme Conditions”, was held. The project runs from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2030 (GA No. 101299316) and is funded by the Horizon Europe programme (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions).

The project aims to expand the role of robots in emergency response operations by developing a system that combines deep learning, embodied AI, and 6G technologies. The creation of resilient intelligent multi-robot systems will provide emergency response services with powerful tools to accelerate search-and-rescue operations, protect civilian lives, and optimize the use of scarce resources in extreme conditions. Unfortunately, for Ukraine, and Kharkiv in particular, such research is extremely relevant and timely.

The consortium’s and the Department of AI’s immediate tasks include preparing the consortium agreement and planning joint activities during cross-sectoral visits by the project partners.

The results of the DIRECT project will contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Goal 4 – Quality Education, Goal 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, Goal 11 – Sustainable cities and communities, Goal 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.