The Italian Institute of Technology at RomeCup 2026
Technologies that help children with visual impairments navigate their surroundings, digital platforms for the inclusion of deaf students, and robots designed to monitor bridges and infrastructure. At the demonstration area of the RomeCup 2026, taking place in Rome from 28 to 30 April, the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) is presenting a series of prototypes and research projects that demonstrate how robotics and digital technologies can help improve people’s quality of life and the safety of infrastructure.
RomeCup, the multi-event promoted by the Fondazione Mondo Digitale ETS and titled this year “What’s next? Intelligence and talent in dialogue”, explores the future of education, research and business through dialogue between the humanities and computational sciences, with a focus on augmented languages.
In the event’s demonstration area, research centres, universities and start-ups are showcasing prototypes and solutions that highlight some of the most advanced frontiers of technological innovation.
A significant part of IIT’s presence is dedicated to technologies for inclusion and child rehabilitation. Among the projects presented is InSegno, a web-based educational support platform designed for deaf students, intended for use both individually and within classroom activities. The tool facilitates access to educational content and supports new inclusive learning methods.
Also in the field of accessibility technologies, IIT presents ABBI, iReach and SoBu, three solutions aimed at children with visual impairments. The ABBI and iReach devices use the principle of sonification, transforming movements and distances into sound signals that help children develop spatial orientation and motor coordination. SoBu, on the other hand, is an app based on audio-motor games that promotes inclusion and rehabilitation through play and interaction.
Alongside projects dedicated to inclusion, IIT is also presenting advanced robotics solutions for infrastructure monitoring and maintenance. In this context, a 3D model of the inspection system developed for the San Giorgio Bridge in Genoa is on display, integrating two specialised robots: Robot-Wash, designed for cleaning structural surfaces, and Robot-Inspection, dedicated to monitoring and identifying any defects or anomalies.
Along the same lines is RIAP, a multi-robotic system for the autonomous inspection of pressurised equipment, designed to increase efficiency and safety in the monitoring of complex industrial plants.
IIT’s research also explores the potential of robotics in the cultural sector. With the CTE project, the institute presents a robotic cell designed to automate operations in museum storerooms, capable of handling and scanning archaeological artefacts. A solution that opens up new prospects for the management and conservation of cultural heritage.
Among the projects on display at RomeCup is also Omnia, the lower limb prosthetic system developed by the Rehab Technologies laboratory, born from the collaboration between IIT and INAIL. The device integrates the Unico motorised knee and the Armonico ankle, which communicate with each other via sensors to regulate movement in real time and ensure a more natural and stable gait.
Through these prototypes, the IIT’s participation in RomeCup offers a glimpse into how robotics, artificial intelligence and digital technologies can be applied in a wide range of fields, from inclusion to infrastructure safety and the protection of cultural heritage, helping to build innovative solutions for the benefit of society.
